Show notes
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 annual predictions special, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Anthony Vennare, co-founder of Fit Insider, to review how their 2025 fitness predictions performed and to forecast what's coming in 2026. Key topics covered: Which 2025 fitness and wellness predictions actually came true. Why wearables and biometrics are becoming mainstream tools. The rise of GLP-1 drugs and their industry-wide impact. Why AI fitness apps may be heading toward a shakeout. How local, premium wellness concepts are outperforming big brands. Why strength training continues to dominate global fitness trends. The shift from aesthetics to holistic health and longevity. What 2026 holds for fitness, tech, and consumer behavior. 👉 To learn more about Fitt Insider, click here: https://insider.fitt.co/ 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 & 2025 Prediction Scores 3:01 – Big Tech & Wearables: Hits and Misses 9:35 – Healthcare, Biometrics & Wearables 13:21 – VR Fitness and CGM Predictions 19:02 – Small & Mid-Market Fitness Trends 29:49 – GLP-1s and Consumer Behavior Shifts 37:15 – Offline Fitness & Community Growth 43:19 – Functional Beverages vs Alcohol 51:20 – AI in Fitness: Bubble or Breakthrough 56:40 – The Big Wellness Themes for 2026 1:01:08 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up
