Wellbeats & Virtual Corporate Wellness - Jen Zygmunt

Hey everybody, welcome to the Future of Fitness, where we talk with entrepreneurs, researchers, and practitioners in fitness, wellness, and health scientists. I'd like to give a big thanks to our sponsors, Level 5 Mentors, helping entrepreneurs achieve the highest levels of freedom in time, money, relationship, health, and purpose. Also, certified course creation, helping entrepreneurs create accredited online certifications that are not only lucrative but highly scalable. Go to level5mentors.com or certifiedcoursecreation.com and learn more. I am your host, Eric Maldone, and once again, welcome to the future of fitness. Oh, we're live. Jen Sigman, welcome to the show.

Thank you. Great to be here.

Yeah, really excited to have you. You know, as of today's date of recording, it's uh March 24th, 2020, the March that will go down in uh infamy, I think. It's an interesting time for the fitness and health industry. And, you know, a company like Wellbeat seems to be well positioned to not just survive the downturn of what's going on and the uncertainty, but also thrive and help both the consumer and and the employee and the fitness and health professional kind of move into the to the new age that we're we're forced to move into right now. So, Jen, if if we can, I always like to start with your personal story of kind of how you got to where you are with Wellbeats. And yeah, let's let's start with that.

Sure. Okay, great. Well, my background actually is not in fitness. I came from the consumer goods industry and kind of fell into fitness. I have always been really passionate about it. My mom was a PE teacher growing up, so physical activity was always something that was ingrained in me. I always laugh at my mom, always has a whistle around her neck. So I grew up playing sports, I grew up being really active in my siblings. It was something that I was passionate about. But originally my career path took a different turn. I started in IT sales and went into a consumer goods role, both on the sales side and marketing side. At the time, I was traveling every single week. I was pregnant with my second kid. I decided it was probably a good opportunity for me to change career paths. So I reached out to my network and at the same time, the CEO Jason of Wellbeat, I reached out to my sister and said, Hey, I'm looking for someone that has both sales background and marketing background that can come and help me run this area of Wellbeats. You know anyone? And she said, actually, it's really interesting. My sister's working right now. So met Jason, we hit it off, and it was just a really good fit for me. And that was about four and a half years ago, and it's been with Wellbeats ever since.

How did Wellbeats start? What's what's the origin story of this company?

Yeah, so we started back in 2008, and it was actually started by a couple of gym owners. So they were looking for a solution for not being able to provide group fitness classes around the clock. So uh it's kind of an interesting story. They had some members of their gym that would start bringing in their own DVDs and start playing them with groups, small groups of their friends, and then all of a sudden the owners got a cease and desist letter that you can't use personal DVDs in a commercial setting. So they thought, hey, this is really interesting. We have a this is a really interesting business idea. So they started sewing some of their own content with their trainers, found someone that could build the computer basically, or the kiosk to put in their gym. And that's how it got started. You know, as things evolved in and everything went mobile, we evolved as well and became a mobile platform. So we're across iOS, Android, website portals. So now we can really move, be in the gym, but then move beyond the four walls of the gym as well.

Awesome. Explain what Wellbeats does. Like I guess, you know, maybe from a like who do you guys serve? Let's let's start with that.

Yeah, it's very broad. We serve a lot of different markets. We view ourselves both as a content company and a software as a service company because we do film our all of our own content. We have a studio in Minneapolis where we're constantly filming content, but then we also have a software as a service side of our business as well, where it's all app-based and we're continuing to evolve that product as well. We work with all sorts of industries. So corporate wellness is a really big focus for us. So we work with employers and then health plans to be able to provide to employees as an employee benefit. We work with gyms, we work with multifamily apartment complexes in their fitness centers. We work with community group. We're a preferred vendor of the US military. So we work with all five military branches, so kind of a variety of different industries, but both in a fitness facility, but then as a streaming-based product for people as well.

Interesting. How do you guys help the military?

So we work with soldiers. So we primarily are on base, but we do have some streaming services for Air Force, Army. We work with Coast Guard and Marine. So typically, though, you'll find us on bases in fitness centers.

Awesome. And so the type of content that you guys are producing are all like, is it is it fitness related? Is it like instructional nutrition? Is it like, is it the whole thing? Give us uh give us some insights and into the depth and breadth of the content you guys are making.

I have a little bit of everything. So we have traditional fitness classes like um, you know, cycling or yoga pilates, hit classes, kickboxing, anything that you'd really find in kind of that group fitness area. We also have nutrition classes, nutrition education, cooking recipes. We have mindfulness and meditation classes. We try to cater to specific groups of people or environments. So we have office breaks where you can do quick stretch breaks in an office setting, always classes in a living room. You know, we try to reach a lot of interest. So we have classes that are really geared around specific sports. So let's just say that you're a golfer and you really want to improve your swing. We may have a fairway flexibility class or strength building so that you can really, you know, improve your golf swing. So we really try to have a wide variety for any age, any ability level, any interest, any environment.

Yeah, because I think that's critical, right? I think when when corporate executives look at implementing a solid corporate health and wellness program, it's generally one of the biggest challenges they have are, you know, trying to make something that's not only accessible to everybody, but something that is wanted, right? Or desired by everybody. And I guess here's an interesting question for you, because I, you know, I have talked to a lot of people who are deeply involved in corporate health and wellness. And what do you think, you know, from if you're looking at from the corporate executive standpoint, what do you think the biggest challenges they are they have in establishing a solid corporate health and wellness program?

You know, I think it's reaching their full population. So oftentimes they may find a solution that's that's good for a subset or you know, a small amount of people. Um and that's where it's been fitness within corporate wellness has been a challenge in the past where there's some great solutions for some people, you know, the gym reimbursement programs or having an on-site facility, but it's not for everyone. And so it may be that they don't want to work out in public or they don't have the time to do it in a gym or a schedule. So offering something like a virtual fitness solution is really great because it can break down a lot of those barriers that people may have and try to reach more people with a solution that can really be for any age, any ability level, or any interest.

Yeah, I agree. I think that's in that tends to be, and then just getting the engagement too. I mean, you you can lead a horse to water, you can make the horse really thirsty, but you can't always make him drink, right? Completely. How do you help corporations and companies kind of get people actually activated in the program?

Yeah, and that's where technology can really be a benefit, is that it allows you to reach the employee in different in different ways with different messages. Also, it gives the ability that we can recommend specific content or programs to people based on either their interests or their behaviors within the application. Um, so it keeps them engaged and keeps them coming back because we're able to really serve up things that they're interested in. So, you know, if they say that they like kickboxing, they don't like to dance, we're not gonna show them dance classes, we're gonna show them kickboxing classes. Or if they sign up for a challenge, we're gonna remind them every day to come back and do that challenge. So it really helps drive that engagement.

Yeah. You know, one of the big challenges I see too is that, you know, when you look at where the healthcare costs are focused, where they're concentrated, tends to be the people that, you know, me, you, we'll we'll go to a gym, right? We'll engage in a workout program. Maybe it's something that's always been part of our lives. But there's a huge, you know, the the population that, you know, has the biggest expenditures and medications and sick time and all that tend to be people who really are hard motivated to get going. Not and just because that's you know, that's been their lifestyle for a very long time. And you know, so getting them activated is is really critical. And and and I'm curious to see how you guys, from a granular perspective, how do you guys tackle that? Or do you help, or is that not like, or do you just simply offer the solution and then you know, where do you guys stand on that?

Yeah, we definitely provide a lot of tools, especially for employers, on on trying to get people motivated to at least come out and check out things. So we have monthly promotional campaigns. We try to focus on education for people. So if you're just getting started, it you know, how do you get started? Or or even what does a what does a proper um squat look like? Or can we even start with some breathing exercises? Just something to get you going, because you you shouldn't jump right into a HIT class if you haven't been working out. So let's take the appropriate steps so we can we can get people ready to work out. Or if they're just getting started to come and explore, you know, try a stretch, try, you know, get some education, start with nutrition first. That's another gateway to get into some physical activity, or you know, even a mindfulness class. Maybe you're ready to listen to a podcast first around managing anxiety or stress. But it's a way that an entry point that we can at least get you to try some other things as well.

Yeah, yeah, I think that's um the ones that I've seen that are that are really successful, they kind of, you know, start from a very holistic point of view and then drill down from there. And maybe it's, you know, people looking for help with their finances, you know, people looking for help with their relationships, people helping, you know, these universal things that aren't necessarily fitness or health related, but you know, at least it gets them engaging in a in a program because it's it's hard to get people really to admit that they they need or want help.

Absolutely. And we try to take something that's really intimidating and make it less intimidating. So, you know, hopefully that they're willing to do more then and build on that.

Yeah. And well, what's your guys' sweet spot, Jim? What what do you guys like as far as the size of a company that you work with? Do you have one or is it kind of all across the board?

Really all across the board. We have anything from small businesses all the way up to, you know, Fortune 100 companies that are using WellBe today. So we're able to really accommodate any size. It's it's nice as being a technology offering that we we really can be flexible on. We're really great for anyone. We can integrate into people's already built wellness programs. So if they're using a platform, for example, we can single sign on right from that platform. A lot of large companies use that today. Or small companies may use this as a standalone product, and we are their wellness program. So it it really varies.

Right on. And for you personally, what's what's been some of the bigger challenges for you, you know, coming from different industries into the fitness and health or the health industry, wellness industry. Has it been an interesting transition? Anything that's caught you by surprise?

It's been a really fun transition. I've actually really enjoyed the industry. And it's a it's a small circle, I feel like. I feel like that it's much smaller than what I ever thought it would be. And you continue to run into a lot of the same people and the same organization, which is really fun. You know, I think our biggest challenge has been just really the virtual fitness category and getting category recognition and then brand recognition, of course, as well. You know, in the last year, we've seen the focus around virtual or on-demand fitness explode. We love companies like Teleton and Beach Body because they've really brought a lot of attention to the category and really made people aware that there are options at home, that it's, you know, you don't always have to physically go somewhere to get a good workout. So, and then with what we're going through today, I mean, that brings just even more light on the situation and the need for people to have solutions that they can do at home.

Yeah. Yeah, I agree. So let's let's dive into that. I mean, if I'm a fitness and health professional right now, I'm looking for answers, right? I'm wondering, okay, well, my in-person business is ground to a halt. Where do I go now? Right. How how with a company like yours, what what type of talent are you guys looking for? How does a fitness professional, you know, get engaged with what you're doing?

Yeah, if from a fitness professional standpoint, if they own a fitness facility or a gym, we're a really great alternative that you can offer to your membership base. We right now are offering free access for a lot of our clients and also people that are willing to try out with our members, just so that they have something that they can give them when people can't physically go to the gym. But then from talent perspective, we're always looking for really great talent. And so if something that you're passionate about and really want to learn about, teaching virtually is a little bit different than teaching live. So we do have some training involved, but it's it's definitely something that we're constantly looking for new great instructors.

Yeah, awesome. And do you guys offer like that's such a funny uh live virtual? Like, is it do you guys offer that so you can actually lead people through like group training session while they're, you know, I don't know, on a Zoom call? Or what's what does it actually look like when people are doing virtual training?

Yeah, right now all of our product is on demand. And so we have classes that all live within that are pre-recorded that are within our app. And then we really push people to both our fitness assessments, um, we call them fit tests, or our challenges. And so we put together a schedule for them of let's just say they want to lose weight or they want to train for a 5K, or it's a work from home challenge because you're home for the next few weeks. It's it's really trying to find a solution for them so that they have a pre, you know, a schedule that's given to them. So ours is pretty much all on demand. We do do some live Facebook Live and through social media, some different live events, but they're typically more event-based than every day.

Awesome. And what are you, you know, looking forward a little bit? You know, let's presume that this coronavirus pandemic kind of works its course over the next few months and and things start to kind of come back to normal, let's say in the late summer and fall. I don't know how long it's gonna take. Um, that's just kind of my personal opinions. But how do you think it's gonna change the face of corporate health and wellness? Like what do you what are you guys predicting?

We definitely see the need for more virtual-based solutions or the need for technology within benefits. Um, it's not only just on the fitness side. I think it's it's across the board when you look at employee benefits. People are looking for technology solutions, something that can be offered when they're physically somewhere in an office or if they're working from home or really virtually anywhere. So we're really seeing that starting to evolve right away or right in front of our faces as well. I think that remote employees will be more common. It already has been more common, but I think this now shows and proves to companies that people can work remote and virtually. And so um that will that trend I think will continue to increase as well.

Yeah, I agree. And you know, maybe taking a step back from corporate health and wellness too. I was talking to my brother yesterday, you know, he's a VP of sales and company's not looking so hot, right? So we were talking about how how things are changing and what post-Corona life is gonna look like. I think it's gonna be different. And I'm not just talking about from a corporate perspective, but for everything. I think obviously people are looking at, you know, remote. We're we're now workforces have been forced to go remote, obviously. I think there's a lot of benefits to that long term. I just looked at the 405 freeway traffic map at like a 5 p.m., which is you know the biggest freeway in LA, and it was green the whole way. There was no traffic. And uh, you know, air travel and it's probably obviously, you know, dampened a little bit. And how this whole thing, you know, maybe there's you know, there's always silver lining when you go through this. And I'm just curious, have you got have like what do you think from from a not just a corporate health and wellness perspective, but business life? How how do you think things are gonna change over this period?

Yeah, it's it's so interesting because I have kids as well. And now I have kids that are also in school from home. So my husband and I are both working from home. My my kids are virtually doing their schoolwork. It's completely changed our family dynamic. And and it's interesting, we've really learned how to work together. So my husband and I kind of tag team the kids throughout the day. You know, we flex our schedule a little bit so that we're also working in the evenings if we, you know, have to not work during the day for a couple hours. I mean, the kids have really adjusted well to it as well. You know, we're also seeing that we're spending a lot more quality time together as a family. So you know, silver lining of it is it's really brought us together. And I think that we'll it's shedding some light on how we can have quality family time in the future as well.

Yeah, yeah, it's it's really interesting. And what do you, because you have a business mind, what what markets do you think are going to accelerate at this time? What verticals, what types of businesses are gonna do really well right now?

Definitely technology. I think anything with technology is is gonna continue to grow and explode just because we're it's now been illuminated, the need for it. So, you know, that's definitely one industry or or really bringing technology into more industries, I think is gonna continue to boom and explode.

Yeah, you know, as I was talking to a guy kind of unrelated, but somewhat related to our topic here. I think anything that is, you know, any kind of streaming service, obviously doing very well. Anything that has an imper infrastructure already built out combined with technology for delivery, a great example is in the states that it's legal, cannabis is just, you know, talked to somebody had they had uh, you know, his company had $40,000 in sales last week. So it's you know, there there are verticals that are going to do really well. It's just interesting to see how they come about and what that looks like. Have you seen anything? Have you seen anything like that? Anything that surprised you?

Uh, you know, it's a great question. You know, I the things that I've I've noticed are probably not surprising for a lot of people. It's what you mentioned, like the streaming services and the video conferencing, when all of a sudden you really depend on it, uh, it needs to work. So those companies that have that infrastructure built, it it's gonna be really, really important.

Yeah, yeah, I agree. Jen, you you're doing some really your company is doing some great things for companies that need solutions right now. Can give us some insights onto how you're helping right now with with companies.

Yeah, we really want to help people out. And it's we are fortunate enough that we have a product that we can help people out. And so we are working with with companies in all verticals, but primarily, you know, on our corporate fitness side and wellness side, but we're offering free access to our product um during this coronavirus epidemic or pandemic. And it's it's just a really great way that they can offer a solution for people to stay active and and try to stay healthy during this time. Um, it's also great. We have kids content, we have older adult senior content, so it's something that they can share with their family as well. And so when you're stuck at home with your entire family, including kids, it gives you something that you can do.

And so if people want to, if if I'm a business owner or an executive and I hear this, what do you do to engage in this program?

So contact Wellbeats. And so you can contact us either through email, you can email us at sales at wellbeats.com or media at wellbeats.com. Also visit our website. So wellbeats.com forward slash free dash access is another place where you can learn more. So definitely contact us and we'll get you more information and we'll get you and your company set up.

Cool. And how about the fitness professional? How do they get involved in this? Do they have to be in, because you're in Minneapolis, right? Do do they have to be in that area or can they be creating content from their home or their gym? Like what else? What can they do?

Yeah, we are a global company. So, you know, with gyms and and fitness facilities, we're offering the same free access promotion as well. So really an opportunity for them to be able to provide something for their members during this time. Um and then for any fitness professional, we are it's we're starting to film some more content from things like people's homes. You know, we have our instructors that have live live streaming cameras that are doing some activities for us both on social media, but then um also for our app as well.

Awesome. If you look into the future a little bit, because it's you know podcasts called future fitness, let's say like five years from now, what do you or what do your company think corporate health and wellness is gonna look like? Is it gonna look different? Like what are the qualities of it, do you think?

Well, we definitely know that employees now are using technology to manage their health far more than they ever have. I think the new statistic is 60% of employees use it, and that health and fitness apps are growing like crazy as well. They're you know, three times growth year over year. So we're seeing a huge amount of focus on this. And I think that people are gonna continue to use apps to really manage their health. So whether that be through fitness or, you know, with their nutrition or things like mindfulness, we'll just continue to see the need for that.

Awesome. What is the biggest need that you guys have in your business? Are you looking for collaborations? Obviously, you want business growth and and more clientele and and more content. But what can our fitness community help you with right now?

Yeah, I think you know, we're always looking for partnership. We're looking for great clients to continue to grow and then great talent and then ideas too. If if they're you're hearing from your clientele, new unique ideas of of different types of fitness they're looking for. We like to really experiment with things and try new things and really try to engage people in different ways. So we love the ideas as well.

Awesome. Well, Jen, where do where do people get a hold of you if they want to chat some more and learn more about what you're offering?

Yeah, well, definitely check out wellbeats.com. Um they can actually interact with me directly, they can find me on LinkedIn. Um, Jen Norman Zygmunt is my name on LinkedIn. So if they want to find me directly, they can definitely check me out there. But I encourage everyone to check out wellbeat.com. Uh, we also have Facebook pages, we have LinkedIn pages, we have YouTube pages with some of our videos on it. So all really great places to learn more.

Awesome. Well, Jen, thank you for coming on. I really appreciate your time. I know uh you're probably busy with uh kids at home running a you know, running sales business, all kinds of things. So it's uh it's been great to get you on and learn more. And I appreciate what you're doing. For people out there, it's it's great for people who are in a position to give to do it. And uh I'm I'm glad you're doing it.

Well, thanks for having me on. Hopefully you didn't hear my kids in the background.

Oh no, no, I didn't hear anything. Yeah, yeah, perfect. Used to it anyway. Awesome. Yeah, ladies and gentlemen, it's your host so much.