40 Years of Fitness: Where We've Been and Where We're Going | Live from Peloton HQ

Four decades of fitness industry evolution. From iconic equipment brands and strength training to digital fitness, Peloton and the rise of wellness – where has the industry been, and where is it heading next? In this special episode of LIFTS – Latest Industry Fitness Trends & Stories, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are live from Peloton HQ in Hudson Yards, New York, joined by John Murray and John Marcotte of Advantage Sport & Fitness. Founded in 1985, Advantage has spent more than 40 years navigating the changing fitness landscape. John and John reflect on the evolution of commercial fitness equipment, the rise and fall of major manufacturers, and why specialist brands are making a comeback. The conversation also explores how Peloton and digital coaching are transforming the fitness experience, why operators should embrace technology to improve member engagement, and how the growing demand for wellness and recovery is creating new opportunities. John Murray also shares the leadership lessons he learned as a wrestling coach, explaining why building the right team and culture has been fundamental to Advantage's long-term success. Key topics include: 40 years of fitness industry innovation and changing consumer demands The return of specialist fitness equipment brands Peloton, digital coaching and member retention Leadership, recruitment and building successful teams The growth of wellness, recovery and new fitness experiences The future of fitness equipment distribution What will shape the next decade of fitness? Listen now for insights from two industry veterans who have witnessed the industry's transformation first-hand. CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS John Marcotte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-marcotte-59634ba/ John Murray | Advantage Sport & Fitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advantage-sport-&-fitness/people/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advantagesportandfitness/ Peloton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepeloton/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peloton-interactive- FOLLOW LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Newsletter: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Live from Peloton HQ 00:58 – 40 Years of Fitness: How It All Began 04:12 – The Evolution of Fitness Equipment & Brands 07:47 – Changing Consumer Trends & Digital Fitness 10:15 – Peloton, Digital Coaching & Member Retention 12:38 – Building Winning Teams & Business Culture 16:52 – The Future of Fitness Equipment Distribution 20:18 – The Rise of Wellness & Recovery 23:04 – The Power of Peloton's Instructors  

Is the fitness industry overlooking one of its biggest opportunities — women? For decades, much of the fitness and wellness industry has been shaped by male-led businesses, product development and research. But as women's health, strength training, longevity and wearable technology gain momentum, is the industry doing enough to understand what women actually need? In this episode of LIFTS – Latest Industry Fitness Trends & Stories, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Suzaan Sauerman, a consumer behaviour and women's health advocate, to explore the gap between what women need and what the health and wellness industry currently delivers. Suzaan argues that women's health doesn't just have a funding problem it has a commercial visibility problem. From products that fail to reach consumers to gym environments that overlook opportunities for education, support and personalised experiences, she challenges fitness operators and brands to rethink their approach. The conversation also explores the growing role of wearable technology, including Oura, WHOOP, Apple Watch and continuous glucose monitors. Suzaan explains why she believes every woman should have a wearable, while questioning whether the industry is doing enough to turn the vast amount of health data being collected into meaningful, actionable guidance. In this episode, we explore: Why women's health remains a significant untapped commercial opportunity. How male-led product development has influenced the fitness and wellness industry. Why gyms could do more to support women through strength training, recovery, menopause and hormone health. The importance of education, accessibility and consumer-focused communication. Why Suzaan believes wearable technology could help close gaps in women's health data. The limitations of readiness scores and the need for more personalised health insights. How greater female representation could influence the next generation of fitness products and services. Are fitness businesses genuinely designing around women's needs, or simply adapting products and services that were never built with women in mind? A thought-provoking conversation about the future of women's health, wearable technology and the commercial opportunities for fitness operators willing to rethink how they serve their members. Connect with Suzaan Sauerman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzaan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzaansauerman/ Episode Sponsors EGYM – Connected fitness technology and smart strength training solutions helping operators deliver personalised, data-driven exercise experiences. https://egym.com/ Fitness On Demand – Digital fitness and wellness solutions helping operators engage members and expand their services. https://www.fitnessondemand247.com/ Follow LIFTS Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Interested in sponsoring LIFTS? Contact Wendy de Knoop at [email protected] Chapters  00:00 – Introduction: Is Fitness Getting Women's Health Wrong? 03:30 – Women's Health Has a Commercial Visibility Problem 09:48 – Why Gyms Need to Rethink How They Serve Women 16:21 – Women's Health, Education & the Gym Opportunity 23:41 – Should Every Woman Have a Wearable? 25:25 – Sponsor: EGYM 29:31 – Wearable Data: What's the "So What"?

Is the fitness industry still telling consumers what they want — or are consumers increasingly telling the industry what it needs to deliver? In this episode of LIFTS, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal unpack some of the biggest stories shaping health, fitness and wellness. They discuss the questions being raised around wearable accuracy, how WeightWatchers has responded to the rise of GLP-1s, and why consumers using GLP-1s could represent an important opportunity for the fitness industry. They also look at the changing gym floor as value operators move towards more premium experiences and consumers become increasingly knowledgeable about specific equipment brands, training modalities and recovery. With new equipment companies building audiences through social media and digital-first strategies, Matthew and Mo ask whether some of the industry's established brands risk losing relevance with a new generation of consumers. Plus, they discuss new strength research suggesting consistency beats complexity, and why creating sustainable exercise habits could be more important than increasingly complicated programming. Are the biggest fitness brands still shaping the consumer — or is the consumer now shaping them? Chapters 00:00 Are Consumers Taking Control of Fitness? 00:44 The Biggest Stories Shaping the Fitness Industry 01:08 Can You Trust Your Wearable? 06:50 WeightWatchers, GLP-1s & the Fitness Opportunity 12:25 Why Value Gyms Are Going Premium 15:47 Is the Consumer Now Driving the Gym Floor? 19:23 Sponsor – Fitness On Demand 19:50 Are Single-Brand Gym Floors Becoming Outdated? 27:54 What's Happening With FitLab? 30:39 Why Consistency Beats Complexity in Strength Training 36:15 What Does the Future of Fitness Look Like? Sponsored by Fitness On Demand and EGYM Fitness On Demand: https://www.fitnessondemand247.com/ EGYM: https://egym.com/ 📩 Subscribe to the LIFTS Newsletter: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/escape-your-limits-lifts/id1321349827  

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are recorded live at the Life Fitness and Hammer Strength YMCA Innovation Summit, where they're joined by four YMCA leaders: Boyd Williams, Hodge Patterson, Crystal Trawick and Ernest Kaehler. The YMCA has been around for more than 180 years, yet it continues to operate in a fitness industry transformed by new technology, changing consumer expectations, boutique concepts, strength training, recovery and an increasingly sophisticated member. So how has it stayed relevant? Boyd Williams, CEO of YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, explains why community remains the organisation's north star. While equipment, facilities and technology are important, he believes they are ultimately a conduit for building relationships, creating healthier lifestyles and making a lasting impact on people's lives. Hodge Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Santa Monica Family YMCA, discusses why the YMCA has always been about much more than "gym and swim". From fitness and wellness to social responsibility and community programmes, he shares how the Y has become part of the social infrastructure of Santa Monica and why that role became particularly clear during the Palisades fire when members simply said, "Meet you at the Y." The conversation also looks at the business fundamentals required to sustain that mission. Hodge discusses the importance of creating value rather than relying on discounting, while Crystal Trawick, Vice President of Healthy Living at YMCA of Greater Charlotte, explains why "there is no mission if there's no margin." Crystal also shares how different YMCA locations are adapting to the specific needs of the communities they serve. That can mean recovery and Pilates reformer in one location and digital literacy programmes for older adults in another. She explains why innovation doesn't always need to be flashy or expensive and how AI can help remove administrative tasks, giving teams more time to focus on the member experience. Finally, Ernest Kaehler, Senior Operations Director at St. Paul Midway YMCA, discusses how younger generations are changing expectations of the gym floor. While boomers have traditionally been an important YMCA demographic, Gen Z members are increasingly looking for plate-loaded strength equipment, different layouts and a different training experience. Across four very different YMCA communities, one message remains consistent: staying relevant isn't about chasing every new fitness trend. It's about understanding your community, building relationships and continuing to evolve without losing sight of your purpose. In this episode, we cover: How the YMCA has remained relevant for generations Why community remains its north star Why relationships can transcend fitness trends How technology and AI can support rather than replace human connection Why every YMCA needs to reflect the community it serves How the YMCA is moving beyond the traditional perception of "gym and swim" Why creating value can be more powerful than discounting The importance of balancing mission with commercial sustainability How recovery, Pilates, HYROX and holistic health are changing member expectations Why Gen Z is changing the gym floor How social media is influencing younger members' training expectations What the wider fitness industry can learn from the YMCA's longevity Recorded at the Life Fitness & Hammer Strength YMCA Innovation Summit. Life Fitness: https://www.linkedin.com/company/life-fitness/ https://www.instagram.com/lifefitnessofficial/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Timestamps 0:00 What Can Fitness Learn From the YMCA? 2:09 Why It's Not Just About the Equipment 3:42 Community as the YMCA's North Star 5:23 Staying Relevant as Communities Change 9:35 More Than Gym & Swim 15:04 "Meet You at the Y" – The Power of Community 20:30 Create Value, Don't Discount It 22:03 Why One Size Doesn't Fit Every Community 25:07 Innovation, AI & the Member Experience 28:11 "There Is No Mission If There's No Margin" 29:54 Beyond Gym & Swim: The Future of YMCA Fitness 32:27 How the Next Generation Is Changing the Gym Floor 38:38 Social Media, Influencers & Building Trust

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal visit Life Fitness and Hammer Strength HQ in Chicago, where they're joined by Andrew Mahadevan and Dan Wille from Life Fitness to explore how a more informed and increasingly demanding fitness consumer is shaping the future of the industry. Today's gym members know more than ever before. Social media, podcasts, athletes and creators have transformed how people learn about training, discover equipment and decide what they want from their gym. Members can now walk into a facility knowing the exact machine they want to use, the movement they want to perform and even the muscle they want to target. Andrew and Dan discuss how this shift is influencing equipment design and product development, including the resurgence of classic strength movements and equipment, the growth of highly specific training trends and the challenge of deciding which trends have genuine staying power. They also explore the impact of social media on fitness education. While it has created greater awareness and helped bring more people into fitness, it has also created a challenge for operators and manufacturers as consumers increasingly learn how they want to train from online content regardless of whether the information they're receiving is accurate. The conversation moves on to the balance between building best-in-class individual products and creating a connected ecosystem. With equipment often representing a five-to-seven-year relationship, Life Fitness believes both the individual product and the wider experience around it matter. AI is also changing how the business operates. Andrew and Dan explain how Life Fitness is using AI to enable its teams, improve collaboration, make faster decisions and potentially shorten product development cycles. Looking ahead, consumer expectations are only likely to increase. Fitness and wellness are expanding beyond the traditional gym into multifamily housing, hospitality and other environments, creating opportunities for brands that can deliver a clear and relevant experience wherever the consumer wants to train. As Dan explains, "People aren't buying workouts… they're buying a lifestyle." In this episode, we cover: How increasingly knowledgeable members are influencing equipment design Why classic strength equipment and movements are making a comeback The positive and negative impact of social media on fitness education How Life Fitness identifies which fitness trends are worth investing in Why fitness brands can't be everything to everybody The balance between best-in-class products and connected ecosystems Who really owns the member experience How data could create more personalised fitness experiences How AI is changing the way Life Fitness works Why consumer expectations will continue to rise The growth of fitness across multifamily, hospitality and other environments Why people are increasingly buying a lifestyle, not simply a workout Find out more about Life Fitness: https://www.lifefitness.com/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Timestamps 0:00 People Aren't Buying Workouts Anymore 0:59 Inside Life Fitness & Hammer Strength HQ 2:24 The Fitness Consumer Has Changed 6:23 Old-School Strength Meets New Technology 12:15 Which Fitness Trends Are Worth Betting On? 18:52 Equipment vs Ecosystem: What Does the Future Look Like? 24:46 Who Owns the Member Experience? 30:23 Connected Fitness, Data & Building Better Habits 34:07 How AI Is Changing Life Fitness 38:09 What Will Fitness Look Like in Five Years?

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Tony Small, co-founder of Replify, Richard Earney, National Wellness Director at Midtown Athletic, and Mason Levey, co-founder of Y7 Studio, for a special round table recorded live at an exclusive VIP dinner in Chicago, brought together in partnership with ABC Fitness. The fitness consumer is changing. From AI and GLP-1s to wellness, longevity, social media and shifting demographics, the expectations people have of fitness businesses are evolving quickly. The panel explores how younger generations are engaging with fitness differently and whether gyms, studios and health clubs are becoming important spaces for real-world connection. With ABC Fitness data showing Gen Z and Millennials joining and using fitness facilities at higher rates, what does the next generation of members actually want from the industry? They also discuss the growing convergence of fitness, health and wellness, including the impact of GLP-1s and whether fitness businesses should broaden the services they offer or remain focused on their core areas of expertise. The conversation then turns to AI and how technology could help operators deliver more personalised experiences. Rather than using technology primarily to acquire new members, could AI help businesses understand individuals better, communicate with them at the right time and ultimately help create stronger fitness habits? Ultimately, as consumers become more informed, more connected and more demanding, the question is whether the fitness industry can evolve quickly enough to keep pace. In this episode, we cover: How the fitness consumer is changing Why younger generations are engaging with fitness differently Whether fitness is becoming a new kind of social space GLP-1s and the convergence of fitness, health and wellness Whether fitness businesses should expand beyond their core offering Why how exercise makes people feel could become more important How AI could transform the member experience The move from mass communication towards personalisation How technology could help operators build stronger fitness habits Why human connection remains critical as technology evolves Find out more about ABC Fitness - https://abcfitness.com  Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness  Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter  Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod  https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast Timestamps 0:00 The Member Has Changed. Has the Fitness Industry? 3:48 Is Fitness Becoming the New Third Space? 10:32 GLP-1s, Wellness & the New Health Consumer 16:19 How AI Is Changing the Fitness Industry 24:28 Does Fitness Need to Rebrand Itself? 29:27 Can AI Help Build Better Fitness Habits? 33:32 Are Consumer Expectations Changing Faster Than Fitness?

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal unpack the findings from the ABC Fitness Wellness Watch: Summer 2026 – The Reinforcement Shift report and explore what the latest consumer data tells us about the changing fitness industry. For years, the industry has focused on access, inspiration, new equipment, new workouts and attracting more members. But the latest data suggests the bigger opportunity isn't simply getting people to join; it's helping them keep going. With new gym joins down 9% year-on-year, but existing members showing greater consistency, Matthew and Mo discuss why accountability, reinforcement and habit formation could become increasingly important for operators. They explore why Gen Z now represents 46% of new gym joins, what fitness can learn from Duolingo's approach to creating long-term habits, and why the growing home fitness community could represent both an opportunity and a challenge for traditional gyms. The conversation also looks at Peloton's evolving business model, the role of personalisation, and how AI could give operators new ways to understand, communicate with and support members both inside and outside the gym. Ultimately, the question is shifting from who owns the member to who owns the habit? In this episode, we cover: Why the fitness industry has a habit problem Why 46% of new gym joins are Gen Z What fitness can learn from Duolingo about habit formation Why consumers are spending more on studio fitness The growing home fitness community Peloton, personalisation and connected fitness Why gyms need to think beyond what happens inside their four walls How AI could transform member engagement and retention Why the future could belong to the brands that own the habit 📊 Download the FREE ABC Fitness Wellness Watch: Summer 2026 – The Reinforcement Shift report: https://abcfitness.com/ebook/wellness-watch-report-summer-2026-the-reinforcement-shift/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Timestamps 0:00 The Fitness Industry Has a Habit Problem 4:37 Gen Z Now Drives 46% of New Gym Joins 7:09 What Fitness Can Learn From Duolingo 11:49 The Opportunity Beyond Traditional Gym Members 18:52 EGYM 19:21 The Hidden Home Fitness Community 24:24 Peloton, Personalisation & Habit Formation 40:40 How AI Could Transform the Gym Experience  

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Andy Peat, CEO of Fitness On Demand and Chief Brand & Product Officer at Snap Fitness. The future of the gym isn't just about adding more equipment. As consumer expectations change, operators are increasingly looking at how technology, content, AI and personalisation can create better experiences and stronger connections with members. Andy shares how Fitness On Demand is evolving beyond digital workout content towards a wider technology ecosystem for gyms, and how his role at Snap Fitness gives him a unique perspective on the challenges facing operators. He explains why AI's biggest opportunity may not be building workouts, but improving lead generation, sales, onboarding, customer service and operational efficiency. The conversation also explores changing consumer behaviour, the growth of female strength training, recovery and Pilates, and how these trends are influencing the physical design of gyms and the technology members interact with inside them. In this episode, we cover: How Fitness On Demand is evolving beyond workout content Why the future of fitness won't be built around equipment alone Where gym operators should really be using AI How AI could transform leads, sales and customer service The changing expectations of today's fitness consumer The growth of strength training, recovery and Pilates How technology and content are influencing gym design The future of connected, personalised fitness experiences 👉 Connect with Andy Peat  LinkedIn: Andy Peat on LinkedIn Instagram: Andy Peat on Instagram Follow Fitness On Demand: LinkedIn: Fitness On Demand on LinkedIn Instagram: Fitness On Demand on Instagram Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: LIFTS on YouTube Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: Subscribe to the LIFTS newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: LinkedIn: LIFTS on LinkedIn or Instagram: LIFTS on Instagram This episode is brought to you by our partners, EGYM and Fitness On Demand. Learn more: EGYMFitness On Demand Timestamps 00:00 How Fitness Consumer Behaviour Is Changing 06:03 From Fitness Content to a Gym Operating System 14:10 Gen Z, Female Strength Training & Recovery 17:30 Where Gyms Should Really Be Using AI 21:14 AI, Customer Service & Selling Memberships 25:28 Will AI Agents Replace Human Customer Service? 32:31 Building the Connected Gym Experience 37:07 How Technology Is Changing Gym Design 39:22 Strength, Recovery & the Changing Gym Floor 44:32 The Future of AI, Content & Personalisation

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Anthony Geisler, CEO of Sequel Brands and one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the fitness industry. From helping pioneer the boutique fitness movement to building and scaling some of the industry's most recognised brands, Anthony has spent more than two decades shaping the way people experience fitness. But as the industry continues to evolve, where does the next wave of opportunity lie? Anthony reflects on the rise of boutique fitness, the lessons he's learned from franchising and entrepreneurship, and why longevity, recovery and preventative healthcare are set to become the next major growth areas for fitness businesses. Together, they explore what makes a fitness concept scalable, why boutique fitness is far from finished, how operators should think about differentiation in an increasingly competitive market, and what the future holds for entrepreneurs looking to build the next generation of fitness brands. In this episode, we cover: How boutique fitness transformed the global fitness industry The lessons behind building and scaling successful fitness brands Why boutique fitness continues to evolve The difference between boutique studios and big-box gyms The "McDonald's" principle behind successful franchising What makes a fitness concept truly scalable Why longevity and preventative healthcare are the next major opportunity What's next for Anthony Geisler and Sequel Brands 👉 Connect with Sequel Brands on LinkedIn. Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here. Join the conversation at LIFTS: LinkedIn or Instagram. Timestamps 00:00 The Man Who Built Boutique Fitness 09:45 The Birth of Boutique Fitness 17:52 Is Boutique Fitness Dead? 28:56 The McDonald's Lesson on Franchising 38:02 The Two Types of Boutique Fitness 45:41 What Makes a Fitness Brand Scalable? 52:48 Why Longevity Is the Next Big Opportunity 59:08 Building the Future with Sequel Brands 1:03:41 Final Takeaways

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Nico Varano, CEO of SWTHZ, one of North America's fastest-growing recovery and wellness brands. Recovery has become one of the biggest growth opportunities in health and fitness, with consumers increasingly seeking experiences that help them reduce stress, improve performance and build healthier habits. But what does it take to build a business around recovery? Nico shares his journey from becoming SWTHZ's very first franchisee to leading the company as CEO. Together, they explore why recovery is becoming a category in its own right, how contrast therapy is evolving beyond a wellness trend, and why hospitality, technology and habit-building are central to creating lasting customer experiences. The conversation also looks at the role of AI, wearables and personalised data, the differences between private and communal recovery experiences, and what the future holds as SWTHZ continues its expansion across North America. In this episode, we cover: Nico's journey from customer to CEO Why recovery is becoming a category of its own Building a scalable wellness franchise The rise of private contrast therapy experiences How hospitality is redefining customer expectations The role of AI, wearables and data in recovery Why habit-building matters more than one-off experiences The future of recovery, wellness and preventative health 👉 Connect with Nico Varano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovarano/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Timestamps 00:00 From Customer to CEO 01:23 Why Recovery Is Booming 06:03 Building the SWTHZ Vision 09:49 Why Recovery Is Its Own Category 16:20 Can Gyms Compete with SWTHZ? 19:31 The Power of Private Recovery 24:01 Wearables, AI & the Resilience Score 30:25 Taking SWTHZ Global 36:21 Growing Beyond Memberships 39:27 Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts