The Decline of HIIT Training, What’s Next for the Fitness Industry - Ross Campbell.

26 August 2024

On the latest episode of the LIFTS podcast, Matthew Januszek, CEO of Escape Fitness, and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by a special guest, Ross Campbell, the Founder & CEO of Beyond Activ. Beyond Activ is recognized as one of the largest and most influential global networks in the health, fitness, wellness, sports, hospitality, and leisure industries.

This episode discusses the evolution of fitness and healthcare conferences, with a focus on the recent Beyond Activ event in Saudi Arabia. They explore the impact of GLP-1 and AI on the industry, the changing landscape of boutique fitness and the growing competition in the wellness hospitality space.

Key topics explored in this episode include:

Creating Real-Life Experiences and Connections: The hosts and guest emphasize the importance of fostering genuine connections and meaningful experiences through in-person events.
The Crossroads for Boutique Fitness and Wellness: The conversation examines the current state and future direction of boutique fitness and wellness businesses.
HIIT vs. Strength and Conditioning Workouts: A debate unfolds on the benefits and drawbacks of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) compared to strength and conditioning workouts.
Potential Downsides of HIIT: Insights from Dr. Stacy Sims’ research suggest that HIIT could potentially be harmful to health, sparking a conversation on the need for a more personalized approach to fitness.
The Rise of Pilates: The episode discusses the surge in popularity of Pilates and how it’s reshaping the fitness landscape.
Equinox’s New Venture in Neom, Saudi Arabia: The team discusses Equinox’s expansion into Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic desert city, and what this means for the brand and the region.
Wellness-Centric Hospitality Brands on the Rise: There’s a growing trend of hospitality brands focusing on wellness, and the episode explores how this shift is impacting the industry.
Innovations in Wellness, Recovery, and Longevity: The conversation includes new developments in wellness, recovery, and longevity, highlighting the latest trends and advancements.
GLP-1 Drugs as Industry Disruptors: The hosts explore how GLP-1 drugs are emerging as significant disruptors in the health and fitness industry.
Airlines and Airports Investing in Wellness: A look at how airlines and airports are reinvesting in lounges and wellness spaces to cater to the needs of health-conscious travelers.
Beyond Activ New York Event: The episode also provides a sneak peek into the upcoming Beyond Activ event scheduled in New York from September 18th to 19th, where these topics and more will be further discussed.

Tune in to this insightful episode to hear from industry leaders about the latest trends and developments that are shaping the future of fitness, wellness, and hospitality.