Studies show that one of the behaviors most strongly correlated with slim-down success is the use of web-based support and social networks. An email workout reminder service, Facebook-style mini challenges between members, and easy goal charting has helped online health club site Wexer.com reach members in 90 countries in just 6 months.
(PRWEB) November 3, 2009 -- Online health club site Wexer (World of Exercise), the brain child of fitness entrepreneur Rasmus Ingerslev, saw a spike in members this month, reaching 15.000 members in 90 countries, a huge leap from Wexer’s launch less than 6 months ago.
From exercise video on www.wexer.com
Ingerslev attributes the high numbers to recently launched features: An email workout reminder service, Facebook-style mini challenges between members, and easy goal charting. "We are following what our members told us: they want smart advice broken down into smaller steps that is personalized—not a one-size-fits all plan." A virtual trainer helps you choose the exercise videos that fit your needs and experience and will update you on your friends progress.
Many sites are typically bootcamp-type programs that ask you to log in and do what everyone else is doing. But Ingerslev, who has been traveling globally to industry conferences and brainstorming with colleagues in the past year, says he settled on mini-challenges and goals, made fun in a social setting, because research shows it works.
"It kept coming up over and again—studies show that one of the behaviors most strongly correlated with slim-down success is the use of web-based support and social networks," he said. For women struggling with a new way to take off the weight, be consistent and actually enjoy it, the research is persuasive:
According to a recent Center for Disease Control recommendations, social support from family and friend has consistently and positively related to regular activity. Wexer offers a free community and allows fellow users to challenge each other—to do anything—eat more vegetables or do more crunches. That, says Wexer, prompts users to log in regularly.
Ingerslev also points to a log-in-and-lose study published in the journal Obesity (2009), which showed that the greatest weight loss found in obese patients was among those who frequently checked in to the web-based support program they were offered [not Wexer. The web-based program retention was 84 percent.
Next month, Wexer will begin showcasing some of its challenge successes. They will promote small changes and improved physical health. "We like to promote substance over quick fixes," says Ingerslev, who has hired top talent with years of experience to film his videos, which range from Pilates to core stability. "The mere fact that goals are shared works as 'positive peer pressure' say trainers for Wexer.com, and helps keep participants committed to reaching their goals.
According to Wexer, the recession isn't hurting either. Wexer videos and challenges are free. "We emphasize a log in, participate, and group challenge approach, where we hold your hand every step of the way, from how to set a goal to what exercises are right for you," says Rasmus Ingerslev, CEO of Wexer. "And you can do it all from your living room or bedroom. Your computer becomes your home gym."
For more details on Wexer follow Rasmus Ingerslev on twitter: @ringerslev, reach him on +45 2235 3530 or see his Slideshare presentation "Wexer - the why, what and who", briefly explaining the business at: http://bit.ly/3298SZ
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