LIFTS Episode 131 – Inside Athletech New York: The Biggest Ideas Shaping Fitness LIFTS LIVE in New York

Welcome to a special edition of LIFTS x Athletech, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. Recorded live at Athletech in New York, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by five industry leaders to discuss the trends already transforming the fitness industry and what operators need to do to stay ahead. As fitness, healthcare, AI, wearable technology, recovery and longevity continue to converge, today's leaders are redefining what a fitness business looks like. This conversation explores how operators are embracing innovation, leveraging technology, building stronger communities and preparing their organisations for the future. Joining the discussion are Chris Griebe, Chief Operating Officer of VASA Fitness; Hussain Ahamed, Founder & CEO of Ultrahuman; Sean Hoess, Founder & CEO of Eudēmonia Summit; Eric Casaburi, Founder & CEO of Longevity Brands; and Brian Von Ancken, Founder of WGM. Chris shares how VASA Fitness is reinventing the High Value Low Price model through boutique studios, recovery, AI-powered movement analysis and premium member experiences. Hussain explains how wearable technology, continuous health monitoring and AI are enabling consumers to better understand and improve their health through personalised data. Sean reflects on the evolution of wellness from a niche movement into a global cultural shift, and why community, experience and human connection remain central to the future of fitness. Eric discusses why recovery, longevity and preventative healthcare represent one of the industry's greatest opportunities, and how fitness businesses are uniquely positioned to improve long-term health outcomes. Brian shares why authentic relationships, collaboration and community continue to be the industry's greatest competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world. Together, they explore one of the defining questions facing the industry today: what will the future of fitness look like, and how do we build businesses that are ready for it? For founders, operators, investors, executives and fitness professionals, this episode offers practical insights into the trends, technologies and leadership strategies shaping the next generation of health and fitness. ## In this episode, we cover: • The biggest trends reshaping the future of fitness • How AI is transforming coaching and member experiences • Wearable technology and personalised health • Why recovery is becoming fitness's next major growth category • The evolution of the modern gym • Community as the industry's greatest competitive advantage • Longevity, prevention and the future of healthcare 👉 Connect with Chris Griebe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgriebe/ 👉 Connect with Hussain Ahamed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussainahamed/ 👉 Connect with Sean Hoess: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanhoess/ 👉 Connect with Eric Casaburi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericcasaburi/ 👉 Connect with Brian Von Ancken:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianvonancken/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com 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 Future of Fitness Starts Here 1:01 Reinventing the Modern Gym with VASA Fitness 14:10 Why Wellness Has Become Mainstream 22:21 The Business Opportunity in Wellness 32:11 From Fitness to Preventative Healthcare 39:30 Why Recovery Is Fitness's Next Growth Category 52:05 AI, Wearables & Personalised Health 1:00:05 How GLP-1s Are Reshaping Human Performance 1:11:58 Building Community in the Wellness Economy 1:24:50 The Biggest Takeaways from Athletech