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Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Recorded live at Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2026, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with three industry leaders to unpack the convergence of fitness, technology, wellness, and human intelligence. Guests include: - David Van Daff (NASM): A 30-year fitness industry veteran representing the National Academy of Sports Medicine, discussing certification evolution, AI in training, and the expanding expectations placed on personal trainers.
- Jeff Yasuda (Feed Media Group): Co-founder of Feed FM, sharing insights on music, AI vs HI, ecosystem trends, and how human curation still powers engagement.
- Julian Barnes (BFS): Co-founder of BFS and co-chair of Connected Health & Fitness 2026, offering data-driven insights on studio growth, mindset, and the role of people in an increasingly automated world.
Key Topics include: - How personal training evolved pre and post pandemic.
- Why AI will not replace trainers, but trainers using AI may dominate.
- The rise of ecosystem thinking in connected fitness.
- AI vs HI: why human intelligence still matters.
- The mindset separating scalable studio operators from everyone else.
- Why tech must serve frontline staff, not overwhelm them.
- The demographic challenge facing gyms and studios.
- How coaches and trainers remain the most powerful influencers in fitness.
To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here: https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit-2026 To learn more about our sponsor, EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR Don't miss a LIFTS update! Subscribe to our free Newsletter today: https://www.liftspodcast.com/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com 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 & Personal Training Evolution 05:00 – AI and the Future of Trainers 11:30 – Career Pathways in Fitness 19:41 – Jeff Yasuda on Music & Ecosystems 25:55 – AI vs HI Debate 36:52 – Julian Barnes on Growth & Mindset 45:38 – Do Not Forget the People 53:43 – Technology, Labor & The Future |