Escape Your Limits

In this episode of LIFTS, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Will Brereton: longtime group fitness leader, Les Mills presenter, and founder of SH1FT Fitness. They dive deep into how group fitness has evolved over the decades, why hybrid community is the new frontier, and how instructors, technology, and member expectations have transformed. Will shares powerful insights from the front lines of group exercise across NZ, the UK, Europe, and the U.S. This episode is essential listening for club operators, instructors, boutique owners, and anyone passionate about the future of fitness. Key Topics Covered: • The five historical eras of group fitness and the new hybrid community era. • Why Gen Z treats the gym like a social hub, even replacing nightlife. • How meaningful interaction drives 2-3x higher retention. • Why instructors are harder to find and how tech is filling the gap. • The changing role of certifications and what members actually want. • Where Pilates, strength, and boutique programmin