About Next Steps
Many people probably see Next Steps and think “Wow another fitness app. How is this going to be any different than any other fitness app?” We separate ourselves from other apps because we put more focus on slow-paced fitness and communities over high-intensity and fast-paced workouts. There is a negative connotation that working out and being active has to be hard. Here with Next Steps we understand that not everyone is able to allocate time or money to working out. We also see that with high intensive workouts being prominent on many social media platforms. Therefor, this prevents people from making the first step to starting their fitness journey. Next Steps was created due to the founder having trouble with continuing their fitness journey in college.
Origin Story
The founder had played sports and was apart of communities until college. Going to college and not having a group of people to workout with or hold her accountable she struggled to stay active. While scrolling social media to find possible workout plans, they were all high-intensity or needed gym equipment. At this point the school gym was constantly packed it became very discouraging. Two years later she still had not found an activity that would work for her schedule or budget. One day she decided to go for a walk. It was a short 30-minute walk and it changed how she felt in an instant. She had forgotten how nice it was to get out and move her body even if it was for a short time. She had tried to find other people to walk with or be active with, but had no clue where to even start. This is what started the idea for a fitness app that focused on slow-paced low-intensity workouts in communities.
Customer Feedback
To find if this app would be successful the founder had conversations with people at her university about being active. Many people said they also had a hard time being consistent. Of these people only a few admitted they would use the app if it was only for communication about walks. She then asked what would need to be in a fitness app to convince people to use it. Many had said they would want to know more places to work out or to meet at. Others suggested a board with many communities to find the best one. After getting feed back she started creating Next Steps as we know it today.
Being Adaptable
Through out this we have seen how Next Steps is more than just an idea. This app has seen many changes from the logo down to the business idea as a whole. One major obstacle that Next Steps over came was uncertainty. One persons dream is not always able to become a reality. At first when asking around the university and hearing that there was very little interest was disheartening. Being adaptable is what this app is about so why not adapt the app itself. Not letting a few negative opinions ruin Next Steps helped create a better app for all users. Adapting also can be applied to other areas of life especially fitness.
Values
Here at Next Steps we value community, support, and wellness. This is the foundation for the app. To create a space where people are able to connect through fitness and wellness. We believe in no judgement and to support others at all times. Everyone is at a different point in their fitness journey and that should be celebrated.
The Future
In 3 months we are aiming to have a strong following in Knoxville, TN. From there we are hoping that over the next 6 months to reach other college cities. This can help create so many communities to support each individual in their fitness endeavors.