What matters more than ripped abs? 53% of people, and science, say this…
“Where everybody knows your name.”
For those of us old enough to remember, just hearing those words is quickly followed by hearing the jingle from the opening of Cheers.
It’s no surprise that Cheers ran for 11 seasons. Set in Boston, Cheers tapped into the deeply human need for a sense of belonging and interpersonal connections.
The human need for social interaction and relationships is so strong that researchers have determined that they are a stronger predictor of old age than quitting smoking, a healthy weight, and even exercise (Pinker’s TED Talk). But what if we could combine the benefits of social interaction and exercise, then surely that’d be a step in the right direction towards longevity. Well, in many ways, traditional gyms did just that.
As expressed by Duhigg in The Power of Habit, “People, it turns out, often go to the gym looking for a human connection, not a treadmill.”
But then the pandemic happened, or for other people, life happened even before that.
I found that after having kids the inconvenience of commuting to a gym and listening to the kids scream in the car while sitting in traffic and then listening to them cry in fitness center’s daycare, removed most of the positive effect I felt that my workout was having. I really struggled with the decision not to renew my gym membership, but after my 4 year old begged me not to drop him off at the childcare center again and my 1 year old tears caused my hormones to surge, I couldn’t help but feel anger over having to choose.
After the third day, I didn’t go back.
It was tough.
It wasn't just the workout I was missing. It was the comradery. It was the enthusiasm and support of my fellow classmates and the feeling when the trainer looked me straight in the eye and told me to get off the ground and do another Blurpee that made me push through the pain.
When my first class was over everyone congratulated me on finishing the workout. They said no one new ever made it through the entire class before. And here I was during the workout feeling like a failure for tapping out a few times for 10–20 seconds here and there. After receiving so many positive comments, I was on cloud nine.
That was until I went to pick up my kids. My youngest was hanging on the gate — his face so covered in snot that you would’ve thought he had a terrible cold, and my oldest was fighting over a toy while the childcare workers sat on a bench chatting and looking at their nails. I immediately came down from my workout high.
I have always been a fan of technology. I like trying out new things, and learning even more. But I never quite understood how bots could provide meaningful motivation. Now, don’t get me wrong, we’ve made strides, and in many cases, they are better than nothing at all, but at the core, it never felt quite right, and still doesn’t. Talking to a bot, abet even one with human looking features always felt kind of like eating gluten free bread. Even the best gluten free bread is not the same as an Italian loaf. And believe me, I should know, I am a Celiac who grew up in Northern NJ!
Anyway, I wondered if I was the only one feeling this way, so I started asking around, first informally, then through user interviews, and here is what I found:
“[Gyms] are a great way for people interested in fitness to congregate and bond over fitness. It also gives you a sense of community as well.” — Cardozo Law Student
“I like the comradery and community [of fitness], it also makes me feel healthy and can release stress.” — PhD candidate
53% of people who exercise say that they enjoy the aspect of community and interaction with others.
“[I enjoy the] sense of routine that comes with classes…get to know people in the class, [the] teacher is motivating you.” — COO and mom
“I like interacting with others and the feeling of calm afterwards, I engage in more negative thoughts [if I don’t work out].” — Scientist
So what about personal trainers and group fitness instructors?
44% said that they got into the field for the community aspect.
AND
91% of trainers said that the reason they enjoyed their job was because of the community aspect — 91%!
“I love the chatting, the happiness folks experience, the challenge, and working in a healthy environment.” — Pilates Instructor
But sadly, 44% of trainers did not like the current training solutions due to a lack of personal connection and a lack of community.
“That’s a major pain point- making a place to be engaged, creating a community within your circle, especially now, is difficult….motivation and convenience are the two biggest things that hold anyone back from fitness.” — Gym Operations Manager & former Personal Trainer Manager
So if you think the current system is broken, you’re not alone.
If you want to learn more about our solution visit our website: MotivateU.
