LIFTS Episode 89 - ClassPass Debate: Does It Help or Hurt Studio Owners? Jeff Bladt vs. Rachel Hirsch

In this special debate episode of the LIFTS Podcast, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by guest co-host Jack Thomas (Fitness Business Asia) to moderate a high-level discussion on the impact of ClassPass for boutique fitness owners. Industry voices Jeff Bladt (ClassPass/Playlist) and Rachel Hirsch (Wellness Growth Ventures, The 2% Club, and studio owner) share opposing perspectives on whether ClassPass is a powerful growth partner or a dangerous dependency. Discussion highlights include: The origin and evolution of ClassPass. How ClassPass transformed consumer behavior in fitness. Free trials, pricing power, and fairness for studios. Parallels with aggregators in travel, dining, and delivery. Revenue data showing both growth and risks for studio owners. Strategies to avoid over-reliance on ClassPass. How ClassPass affects women-led boutique studios. Industry-wide calls for better collaboration between aggregators and studios. 👉 Learn more about Jack Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/ 👉 Learn more about Jeff Bladt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bladt/ 👉 Learn more about Rachel Hirsch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-hirsch-43b31265/ https://www.the2percent.club/ 👉 Learn more about ClassPass: https://classpass.com/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/   0:00 Intro & Hosts 4:21 Why ClassPass Matters 5:50 The Origin Story of ClassPass 10:30 Consumer Perspective with Rachel 12:46 Free Trials Debate 19:10 ClassPass as an Aggregator 23:05 Discounting & Devaluation Issues 27:40 Revenue Data Insights 33:44 Consumer Wins vs. Studio Risks 38:22 Women in Leadership Discussion 47:51 Final Thoughts & Takeaways 54:34 Closing Remarks

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we welcome Owen Hanson, a dynamic entrepreneur, former athlete and the ultimate example of crime to come back. Once a USC football player with a bright future, Owen’s competitive drive led him to build a multi- million-dollar bookmaking business — but that success came at a cost. Drawn deeper into the criminal underworld, Owen became entangled with one of the world’s most dangerous cartels, running international drug operations while living a life of extreme luxury. After his dramatic arrest by the FBI — helicopters, undercover agents, and all — Owen found himself locked in a 6x8 prison cell. But instead of giving up, he found a new purpose: fitness, mindset mastery, and even launching a protein ice-cream brand from behind bars. In this powerful episode, Owen shares his jaw-dropping journey from national championships to Cartel connections, from extravagant spending to creative prison hustles, and ultimately to a path of personal redemption. He opens up about the dangerous allure of fast money, the brutal lessons of prison life and how he’s rebuilding his empire the right way. Packed with raw insights, unbelievable stories and hard-won wisdom, this conversation is one you absolutely do not want to miss. In this podcast, Owen discusses: His arrest and FBI takedown. The journey from USC athlete to businessman. How business led to Cartel connections. Prison life and survival hustle. The birth of Kingpin Ice Cream (now California Ice Protein). Extravagant lifestyle and excess. Addiction, pressure and a strong mindset. Reinvention and second chances. Lessons for entrepreneurs. To learn more about Owen Hanson, click here: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialcakid/?hl=en To buy Owen's book, click here: https://www.thecaliforniakid.com/my-book Check out Owen's new protein ice cream business click here: https://www.californiaiceprotein.com/ ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)  ====================================================== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/   0:00 Intro 0:30 Getting arrested and realizations 9:31 Finding hope and maintaining sanity 12:16 Football and early ambitions 16:08 Transition to bookmaking and business growth 17:27 Mathematical skills and business strategy 28:02 International expansion and logistics 36:53 Handing pressure and making decisions 42:17 Luxury and extravagance 46:33 Interactions with the Cartel 52:20 Post-prison business ventures 53:11 Building Kingpin, the ice-cream brand in prison 1:03:40 The importance of appearance and image 1:07:01 Overcoming challenges and building the brand 1:08:42 Lessons learned and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

In this episode of the LIFTS podcast, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Lauren Foundos, founder of Forte (recently acquired by Echelon Fitness). Lauren shares her journey from Wall Street bond trading to becoming a pioneer in digital fitness, her lessons from building Forte, and her insights on the future of the fitness industry. Highlights: - How Lauren transitioned from Wall Street to fitness entrepreneurship. - The early challenges of selling digital fitness before gyms were ready. - Lessons learned from building and rebuilding fitness tech. - How content drives engagement and performance in gyms. - Why personal training is undervalued and how to fix it. - The explosive growth of Pilates and low-impact workouts. - How wearables and AI are reshaping fitness engagement. - The power of intellectual property in fitness tech. - Predictions for the future of gyms, training, and consumer behavior. 👉 Learn more about Lauren Foundos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lfoundos/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/   00:00 Intro & Welcome 02:17 Lauren’s Background & Wall Street to Fitness 05:00 Building Forte and the Digital Fitness Shift 09:54 The Role of Content in Gym Success 15:00 Personalization, AI & Gym Programming 24:13 The Future of Personal Training 30:58 Pilates Boom & Low-Impact Training 35:00 Trends, Timing & Market Cycles 36:15 Oura vs. Ultrahuman – The Ring Wars 42:35 Pricing Digital Fitness & Business Models 45:19 US Fitness Habits & Data Insights 47:35 Final Takeaways & Closing

In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Michael Ramsey, co-founder of Strong Pilates, to explore the explosive growth of Pilates worldwide. Ramsey shares his journey from F45 franchise success to launching Strong Pilates, a unique fusion of strength, cardio, and Pilates that has rapidly expanded across 14 countries. The discussion covers the evolution of boutique fitness, the importance of product innovation, franchise support, marketing strategies, and the controversial role of ClassPass. Key Topics: How an injury led Ramsey to discover Pilates. The fusion of strength, cardio, and Pilates in Strong. Franchise growth from Australia to the US. Why boutique studios still win over big box gyms. The critical role of innovation in fitness. Marketing strategies and customer acquisition costs. The challenges and opportunities of ClassPass. Building trust and community in local markets. Handling criticism from traditionalists in Pilates. Future outlook for Strong Pilates and boutique fitness. 👉 Learn more about Strong Pilates: https://strongpilates.co/ 👉 Learn more about Michael Ramsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ramsey-89402033/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/   0:00 Intro & Host Updates 0:59 Guest Introduction – Michael Ramsey 3:55 The Global Pilates Boom 4:38 From F45 to Strong Pilates 6:18 Fusing Pilates, Strength & Cardio 10:00 Entrepreneurship & Timing 13:19 Boutique vs. Big Box Gyms 15:03 What Makes Studios Successful 16:22 Marketing & Cost of Acquisition 18:18 The Rise of Strength Training 20:00 Innovation in Fitness 22:01 Expanding in the US Market 25:00 The ClassPass Debate 30:00 Filling Classes & Community 33:49 Challenges Entering the US 35:13 Wearables & Stress Study 36:00 Closing Thoughts

Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal speak with Royi Metser, Founder & CEO of Avelo Running, about the explosive growth of running, the evolution of smart footwear, and how data-driven insights are changing the sport forever.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How Gen Z and women are driving the second running boom. Why running clubs are replacing bars as social hubs. The challenges big brands faced in launching smart shoes. How Avelo integrates cutting-edge materials with advanced sensors. The importance of mechanical load monitoring for injury prevention. Why Kickstarter backers snapped up Avelo’s first batch in under 20 hours. Insights on running form myths and individual biomechanics. The role of gyms and treadmills in the future of running. How data can help every runner train smarter and safer. 👉 Learn more about Avelo Running: https://avelorunning.com/ 👉 Learn more about Avelo Running Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/avelorunning/avelo-meet-the-worlds-smartest-running-shoe 👉 Learn more about Royi Metser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royi-metser-6886a211/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/   0:00 Intro & Creatine Experiment 4:03 Creatine Gummies & Supplement Quality 6:28 Guest Introduction – Royi Metser 8:11 The Second Running Boom 12:13 Why Running is Timeless 14:56 Treadmills vs Outdoor Running 18:19 Running Clubs as Community Hubs 20:19 Why Big Brands Failed at Smart Shoes 25:21 The Materials & Tech Behind Avelo 32:23 Preventing Running Injuries with Data 32:41 Kickstarter Launch Success 34:34 Guiding Runners Beyond Guesswork 36:29 Debunking Running Form Myths 38:09 Host Takeaways 43:09 Closing Thoughts & Preorder Info

Matthew and Mo dive into this week’s hottest fitness topics — from personal diet experiments to the future of wearables in healthcare, political plays in fitness, market shifts in Pilates, and the explosive rise of Hyrox. This no-guest episode is packed with insights, debates, and predictions shaping the fitness industry. In this episode: • Matthew’s 5-week results on the Warrior Diet. • Mo’s take on the White House wearable health initiative. • The political and cultural impact of reviving the Presidential Fitness Challenge. • Why Pilates is booming — and if it’s nearing saturation. • Planet Fitness’ rumored acquisition of Basic-Fit. • How Hyrox is becoming a lifestyle brand. • Predictions for the next mega-brands in fitness.   Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/   0:00 Matthew’s Warrior Diet Results 4:21 Mo’s Morning Routine & Nutrition 6:59 Hydration and Alcohol Effects 11:33 White House Wearable Data Initiative 18:19 Presidential Fitness Challenge Returns 23:25 Pilates Market Boom or Bust? 30:00 Planet Fitness Eyes Basic-Fit 33:47 High Rocks Becomes a Lifestyle 40:14 The Most Exciting Era in Fitness

In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal welcome Star Sage, a leading force in the recovery and wellness industry. Star shares her expertise from years at Hyperice and how recovery is now central to events, gyms, hotels, and even Gen Z culture. Highlights include: How Hyperice helped redefine recovery in mainstream culture. The shift from cocktail hours to compression lounges at elite events. Why hotels are investing in 24/7 recovery rooms. The Gen Z obsession with wellness over nightlife. How recovery boosts gym retention and member engagement. Underrated recovery methods that need more hype. New intersections between hospitality, entertainment, and wellness. Star's predictions for the future of recovery. 👉 Learn more about Star Sage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/star-sage/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/ 00:00 Intro + Travel & Sleep Hacks 03:51 Star Sage Joins the Show 05:11 Recovery at Events & Run Clubs 08:22 Gen Z, Foam Rolling, and Awareness 13:47 Hotels & the Recovery Room Boom 19:17 Business Travelers and Accessibility 23:44 Recovery Culture in Gyms 30:41 Wellness Tech vs Snake Oil 36:40 Wearables + Prescriptive Recovery 41:27 Recovery as Social Connection 43:07 Underhyped Recovery Trends 44:31 Final Takeaways + Sleep & Steps

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. In this episode, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Sal Pellegrino, Executive Director of FISA, to uncover key trends shaping the fitness industry. From Gen Z’s influence on gym design to tariffs and global supply chain issues, this conversation delivers actionable insights for club operators, suppliers, and fitness professionals. Topics include: Origins and purpose of FISA. Key insights from the FISA Trend Report. Why Gen Z is reshaping gym design. Strength training vs. cardio trends post-pandemic. Impact of tariffs on fitness equipment pricing. Growth and strategies behind Planet Fitness. The influence of technology, AI, and social media. Future predictions for gym models and wellness hubs. 👉 Learn more about Sal Pellegrino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salpellegrino/ 👉 Learn more about FISA 2025 Fitness Trends Report: https://fisana.org/market-trend-reports/2025s-top-fitness-trends/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/ 0:00 – Introduction 0:39 – About FISA and Its Mission 8:58 – Gen Z’s Impact on Fitness 15:00 – Tariffs and Supply Chain Challenges 25:00 – Planet Fitness Growth Story 34:54 – Echelon and Tech in Fitness 39:10 – Influencers, AI & Trends 45:00 – Biohacking and Wellness Hubs 50:00 – Final Takeaways

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. In this compelling episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal speak with fitness veteran Rod Hill about his latest venture, ZENERGIE – a revolutionary gym concept focused on longevity, functional health, and the 40+ demographic. Topics include: Why Rod believes the 40+ market is the most underserved in fitness. Spain’s role as a rising longevity hub. How AI and smart equipment are shaping personalized wellness. Rod’s critique of pharmaceuticals vs. fitness in preventative care. What ZENERGY offers that traditional gyms and wellness centers don’t. The link between emotional well-being, strength, and VO2 max. Franchising fitness for healthspan, not just lifespan. Educating vs. intimidating: a new approach to member engagement. 👉 Learn more about Rod Hill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-hill-9483506/ 👉 Learn more about Zenergie Body & Soul: https://zenergiebodyandsoul.com/zenergie-longevity-gym/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/ 0:00 Intro & Hosts Catch Up 4:24 Matthew's Health Hack Experience 7:15 Welcome Rod Hill – Fitness Veteran 12:51 Why Spain is the Longevity Capital 20:40 The Untapped 35+ Fitness Market 22:41 Rod’s Vision for Longevity Gyms 29:56 Exercise as Medicine 35:43 AI & Personalization at ZENERGY 41:07 Business Model & Market Opportunity 50:29 Takeaways & Final Reflections 52:37 Living Your Last Decade with Strength 55:35 Final Thoughts & Closing

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Brian von Ancken, wellness entrepreneur and mastermind community leader, to dive into the future of fitness, biohacking, and collaborative innovation. From protein cold foam to recovery clogs, and even fecal transplants, nothing is off the table.   Key Topics Discussed: Brian’s journey scaling brands like Tough Mudder, Barry’s, and Othership. How his mastermind group connects over 200 wellness entrepreneurs. Elite athlete fecal transplants: biohacking or bizarre?. The explosion of protein products in mainstream retail. Innovation in recovery footwear and smart shoes. How to responsibly vet science and trends in wellness. Why American foods still use dyes banned in Europe. The rise of wellness as the new luxury experience. Building a supportive and ethical health industry community. 👉 Learn more about Brian von Ancken: https://www.joinwgm.com/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/   0:00 Intro + Cold Open Topics 0:36 Catch-up with Matthew and Mo 1:06 Tonal Gains + Hume Health Scale 4:44 Matthew’s Fasting Protocol 7:56 Guest Introduction: Brian von Ancken 9:21 Wellness Silo Breakdown & Integration 11:40 Elite Athlete Fecal Transplants 17:15 Protein Goes Mainstream 25:04 Recovery Innovation: Super Shoes & Clogs 31:26 Wellness as the New Luxury 33:58 Science, Skepticism, and Marketing 36:16 Artificial Dyes and Food Ethics 38:54 Brian’s Final Thoughts 40:17 Outro + Final Reflections