My latest project had me mingling with a delightful mix of ages, with the sole aim of uncovering their fitness dreams, dilemmas, and desires. And let me tell you, it's as varied as a buffet at a family reunion. This blog dives into the a summary of these fitness chats, spotlighting their unique pain points, beliefs, and what they’re really hoping for!
This diverse group includes individuals whose ages range from 30 to 60, each bringing unique perspectives and needs to the table. Their health ratings generally hover around a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, which suggests a moderate level of fitness. This rating not only highlights their current state of health but also underscores a collective desire for improvement and growth in their fitness journeys. For instance, users like Ravi, who is in his 50s, and Suresh, in his 40s, express a longing for fitness routines that are both realistic and considerate of their age and physical capabilities. They seek programs that acknowledge the natural changes that come with aging and offer sustainable ways to stay healthy. On the other hand, younger members such as Kate, who is between 25 and 40, are more focused on finding a balance between maintaining their health and enjoying indulgent eat outs. They are often looking for ways to integrate fitness into their busy lives without sacrificing the pleasures they enjoy. Meanwhile, women users have distinct needs and preferences, often seeking fitness solutions that cater specifically to their unique health concerns and lifestyle demands. This highlights the varied and personalised nature of fitness aspirations across different demographics within the group.
Across the board, fitness goals are often rooted in personal health and independence. For instance, Suresh aims to enhance his cycling performance while ensuring he remains self-sufficient as he ages. Similarly, Vikram is focused on fat loss but is keenly aware of his health history, which drives his commitment to hydration and nutrition. Sankar, emphasises general health and long-term fitness rather than achieving a defined physique.
Quite a few users have experienced frustration with previous fitness programs. Ravi's journey through various yoga styles and apps left him feeling drained and unmotivated due to overly ambitious routines that lacked sustainability. Likewise, Vikram's struggle with a sedentary lifestyle reflects a broader issue: the challenge of finding time and motivation amidst busy schedules. Renu a working woman with a school going kid, finds it difficult to adjust her fitness routine amidst work commute and home priorities. She is keen on an instructor who understands women's fitness well and helps her with practical solutions.
Health issues significantly impact fitness pursuits. For example, Anita’s thyroid condition complicates her weight management efforts despite her dedication to exercise and diet. Similarly, Vikram's high blood pressure underscores the need for a more active lifestyle but is hindered by his rigid schedule. Vijay, diagnosed with fatty liver and vitamin deficiencies, highlights the urgency of addressing health concerns through fitness. It is these individuals who have fitness as a major concern, for others it is more about wellness. Diya on the other hand is struggling with postpartum issues and does not know an expert who can help with her specific problems.
A recurring theme among users is the demand for personalised training programs. Renu's aversion to commercialised fitness stems from her belief that these services often prioritise profit over genuine care for individual needs. She values self-guided workouts that allow her to tailor her routine based on personal insights rather than generic plans. Sankar also advocates for individualised goals over mainstream transformation-focused programs. Most of these are cookie-cutter methods as they label it.
Users like Suresh appreciate hybrid workout models that blend in-person and online sessions, providing flexibility that fits their busy lives. The desire for enjoyable experiences is echoed by Ravi, who seeks a program that remains engaging without overwhelming him.
They employs various strategies to maintain their fitness, a few of them being:
- Yoga three times a week
- Combining in-person flexibility training with strength exercises
- Balance in-person strength training with cycling, while tracking progress through apps
- Self-directed routine focusing on strength training and running, leveraging own experiences
- Utilise home equipment like stretching bands and engaging in wall-pilates using apps
- Online training sessions focusing on strength training along with cardio exercises two to three times per week.
Technology plays a vital role in many users' routines. For instance, Anita benefits from an online training app that addresses her specific health conditions through tailored exercises. Kate has used an AI tool to design her diet, highlighting a trend toward self-guided fitness solutions facilitated by technology. In her case however, this was short-lived and she did not continue after the initial free-trial month.
The Covid pandemic has been an eye-opener for many in terms of bringing back the focus on ones health. Staying active and being healthy both physically and mentally are now been given equal importance. January is the month when most gyms and fitness centers will see the most footfall and new member registrations. Let's hope 2025 indeed is the year where their fitness providers are listening keenly to their user feedback and are ready to provide a personalised, less intimidating and sustainable routine, that leads to holistic wellness!
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Note that, names of interviewees have been changed to avoid revealing their identity.
