About this episode

The episode discusses the rise of competition fitness and its impact on the future of gyms and training facilities.

Welcome to LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness, and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Mark Hartnett-Morgan (ATHX Games), Nicolas Denby (GymSync), Emily Leroux (DEKA International), and George Crook (HYROX Training Zones) to explore one of the most significant trends reshaping the fitness industry today: the rise of competition fitness. What started as a niche category has rapidly evolved into a global movement. HYROX events are selling out around the world, DEKA continues to expand internationally, and more operators are beginning to rethink how they design facilities, build communities, and engage members through performance-driven experiences. This conversation explores whether competition fitness is simply another industry trend or a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour that will permanently influence the future of gyms, fitness clubs, and training facilities. The panel examines how competition-based formats are creating new opportunities for operators to drive member acquisition, improve retention, strengthen community, and provide members with measurable goals beyond traditional fitness…

People in this episode

Hosts: Matthew Januszek, Mohammed Iqbal

Guests: Mark Hartnett-Morgan, Nicolas Denby, Emily Leroux, George Crook

Topics covered

• competition fitness
• fitness industry trends
• gym strategy
• member engagement
• performance-driven experiences

Keywords

• HYROX
• competition fitness
• gym strategy
• member retention
• fitness events

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ATHX Games, GymSync, DEKA International, HYROX Training Zones

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