LIFTS Episode 109 - The Pilates Journal Expo 2026 | Los Angeles | Part 2

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Recorded live at the Los Angeles Pilates Journal Expo 2026, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with leading voices shaping the future of Pilates. Guests include: Pilates experts Sean Bergara and Tracey Mallett, along with Reform RX founders Neal and Yvette McGaffin. In this episode, we explore: • How Pilates is evolving to meet modern strength and athletic demands. • Why men are increasingly embracing Pilates for longevity and performance. • The rise of fusion fitness and technology-driven reformers. • What it takes to innovate in a traditionally classical industry. • Lessons from decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and reinvention. 👉 To learn more about The Pilates Journal, click here: https://pilatesjournal.com/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor, EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR 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/ 00:00 Intro & Sean Bergara on aging, strength & movement 04:20 Why Pilates works for men 12:05 Inclusivity, language & industry barriers 17:50 Sean Bergara's journey & philosophy 22:45 Tracey Mallett on fusion fitness & early Pilates media 30:15 Pilates becoming mainstream & inclusive 34:05 Entrepreneurship, setbacks & resilience 38:30 Neal & Yvette McGaffin on Reform RX origins 42:50 Reimagining the reformer with technology 46:20 Safety, design & the future of Pilates 50:20 Closing thoughts