Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

On this week's episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we interview Neal Spruce, the CEO of dotFIT, and the former owner of the prestigious National Academy of Sports Medicine. Growing up, Spruce was surrounded by fitness and turned his lifelong passion into his career. When owning the National Academy of Sports Medicine, he revolutionized the business by turning it into the global leader in providing evidence-based certifications, fitness solutions, and advanced credentials to health, sports- performance, and fitness professionals. He moved on to wanting to help people find holistic solutions tin their fitness journey's and created dotFIT, which focuses on filling nutritional gaps and providing evidence-based programs. Spruce focuses on informing people how to fulfill their nutritional gaps, the differentiation between health span, life span, and play span, and growing a business in what one is passionate about. Learn more about dotFIT here: https://www.dotfit.com/ Learn more about Fibr here: https://www.fibr.fit/home/

On this week's episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we interview Joe De Sena, the creator of one of the most mentally challenging races to exist, the Spartan Race. Being raised around the mob during his formative years, De Sena took the lessons he learned and applied it to his life. In doing so, he created an entrepreneurial career for himself which led him to Wall Street, and soon to the fresh air of Vermont. There, he was able to explore his passions- which include mentally and physically challenging the human race- and soon birthed the Spartan and Death Race. De Sena explains his views on failure, career switching, and looking past fears and obstacles. Learn more about Joe De Sena here: https://joedesena.com/

On this week's episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we interview the "Godfather of Glutes," and the man who created the viral glute workout-the hip thrust- Bret Contreras. Wanting to understand the functionalities of the body more with certain workouts, Bret published over 50 peer reviewed articles that discussed his findings from everything between the effects crunches to doing higher reps with lower weights. Contreras dives into the anatomy of the glutes, and the best way to train them. He also gives insight into building your muscles, and what some of the best practices are to see growth. Due to his in-depth knowledge of the glutes, he has become known as the "glute guy," and has trained hundreds of clients and transforming their bodies. Learn more about Bret Contreras at: https://bretcontreras.com/

On this week's episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we interview co-owner and president of one of the most transparent companies in the supplement industry, Mike McErlane. After starting his career for working with Joe Weider during the time where the fitness industry was transitioning from an all-men's industry to being inclusive, Mike met Jim Stoppani. Together, these two men transformed the supplement industry, and uncovered may truths through science. T]his combination of science and truth set up Jym Supplements to be one of the most prolific and honest companies in the industry. Learn more about Jym Supplements at http://jymsupplementscience.com/

Dr. John Rusin is a sports performance specialist and injury prevention expert that has coached some of the world's most elite athletes including multiple Olympic gold medalists, NFL & MLB All-Star performers, and professional athletes from 11 different sports. In this interview, we focus on functional hypertrophy training for injury prevention and much more. Learn more about Dr. John Rusin: https://drjohnrusin.com

On episode #226 of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we interview Elite Master Trainer, Danny Torgl, who has been transforming bodies for more than 40 years, earning him recognition as the 'Master of Body Sculpting'. Danny has been schooled by the best in the business. After a childhood growing up on a farm in Spain, where Danny was inspired by the muscular arms of his leather shoe maker uncle, he moved to The States and started bodybuilding. It was here that he was introduced to Vince Gironda, the 'Iron Guru'. This introduction changed Danny's life and set him on a path that would establish him as one of America's highest profile personal trainers.

On this week's Escape Your Limits podcast, we talk to Drew Manning, a well-known health and fitness expert, personal trainer and best-selling author of Fit2Fat2Fit. In his book, Drew documents his purposeful weight gain and weight loss experiment in order to achieve better understanding and empathy with those that struggle to make a healthy lifestyle a habit. Tune-in to learn about the physical, mental and emotional impact the experiment had on Drew and those around him, and hear about the unexpected life lessons and tried and tested training methods he learnt along the way.

On this week's Escape Your Limits podcast, we talk to Partha Unnava, founder and CEO of Lasso, a new wave of performance compression activewear to improve movement and recovery. After becoming frustrated with his own rehabilitation path following an ankle injury playing basketball, Partha used his biomechanical engineering background and set out on a mission to bring to market products that changed what apparel could do for the body and its movement. He is a successful and passionate entrepreneur who values authenticity, the importance of resonating with your community, leaning into your own uniqueness and unplugging from money to find fulfilment. Tune in now.

Oliver Trevena is a Hollywood actor, investor, and serial entrepreneur whose passion has been a key component to his incredible success. His passion for health and wellness inspired a number of business ventures, including a new drink company called Cali Water, which he founded with Vanessa Hudgens. He also has investments in the cardio fitness machine Climbr and the exclusive personal training club Dogpound. Throughout our interview, we dive into some fascinating subjects including: • The healing power of breathwork and awareness • Why you need to surround yourself with honest people • How persistence pays off • And the 3 P's to success: People, Product and Process Tune-in now!

To close out what has been an amazing year, we are going to dive into some of the most popular podcast episodes of 2021. But first, we want to thank our loyal community of listeners, everyone who has watched on YouTube, commented, engaged with an episode, or shared their favorite segments. The Escape Your Limits podcast was created to deliver on-demand, inspirational, valuable content to our audience. Each week, we connect with industry thought leaders on an ever-widening array of offerings on every topic imaginable. There were even episodes that told true stories you couldn't dream up if you tried. Given the wealth of options, it's likely you missed a binge-worthy episode or two, even if you're an avid listener or watcher. Over the past year, the Escape Your Limits podcast has grown extensively, with episodes being downloaded, listened to, and watched hundreds of thousands of times by people from all over the world. As you can imagine, it was hard to narrow down 10 outliers from the 52 episodes that we produced. Deciding which ones made the cut wasn't easy. When looking at our top-performing episodes of the year, a lot stood out. We chose these podcast guests and subject matter experts because they pushed the form, hit on several broad perspectives, helped to process the world around us, resonated with our audience, and have shaped the vision for what it truly means to Escape Your Limits. So, without further ado, here are 10 notable episodes that debuted in 2021 that we can't stop talking about – each one is worth checking out. Tune-in now!

Joseph McClendon III is a neuropsychologist, best-selling author, performance coach to celebrities, and lead speaker for Tony Robbins programs. As a global leader, his tools and techniques have given millions of people around the world the competitive advantage to lead their best lives. He literally radiates with positive energy and wisdom, and his remarkable influence continues to set the standard when it comes to achieving your wildest dreams. If you want to reframe your perspective to live a magnificent life, this is one episode you don't want to miss. Tune-in now! Learn more about Joseph McClendon III: https://www.josephmcclendon.com/home Follow him on Instagram: @iamjosephmcclendon

Ultra endurance athlete James Lawrence aka the "Iron Cowboy," has truly escaped the limits of human performance and endurance, both physically and mentally. He has broken multiple Guinness World Records and achieved what was once believed to be impossible by completing 100 triathlons in 100 days with "Conquer 100" to raise $250,000 for charity. The incredible feat required strength, community, family support, and escaping his limits. Check out the Iron Cowboy's fascinating interview with our host Matthew Januszek. Learn more about James Lawrence: https://www.ironcowboy.com/

Dr. Edythe Heus is a sports medicine and movement expert who developed Revolution in Motion. She is a renowned doctor whose groundbreaking balance, fascia, and proprioceptive training methods have radically optimized the athletic performance of professional and Olympic athletes. At the intersection of physical and cognitive function, she invites you to explore the body's interconnectedness and to challenge what's possible. During our interview, we discuss: • How to injury-proof your body • What it means to be in a "flow state" • Ways to supercharge your core strength • The link between healthy feet and a healthy brain Learn more about about Dr. Edythe Heus: https://revinmo.com/dr-edythe-heus/ Tune-in now!

Alwyn Cosgrove is a best-selling author, speaker, 2x cancer survivor, and the owner of Results Fitness. He is also a member of the Nike Performance Council. His gym was named one of the top 10 gyms in America by Men's Health magazine. Joining us this week is also out co-host Pete Holman. He is an entrepreneur, inventor, product developer, and trainer who is a subject matter expert on the evolution of strength training and the farm strong movement. Throughout this interview, we discuss these training philosophies as well as: The reason strength training is both a competitive advantage and life advantage Why good trainers design workouts and great trainers design programs Heart rate variability And the mistakes people make when it comes to bodyweight training Tune-in now!

Superheroes aren't born, they're made. As you can imagine, making a superhero takes a hell of a lot of consistent, ass-kicking hard work. New York-based trainer Don Saladino is one of the most sought-after celebrity trainers in the industry when it comes to getting Hollywood's finest insanely fit. He's had his hand in more big screen role preps than just about anyone and is responsible for some of the most impressive—and unrecognizable—transformations. It's not just all about lifting heavy weights and getting jacked. For Saladino, it's about balance and consistency, both physical and mental. Getting actors into butt-kicking superhero shape deserves an Oscar in itself. His star-studded clientele includes Ryan Reynolds, Scarlett Johansson, and Hugh Jackman. In this interview, Saladino sits down with host Matthew Januszek to discuss: • Why his #1 goal when training high-profile clients is physical and mental resiliency • Invaluable lessons he's learned from enduring business hardships • Why nutrition is the most understood area of fitness You'll even get a behind-the-scenes tour of his gym! Tune-in now. Follow Don on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donsaladino/ Check out his website: https://donsaladino.com/

Mike Rashid is a business mogul, professional boxer, social media influencer, and serial entrepreneur who built a fitness empire from the ground up. According to Mike, there's no limit (besides yourself) to what you can achieve. If you're interested in achieving entrepreneurial success, this episode is for you. It covers everything from working with Mike Tyson, investing, his $1 million offer to fight Jake Paul, productivity hacks, mindset, taking psychedelics to boost focus and creativity, cryptocurrency, the rise of boutique boxing, and much more. You don't want to miss this one. Tune-in now!

Do you know what leads one person to achieve success in life over another? What are the ingredients for unreasonable success and how is it achieved? Our guest this week, Mr. Richard Koch, joins us to explain. Successful people typically don't plan their success. Instead they develop a unique philosophy or attitude that works for them. They stumble across strategies which are shortcuts to success, and latch onto them. Events hand them opportunities they could not have anticipated. Often their peers with equal or greater talent fail while they succeed. It is too easy to attribute success to inherent, unstoppable genius. Bestselling author and serial entrepreneur Richard Koch charts a map of success, identifying the nine key attitudes and strategies can propel anyone to new heights of accomplishment. Richard is a former management consultant, entrepreneur, and writer of several books on how to apply the Pareto principle (80/20 rule) in all walks of life. Richard has also used his concepts to make a fortune from several private equity investments made personally. Richard's investments have included Filofax, Plymouth Gin, the Great Little Trading Company and Betfair. Learn more about Richard: https://richardkoch.net/

Legendary bodybuilder Tony Pearson AKA the "Michael Jackson" of bodybuilding is a 9x world champion winning Mr. America, Professional Mr. Universe, and World Mixed Pairs. Throughout his life, he has faced impossible challenges — rising above poverty, abuse, and neglect to achieve incredible success. Tony's story is an inspiration to say the least. At 63-years-old, he won the AAU Master's Mr. Universe. Today, he is a personal trainer in Las Vegas. Check out his website: https://www.tonypearsonpersonaltrainer.com/

To say that the pandemic has impacted traditional gyms and the way people train would be an understatement. In-person training, group fitness, and big-box memberships aren't going to disappear but the adjustments that have been made during the pandemic are here to stay. In our interview with Fitness First's Managing Director, Lee Matthews, he explains how traditional gyms like Fitness First are redefining and reengineering what it means to go to the gym. Throughout our interview, we cover: • Ways the boutique concept has evolved during the pandemic • The big changes happening to traditional gyms • How to successfully lead your team through crisis • Why you need to reconfigure your gym's layout and equipment to cater to the needs of shifting member expectations Learn more about Fitness First: https://www.fitnessfirst.co.uk/

Do you know how to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and accomplish the things that matter to you? How do you eliminate self doubt and learn to love yourself? In this interview, celebrity fitness trainer, Dolvett Quince, reveals some of the reasons and unconscious patterns that cause us to self-sabotage and explains what we can do to change them. He encourages us to believe in ourselves to achieve freedom from self-doubt. According to Dolvett, "You're not going to be better until you start to challenge yourself to be better." Dolvett is a most recognized for his seven seasons as a fitness trainer on the longtime hit TV show "The Biggest Loser." He is also a NYT Bestselling Author and keynote speaker.

Did you know that you're constantly losing weight 24 hours a day just by breathing? Most people think that body fat is converted into energy or heat. But this belief violates the law of conservation of mass, according to physicist Ruben Meerman. His findings on this topic were published in the British Medical Journal and his TEDx Talk has received more than 10 million views. Ruben's fascination with breathing, carbon dioxide, and weight loss stems from the personal experience of losing 30 pounds and then wondering where all the fat had gone. What his calculations revealed was surprising. In fact, fat breaks down into the elements of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen - 84% of the fat people lose is exhaled as CO₂ and the remaining 16% becomes water. Basically, the lungs are the primary organ through which we lose weight. In this fascinating interview, Ruben breaks down the biochemistry of weight loss.

Chris "Kiwi" Ashenden is the founder of Athletic Greens, a health and fitness expert, entrepreneur, and investor. What began as a bold vision to create an essentialist nutrition product has become a multi-million-dollar company that is trusted by world-class performance athletes and everyday consumers around the world. In this conversation, we discuss: • His wellness journey and battle with sickness that led to the creation of Athletic Greens • 4 pillars of health and happiness • Entrepreneurship, habit stacking, and taking ownership of your life • Building a healthy gut for optimum performance Athletic Greens is a comprehensive, all-in-one greens powder engineered to fill the nutritional gaps in your diet and support your body's nutritional needs across four pillars of health: Gut health, Immune support, Energy and Recovery! It's packed with 75 vitamins minerals, whole food ingredients and combines the perfect amount of micronutrients, absorption and taste to jumpstart your daily routine. Learn more: https://athleticgreens.com/

How do everyday people unleash their inner athlete? Michael Piercy is a former pro baseball player, founder and owner of The Lab Sports, and IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year. His specialty is identifying and developing the talent of elite and everyday athletes. For Michael, successful high-performance coaching is about so much more than just balancing the win-loss record. It's about people becoming the best version of themselves. In our interview, we dive into: • The importance of ongoing personal development • Why consistent rituals and habits are the keys to success • What everyday athletes should look for in a coach • And much more Tune-in now!

When it comes to mental health, a holistic approach considers how a person's well-being is affected by their physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual condition. Greg Schmaus is a highly recognized Paul Chek practitioner, the CEO of Healing 4D, and the creator of "Healing the Mind," a 21-day holistic program. His fully integrated approach is dedicated to helping people hit the reset button to make mental and physical health an urgent priority. A holistic approach to mental health treats considers all these elements as pieces of a larger puzzle that must be individually addressed to achieve healing, which is something that traditional medicine doesn't always do. The pandemic has pushed mental health to a breaking point, and Greg offers some simple ways to improve peoples' mental health (anxiety, depression, and stress). In our interview, we discuss: • The mental health risks of social media • Why you need to clean up your diet, get proper exercise, and develop healthy rest and recovery habits • Addressing your core addictions to enhance both psychological and physical healing • And the simple things you can do to feel better every day Learn more about Greg Schmaus and Healing 4D: https://www.healing4d.com/about/

Why do most weight loss diets fail? Why are you not losing weight? This week, we're speaking with Amanda Nighbert, a registered dietician and creator of the LEAN program who specializes in weight loss nutrition. She is a renegade in her field who has spent the last two decades helping more than 34,000 people take control of their health. Chances are, you could be sabotaging your weight loss journey without even realizing it. In our interview, she reveals why most diets fail and the simple strategies you can implement to permanently lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle, including: • Breaking the 'all or nothing' mindset • How to achieve fasting success • Why you should never mix alcohol with food • The reason you need to stop fearing carbs • Why sleep is the #1 thing that matters for weight loss Amanda is passionate about motivating, supporting and educating people to meet their wellness goals. She promotes a balanced and realistic lifestyle, and focuses on teaching others on how to ditch the "all or nothing" mentality. Learn more about Amanda and the LEAN program: https://amandanighbert.com/

What does McDonald's have to do with gyms and how is Hussle getting the other 90% interested in fitness? Hussle, the UK's largest fitness network, recently partnered with McDonald's to offer a fitness-based prize as part of its annual McDonald's Monopoly game, which is played by more than seven million consumers nationwide. The deal will give McDonald's customers the chance to win access to any of Hussle's 2000+ partner health clubs and leisure centres. At first glance, it may seem like a paradox but Hussle believes the collaboration is a great way to reach more people and help them become more active, more often. Throughout this interview with Hussle CEO Jamie Ward, we discuss the McDonald's partnership as well as: • How to raise money for a fit-tech startup • Advantages of working in the fitness marketplace • Why gyms have a marketing problem • The comparison between ClassPass and Hussle • How to get a better return on your gym's digital marketing efforts

Natalia Karbasova is the CEO of the FitTech Company and Founder of the FitTech Summit, the leading conference in Europe devoted to fitness technology and the future of wellbeing and healthy lifestyle. Throughout our interview, she illustrates where technology is taking the fitness industry. Right now, health is the largest market in the world. And Silicon Valley now wants its piece of the action. In the race for gym members and subscribers, the fitness industry has been given a head start. But Big Tech is catching up really fast – forcing brands to reimagine the gym experience or become obsolete. Big Tech's move into fitness was always going to happen, pandemic or not. But what does that mean for the traditional fitness industry? How will fit-tech influence gyms in the years to come? In this insightful talk, she shares her view about what the future holds.

Our guest this week predicts the future for a living. Not peer into a crystal ball kind of future predicting. His role as a forecaster in the real world is concerned with future certainty. Prof. Dr. Carl Rohde looks at how hidden trends in the present signal direction changes for society, brands, and the world at large. He doesn't tell us how we should think about the future; instead he lays out his own predictions. What will delight your customers in six months, a year, two decades? What eco trends will influence the fitness industry? How will technology and A.I. shift ever-changing consumer expectations? If you're eager to see into the future, check out this interview with Prof. Dr. Carl Rohde. Prof. Dr. Carl Rohde is a cultural sociologist, a professor of Future Forecasting, Trend Watching and Innovation, and the founder of Science of the Time. He conducts the biggest trend research, the Cool City Hunt project, with 47 universities and about 10,000 students worldwide. Together they construct local and global validated trends for brands such as Adidas, Bacardi, BMW, Canon, Coca Cola, Footlocker, Heineken, Levi's, Microsoft, Sony. Learn more about the Science of the Time: https://scienceofthetime.com/

Kory Angelin has over 25 years experience in the fitness and business industries. He is an award-winning fitness expert, sales strategist, two-time published author, speaker, and podcast host of Rep It Up. He has helped to elevate some of the biggest fitness companies in the world teaching brand experience and is the author of "#Sellout: How a Great Experience Can Help You #SELLOUT of Your Product." In this interview, we cover: • Should fitness studios still have sales staff? • If you don't have passion for your brand, you won't sell a membership. • You need to provide great member experiences and journeys. • The key to operating a great studio is understanding your sales cycle. • Why delivering an unbelievable onboarding experience is key to growth. • What makes a great gym experience? • The difference between big box gyms and boutique studios. • Digital marketing strategies your gym needs to be using. • How often should fitness brands be shopping their competition? •Why buyer personas matter and how they can help increase gym memberships. • How to generate more business leads on social media. Currently, Kory stands at the forefront of Volofit, a new HIIT fitness concept by Tough Mudder Bootcamp that is designed to challenge individuals through four areas of fitness, endurance, strength, power and agility. Kory was featured in the Top 20 Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2020 by The Chicago Journal and Top 20 Influential People of 2020 by New York Wire. He has worked with some of the top fitness brands in the world, including his current role with F45 and previously Lifetime Fitness, Equinox, and Les Mills.

Chris Voss is the former #1 Lead International Kidnapping Negotiator for the FBI. He is the author of the bestselling book "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended on It," and the CEO of Black Swan Group. He spent 24 years with the FBI and was the FBI's hostage negotiation representative for the National Security Council's Hostage Working Group. His many years of experience in international crisis and high-stakes negotiations helped him to develop a unique program and team that applies these globally proven techniques to the business world. Chris Voss was trained in the art of negotiation by not only the FBI but Scotland Yard and Harvard Law School. His mission used to be to save people's lives. Today, his mission is to help people change their lives. Tune in to this illuminating conversation as we discuss: How to negotiate with a customer you can't afford to lose. The two most critical skills to become a master negotiator. What people tell you is really only 7% of what's going on. In a negative mindset, you're not as smart as when you're thinking positive. How your personality type affects your negotiation style. The power of being genuinely curious. Why bargaining should be your last move in a negotiation. Trust based influence vs. manipulation. How can you tell if someone is lying? The deal killer in the room is often as important as the decision maker. What is tactical empathy and how can you use it to negotiate? Why you're in so much trouble if somebody looks at you and says, "You're right."

On this week's Escape Your Limits podcast, we interview Pete Moore, the founder of Integrity Square, which is the leading boutique financial advisory firm for the Health, Active Lifestyle, and Outdoor, or HALO, sector. He is also an author, former investment banker, and co-founder of IRON Planet, a notable B2B auction site for used equipment that sold for $758 million. For anyone interested in investing in the HALO sector, our guest this week is the go-to authority. Episode Highlights. Why he believes the bricks and mortar gym experience is here to stay. Things people typically get wrong when investing. How to turn your frustrations into a billion dollar business. What private investors are looking for before investing in fitness startups. Top 3 investment opportunities within the HALO sector right now. Why health club operators need to stop competing on price. Is recovery programming the next big thing in fitness? How brands like Peloton have shaped what investors are looking for. The do's and don'ts within the HALO sector.

Gold's Gym first opened in 1965. At that time, there were only three gyms in the Southern California and Los Angeles area. It became the mecca for bodybuilding. Today, there are more than 700+ Gold's Gym locations in 28 countries. Our guest this week is Angel Banos, the President and CEO of Gold's Gym SoCal. From the very beginning, Gold's Gym was built on community — something that remains true to this day. In our interview, we discuss: • What the $100m acquisition of Gold's Gym means for the franchise's future. • How Gold's Gym's President put pressure on local government during the pandemic. • The #1 business secret that's revolutionizing the Gold's Gym franchise. • How Angel Banos uses goal setting to manifest success. And much more!

On this week's episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we interview Shari Castelli, the Director of Industry Development at ClassPass. ClassPass is a monthly fitness membership that connects members to thousands of fitness studios and gyms in 2,500 cities across the globe. In its latest Series E round, the startup raised $285 million putting the company's valuation at over $1 billion. So, what makes the ClassPass business model so successful? Tune in and find out.

Our guest this week is Rod Hill, the President of énergie Fitness Europe. He's an expert at navigating the ups and downs of international expansion and recently signed a master franchise agreement to develop 75 clubs in Spain over the next 10 years. In our interview, we explore the influence of European gym design and what the rest of the world can learn from this emerging market, why you need to invest capital back into your trainers, and how your franchise could be missing the mark if you turn your back on Baby Boomers. More Episode Highlights: Navigating the ups and downs of international expansion. How you could be missing the mark by turning your back on the largest and most affluent demographic. The merging of fitness and wellness. How changing market dynamics offer franchises new opportunities. Want to be successful? You have to be authentic. Ways in which the boutique space will continue to grow. How brick and mortar gyms are integrating hybrid fitness models.

In 1976, Joe Gold founded World Gym International during the heyday of Muscle Beach in Venice Beach, California. World Gym is where iron men like Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno worked out on the regular. This week, we interview Jarrod Saracco, World Gym's COO. He is a 25-year veteran of the health and fitness industry with experience at every level of club operations. We discuss: • The history of World Gym • What he anticipates the future of World Gym will look like • Key essentials for running a successful gym or club • What to know about gym equipment before you stock your gym • Why gym design and member experience are more important than you think World's Gym owners are projecting that the brand will grow to 500 locations by 2023.

Our guest this week is Troy Casey, a former Versace model turned Certified Health Nut. His intriguing, unconventional approaches to biohacking the body and mind have earned him the reputation of a leading longevity authority. He has helped millions of people restore their physical, mental, and emotional balance with holistic health practices. In our interview, we discuss: How to get and stay ripped at any age, the purpose and meaning of legacy, why you should meditate and get more sleep, the art of sexual kung fu, and how working with indigenous tribes in the Amazon and participating in Ayahuasca ceremonies have awakened his consciousness.

Eric Fleishman aka "Eric the Trainer" is the go-to guy in Hollywood when it comes to burning fat and building lean muscle. In our interview, this sought-after personal trainer shares his secrets to getting celebrities and musicians insanely fit for film roles and world tours. Eric the Trainer can help you create the body of your dreams in just a matter of weeks. No fads, trends, or gimmicks — just unbelievably quick results. Learn all about the four body archetypes, workouts and diets that get his clients ripped, why recovery and good sleep are important to accelerate body transformations, and what it's really like working with A-listers.

Dr. Stephanie Estima is an expert on metabolism, hormones, and body composition. Using her framework, The ESTIMA Method™, she is particularly focused on distilling strategies in nutritional proxies, movement, posture, and mindset to actualize human potential, health span, longevity and achievement. She is also the host of the podcast Better! With Dr. Stephanie and author of the best-selling book: The Betty Body, which offers a blueprint for readers to discover their best feminine health. In this episode, we dive into the benefits of a supercharged sex life, the differences between men and women when it comes to testosterone and weight loss, the science behind the female menstrual cycle, and why keto diets boost brain health.

Are you looking for real secrets for success as an entrepreneur? This week's Escape Your Limits podcast episode featuring Snap Fitness founder Peter Taunton reveals his winning formula for dominating domestic and international franchising and expansion. Peter went from owning a single gym to accumulating a net worth of over $100 million. This entrepreneur got his big break after turning around a failing health club only to go on and found one of the largest wellness brands in the world, with over 6,000 franchises across 3 brands in 28 countries, including 9Round, Farrell's, YogaFit, STEELE Fitness, and Fitness On Demand. If you're wondering how to become a successful business owner, Peter reveals how to develop a winning business model and mindset, why you need to plan ahead and have an exit strategy, and what he learned from a costly $40 million mistake.

In today's episode, we reconnect with Frank Zane, 3x Mr. Olympia and one of the most admired and influential bodybuilders of all time. He's also one of our most popular podcast guests. Wondering how you can build a stunning physique like Frank Zane? Well, this 3x Mr. Olympia legend is keen on sharing his wealth of wisdom and expertise. During our interview, we discuss his cutting-edge training techniques, diet and nutrition insights, recovery, his commitment to excellence, and even answer some of his fans' most pressing questions. If you're aspiring to achieve a Frank Zane body… here's how he got it.

How do you know if you're getting enough sleep? How much sleep do you really need? Is your sleep not what it used to be? Do you wake up at 3 a.m. and struggle to fall back asleep? Are you feeling sleep-deprived no matter how many hours you spend in bed? A good night's sleep is incredibly important for your health. In fact, it's just as important as eating healthy and exercising. However, according to the CDC, about 70 million Americans have chronic sleep problems. Chronically bad sleep is more than just annoying. It weakens the immune system, reduces memory and attention span, and increases the likelihood of chronic conditions like depression, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Studies suggest that the less sleep you get, the shorter your life span. Why sleep is so important is still a bit of a mystery, but Dr. Michael Breus a.k.a. the "Sleep Doctor" can help you determine your unique sleep needs and answer the most common questions to solve your sleeping problems and optimize your health.

The fitness business is a traditionally male-dominated space, but some women like our guest today have broken through the glass ceiling to rise to the position of CEO. She's calling the shots at one of America's fastest growing boxing and kickboxing franchises, RockBox. Since making the jump from Orange Theory, she has been an influential force in the expansion of the fight club meets night club brand. With plans to expand the franchise internationally, this powerhouse executive has her sights set on making boxing accessible to as many people as possible. How? You'll have to watch and find out.

Paul Byrne is the former President of Precor. He's also a forward-thinking innovator who's the reason every gym in America has an elliptical machine. Under his leadership, he transformed Precor into a $350 million-dollar global supplier of home and commercial fitness equipment and was a key asset in its recent acquisition by Peloton. Today, he serves as an industry advisor and is the author of two powerful prediction reports that will change the game for the health and wellness sector and continue pushing the entire industry to innovate. What does the future look like for manufacturers? Where is the boutique segment headed? How do you go about being successful in an overly saturated consumer space? Paul has the answers.

How do you start a wildly successful business with little to no money? What allows some entrepreneurs to bootstrap their business to success while others falter and fail? The truth is: It takes remarkably little money to make money, if you're clever and work hard. British entrepreneur Oliver Cookson should know. He bootstrapped Myprotein, a successful sports nutrition business, in 2004 after borrowing £500 from the bank. No venture capitalists. No outside help or influence. A few years later, he sold Myprotein to The Hut Group, maintaining 100% equity and earning a nine-digit exit. During our interview, he highlights the advantages of bootstrapping a self-sustaining, self-funded business. Nothing is off the table, as long as it's relevant to the customer. Oliver was recently named the UK's number one self-made millionaire under 40 with a net worth of £306 million. His memoir, "Bootstrap Your Life," which he began writing at the beginning of the first lockdown is due to be published in summer 2021. Oliver also hosts the podcast Bootstrap Your Life, which features 15-minute episodes that cover topics such as self-esteem, business advice, mental health, mindset, and investment. Link to Oliver's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bootstrap-Your-Life-turn-million/dp/0349429197/ref=sr_1_1?field-isbn=9780349429199&qid=1620308719&refinements=p_66%3A9780349429199&sr=8-1

Elaine Jobson is a fitness industry veteran, with 25 years of experience working in executive positions for the world's largest fitness brands. In this week's Escape Your Limits podcast episode, she talks about her industry experiences, how she has adapted Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to develop an award-winning, international fitness franchise, and shares real life lessons on how to lead people and transform workplace culture. She is best known for teaming up with well-known industry entrepreneurs including Mike Balfour OBE, Founder of Fitness First, and Sir Richard Branson owner of Virgin Active South Africa. Elaine is passionate about building successful companies through great cultures and growing exceptional leaders.

What's the secret of Planet Fitness's massive success? Planet Fitness isn't really known to attract members who are super in shape and is often the butt of jokes when it comes to the fitness industry. Did you know that more than 40% of its current members had never even stepped foot in a gym before signing up? Planet Fitness has a competitive business model, strong brand, and low-cost memberships, but that's not necessarily how it became the leader in fitness franchising. Many people believe it's the no-frills atmosphere, simple selection of machines, and free pizza but there's so much more to it than that! The key to success in business is to not be afraid of doing things differently. This week, we sit down with Victor Brick, the CEO of Planet Fitness Growth Partners, one of the largest privately owned fitness franchises. He's here to reveal the secret formula that makes Planet Fitness such a huge success. Victor also explains how to use other people's money to finance business growth, why goal setting and dreaming big are essential, and dives into the pros and cons of being a franchisee. Episode Highlights: How to use other people's money to finance business growth The secret behind Planet Fitness's massive success Why Planet Fitness gives members free pizza What makes the franchise so competitive Importance of goal setting and dreaming big The pros and cons of being a franchisee Strategies for franchise growth Gym inclusivity and affordability About Victor Brick Victor Brick has 35 years of success in the fitness industry and is CEO of Planet Fitness Growth Partners (PFGP), the largest privately owned Planet Fitness franchise with 80+ clubs in the US and Australia. He's also an author and motivational speaker. He co-founded the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation in honor of his brother, John, who struggled throughout his life with mental health, but was never once offered a holistic plan supporting his wellbeing. His brother suffered from schizophrenia and died of complications from the disease. The foundation's goal is to change the way the world treats mental health. Victor was also the co-founder of Brick Bodies, which is a chain of full-service health clubs in the Baltimore, Maryland area. He is still the Chairman of the Board for Brick Bodies. Brick Bodies Padonia was named as one the top 25 health clubs in the United States by Fitness Magazine. He is a member of the board for the John Hopkins Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, the Board of Advisors for the Global Wellness Summit, and the Board of Directors for Defiance Fuel, which is the first structured water on the market.

When was the last time you thought about how you influence others — how you change minds, shape opinions, move others to act? The ability to influence is one of the essential skills for not only success, but happiness. The bottom line is that influence matters. Jon Levy, a behavioral scientist and author, best known for his work in the fields of human connection, influence, and adventure believes the size of your life is in proportion to how uncomfortable you're willing to be and understanding the power of influence in today's connected world. How can you make a consumer's entire experience with your brand, especially at the end, really special? Want the secret to guaranteeing gym members are left with a positive impression when they leave your facility? Do you know what the IKEA Effect is, why it's important, and how to leverage it to improve your business model and build a loyal community? Why is novelty important and how can you leverage it to be happier and more successful? Our guest this week has all the answers. Levy specializes in applying research to transform the ways companies approach marketing, sales, consumer engagement, and culture. He also founded "The Influencers," a secret dining experience and community, whose participants include more than 2000 leaders across industries, ranging from Nobel laureates, Olympians, and celebrities, to executives, editors-in-chief and royalty. In 2016, Jon released his first book, "The 2 AM Principle: Discover the Science of Adventure," which explores the science of living a fun, exciting and remarkable life.

Today, we're speaking with the President and CEO of Self Made Training Facility, Miguel Aguilar. Two years ago, he was our guest on the Escape Your Limits podcast, where he shared his humble and inspiring story of his rise to success. This time around, we caught up with Miguel at his Self Made headquarters to discuss how he managed to come out on top during an ongoing pandemic. When things get tough, do you sink or swim? Miguel decided to swim. When thousands of gym owners reluctantly closed their doors in early 2020, hoping to reopen in two weeks when things went back to "normal," he never wavered. Instead, he banded together with other Riverside Country fitness facilities and stayed open. His franchise owners educated the consumer while staying open and didn't give in to the bully tactics attempting to close down business. Miguel was able to put his head down and have faith that things would work out. Throughout this interview, he reveals how Self Made became one of the most successful training franchises in America, operating 40 locations in 11 different states. Miguel also explains how they managed to stay open while countless other gyms were forced to shut down. This is one interview you don't want to miss. One thing's for sure: You're going to walk away inspired. Please welcome Miguel Aguilar back to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

How do you conquer life's impossible challenges? Why is resilience more important now than ever before? How can you live your life with more purpose and authenticity? Our guest this week is Stacey Copas. She is the author of the book How To Be Resilient, a coach, international keynote speaker, and facilitator on finding the opportunity in change and adversity. At 12 years old, she broke her neck and almost drowned in a swimming pool diving accident and became a quadriplegic – needing a wheelchair the rest of her life. Stacey has created a framework of resilience based on her life experiences of overcoming adversity. By sharing her experiences of how she has coped, adapted, and thrived she hopes to help others overcome the challenges and setbacks they face. There was a time when it felt like her world had ended, but she believes that accident was the best thing that could've happened to her. This is her story. You're about to be inspired like never before.

Dr. John Jaquish is an innovator, thought leader in the biomedical fitness market, and a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of the book "Weight Lifting Is a Waste of Time." His objective? To challenge you to rethink how you burn fat and add muscle. That's what led him to invent OsteoStrong, a bone-density building medical device used to fight osteoporosis, which is now in 130 clinics in 8 different countries. The X3 Bar is his most recent invention. At 6'0" and 240 pounds, he has a zero-carb diet and works out 10 minutes a day, 6 days a week. He claims that, along with an unconventional diet, by using the X3 for only 10 minutes a day you can have the body of someone who spends hours in the gym every week. Tune in to our conversation as Dr. Jaquish dives into his research-based but controversial approaches to strength training, muscular development, and diet. He also addresses the criticisms he's received online.