Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1 - 7A

Opportunity: Americans want to be fit but are not putting in the work.

Many Americans think they're out of shape and want to look better, but unfortunately, they are not moving their bodies and being active in order to achieve it. Some people are members at their local gyms but are just throwing their money away since they never go.

The Who: People wanting to be physically fit.
The What: There is no motivation to exercise.
The Why: Exercise is not a priority, and excuses are made.

Testing The Who: People who are not happy with their appearance or health
Testing The What: The difficult part of exercising is finding the motivation to get to the gym
Testing The Why: There is something holding people back from putting in the work needed.

I will be interviewing five individuals who would like to improve their physical health, and that vary in age, race, and athletic abilities.


Interview #1: Claudia

Are you happy with the way you look?

I like the shape of my body but would like to lose 15 lbs.

What are the things you'd like to improve on?

I'd love to tone up and improve my endurance. I get out of breath just going up a flight of stairs. It's sad.

Do you go to the gym?

No, I'm currently not a member at any gym.

How do you stay active?

I walk around my neighborhood with my dog, not every day though. I used to do Zumba but haven't done it in years.

Do you enjoy working out?

Just the thought of working out stresses me out. I did enjoy Zumba though because I had fun doing it and felt like I got in a good workout.

What prevents you from exercising?

I get home tired from work and just want to lay on my couch and catch up with my shows. Plus around the time I can actually go, the gym is extremely packed.

Do you prefer working out alone or with someone else?

I prefer group classes since I don't know what I'm doing.

What would motivate you to exercise?

That's a good question. Maybe trying to fit into the old clothes that I still keep in my closet, for when I finally lose the weight.



Interview #2: Ryan

Are you happy with the way you look?

Yes, I find myself attractive.

What are the things you'd like to improve on?

Maybe improve my strength and get a six-pack.

Do you go to the gym?

When I have time I like to go. I haven't lately though.

How do you stay active?

I play basketball with my friends but that's probably like once a month or so.

Do you enjoy working out?

I do. I take my headphones with me to the gym and zone out.

What prevents you from exercising?

I sometimes have to work late or something comes up, like a happy hour with clients or friends.

Do you prefer working out alone or with someone else?

Alone. I'll occasionally go with my buddy Matt since he's all about fitness, but for the most part, it's just me.

What would motivate you to exercise?

Having the energy to go after work. Once I get home, it's hard for me to go back out.



Interview #3: Sivan

Are you happy with the way you look?

Sometimes. Although I'd like to lose weight though.

What are the things you'd like to improve on?

I'd love to tone my butt, arms, and legs. And have a flat stomach- that would be a dream.

Do you go to the gym?

I can't remember the last time I went. I might have been trying to lose weight for something.

How do you stay active?

Does shopping count??

Do you enjoy working out?

I hate working out but when I'm done I always feel proud that I went. I think I just don't like getting super sweaty.

What prevents you from exercising?

Like I mentioned, getting super sweaty. But to be honest, hanging out with my friends or sleeping sounds more appealing to me.

Do you prefer working out alone or with someone else?

I love going with my friends. None of us know what we're doing but it's always fun when we go together.

What would motivate you to exercise?

If I could burn 1000 calories in 15 mins that would be great! Or maybe find an exercise routine I can stick to and like.


Interview #4: Gio

Are you happy with the way you look?

I think there is always room to improve.

What are the things you'd like to improve on?

I'd like to get rid of my beer belly and get back to my 34 size pants.

Do you go to the gym?

I'd love to say that I do but I rarely go. Not enough to say yes.

How do you stay active?

On the weekends I'm always out doing stuff. During the week I'm hardly ever active at all.

Do you enjoy working out?

I actually do. For me, it's a stress reliever. Just put on some good music and I'm good.

What prevents you from exercising?

I don't really know. It's not part of my routine so I just forget to go.

Do you prefer working out alone or with someone else?

Alone.

What would motivate you to exercise?

Getting myself organized the day before with my gym bag ready. I think that would motivate me to start working out again.



Interview #5: Daniella

Are you happy with the way you look?

I'd love to go back to how I looked like in 2013. I was so fit and skinny.

What are the things you'd like to improve on?

I need to lose the 35 lbs I gained from having a baby.

Do you go to the gym?

No, it's hard when I have to take care of my seven-month-old.

How do you stay active?

When it's not so hot, I like to take the stroller out and walk a few blocks with my son. But it's been so hot or raining lately, that I haven't done that.

Do you enjoy working out?

Before I had my son, I loved it! I lost 50lbs a few years ago because I was consistently working out and I loved feeling like I was getting stronger every time I went. Miss those days.

What prevents you from exercising?

Work. My son. Feeling tired and unmotivated. Plus I'm not a member at my gym anymore.

Do you prefer working out alone or with someone else?

I loved the group classes that my gym offered.

What would motivate you to exercise?

Finding someone to take care of my baby and the energy to want to go.


Overall, based on my interviews, people seem to have the same reasoning on why they don't workout. Time and energy. But I think it just comes down to being disciplined and having the will power to get up and do it. I can't judge because I'm in the same boat. My motivation is there but when it comes down to actually going to the gym, I get lazy. Which seems to be the overall "excuse" people were providing. If losing weight were easy, everyone would be fit and healthy. No one mentioned a lack of transportation, funds, or medical condition.