LIFTS Episode 120 – The Molecule Matters: How NAD Actually Works in the Body | with Rachele Pojednic

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most talked-about topics in modern wellness: NAD and the rapid rise of longevity therapies. Joined by Rachele Pojednic, Chief Science Officer at Restore Hyper Wellness, the conversation breaks down what NAD actually is, how it functions within the body, and why it has become such a focal point in energy, recovery, and healthy aging. As wellness clinics, IV therapies, and performance treatments continue to grow in popularity, NAD has emerged as a central molecule in the conversation around optimisation and longevity. However, as interest increases, so too does the gap between consumer awareness, scientific understanding, and real-world application. The discussion explores the biology behind NAD, including its role in cellular energy production, metabolism, and DNA repair, while also examining the different forms of NAD and its precursors, such as NR and NMN. Matthew and Mo share their own experiences with NAD therapies, opening up a broader discussion around delivery methods, perceived benefits, and the difference between anecdotal outcomes and evidence-based practice. As the conversation develops, Rachel highlights the importance of understanding not just the therapy, but the underlying molecule, and why factors such as dosage, delivery method, and cellular transport play a critical role in determining effectiveness. The episode also addresses the wider challenges within the wellness industry, including the speed at which new therapies are being adopted, the influence of biohacking culture, and the growing need for scientific validation and safety data. For operators, this episode provides valuable insight into both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with integrating longevity and wellness services into fitness environments. In this episode, we cover: What NAD is and how it works in the body Why NAD levels decline with age The rise of NAD and wellness clinics The difference between NAD, NR, and NMN Why delivery method and molecule selection matter The gap between wellness hype and scientific evidence Safety considerations, dosage challenges, and unknowns 👉 To learn more about Rachele Pojednic, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelepojednic/ 👉 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 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  Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog  (US) Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod  Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 1:50 What is NAD? 6:15 How NAD Works in the Body 9:10 Why NAD Declines With Age 13:00 Can You Measure NAD? 19:00 NAD Therapy Explained 28:30 Wellness Hype vs Science 38:30 Safety & What We Don't Know 51:30 Final Takeaways