Uplift.

Workout like nobody’s watching.

Fitness facilities should be available to everyone with no fear involved.

Project Overview:

The Challenge:

50% of people are intimidated at the thought of working out at a gym.

How might we make the gym environment more inclusive and welcoming to a wider audience, reducing feelings of ‘gymtimidation’ and ensuring that individuals of all fitness levels and backgrounds feel comfortable and empowered to pursue their wellness goals?

My Role:

This project was a part of SCAD StartUp 2023, a student-led intensive week long design challenge.

I worked on a team of four designers (Jillian McCormick, Zachary Hoedl, and Chi Quach), we collaborated using our skills in Industrial Design and User Experience to create a personal workout environment and digital interface.

Due to the nature of a high-paced project, it was essential we shared many of the roles throughout the project. As an Industrial Designer on the team however, a large part of my responsibilities were conducting research and developing the personal gym environment, as well as how it connected with the app.

The Outcome:

Private work out spaces created from repurposed shipping containers that can be accessed autonomously through a connected app.

The Process:

The Motivation.

Around 90% of people are concerned about how other people perceive them at the gym. With health and fitness being an essential part to creating a happy, healthy lifestyle, we wondered how we could make it more approachable for someone who may be starting out, or would prefer to have their own workout space but either can’t afford it, or doesn’t have room for it within their home.

Competitor Analysis.

Among the wide array of options to someone looking to join a gym, Uplift has identified a unique opportunity to revolutionize the fitness experience by prioritizing a more approachable, yet relatively affordable strategy.

Uplift.

Workout like nobody's watching.

Uplift. Workout like nobody's watching.

Target Customer.

We strive to cater to individuals who are 23-34 years old and are living in or near large metropolitan area.

Project Development:

Brainstorming.

Collaboration is key. Finding ways to visualize and map out our thinking is always part of the fun when it comes to designing a user centered solution.

Using a white board to begin, we explored our potential design solutions, looking for overlaps and positive outcomes across a variety of solutions.

Developing Personas.

Beginner

  • May face metal health challenges and wants to explore fitness as a solution.

  • Lacks gym experience and is easily discouraged due to intimidating atmosphere.

  • Wants guidance to develop a routine but doesn’t want to ask.

  • Workout frequency: Passive - Moderate

Fitness is Therapy

  • Works out to promote their well being.

  • Uses exercise as an escape, and therefore prefers to have their own space.

  • Enjoyment over performance.

  • Workout frequency: Moderate

Convenience is Key

  • Desires a solution that works with their busy schedule.

  • Enjoys implementations of technology to improve performance.

  • Does not have enough space in their home for fitness equipment.

  • Workout frequency: Moderate to Frequent

The Result:

A Sustainable Approach.

While creating an approachable gym is an exciting solution, we wanted to take it one step further and make the experience unique and sustainable, since out target audience is favorable towards memorable experiences and green efforts.

To make this possible we repurposed shipping containers to create a dynamic, inclusive, and unique workout opportunity.

Did someone say, photo opp?

Built in Rhino 7. Rendered in Keyshot.

Fully automated booking, and check-in/out process allows users full control and privacy.

Each gym space is made from a recycled shipping container.

Lower energy use and cost because space only needs to be active when in use.

Self-Guided Workouts.

Meet with the virtual trainer of your dreams. Customers can select from a wide variety of trainers, plans, and classes all from their Uplift app. Then once in the gym, they can see their trainer through the mirror in any of the personal gym spaces.

Following along, or learning new machines and techniques has never been less intimidating!

Get Connected.

We developed an interactive app by sketching wire frames followed by developing a couple high-fidelity screens using Figma.

The purpose of the app is to enhance the fitness experience while working out in the personal fitness rooms and giving users complete personalization over their space and experience.

It also tracks workout frequency, helps customize fitness plans, and is your key in and out of your fitness pod.

Check out something else!