In today’s growingly health-conscious and preemptive world, Poornima Viswanath has broken barriers with her fitness company- Zwagg Fitness. With a clear vision to bring about awareness of healthy living Poornima has curated a blend of fitness formats giving every member the right combination of strength, cardio as well as mobility-based workouts enabling a healthier lifestyle.
Poornima’s journey and background into the business industry
She believes nothing is impossible if you give it a shot. Even though Poornima comes from a family with no background in running a business. Her passion to see a society that is fit and gives importance to their physical well-being is what fuelled the idea of Zwagg Fitness studio. Poornima ensured that Zwagg Fitness studio is set apart from the run-of-the-mill fitness studios with its holistic approach towards fitness solutions for the members. She started her journey in the fitness arena as a freelance Zumba trainer and in no time became one of the most sought-after Zumba instructors in South India.
Meanwhile Poornima also slowly educated herself about holistic physical wellness through various fitness certifications like Crossfit Level 1, EKFAKettlebell, Strong Nation, FSSA, Functional Strength Training, and BB Fitness Nutrition, apart from holding business degrees from ICWA Intermediate and PGDBM International.
The company’s embarkment and visualization
While working as a free-lance Fitness instructor, Poornima came across a lot of people who were tired of the conventional gyms. And were unhappy with the same kind of fitness regime being rolled out to everyone, irrespective of their body structure and health conditions. Consequently, during a trip to Europe, she was enchanted by the different activities the natives pursue to keep themselves fit. And not stick to going to the conventional gym every day.
That’s where the idea of a Boutique Fitness Studio germinated in her mind. By wanting to provide a balanced workout program that is a good mix of fun. And energy while also being challenging to the members so that they feel motivated to come to the studio. She set out to bring in a revolutionary idea to people about how pursuing fitness need not be mundane but can be interesting and appealing. Poornima says it took her 2 years in order to conceptualize her business model.
On talking about the diverse programs her company offers. She says group workout programs have proved to be 60% more effective than isolated workouts. This result-driven community or group mode inspired her to combine a comprehensive plan. That works on strength through ‘Pump n Burn’, coordination through ‘Bolly X’, endurance through ‘Zumba’, metabolism through ‘HIIT’, and other flexibility developing programs. Zwagg Fitness Studio provides a hybrid model for working out. Members have an option of working out in the studio or join Zwaggs’s online classes. There are group classes as well as personal training sessions available for members to choose from. While Zwagg Fitness Studio is based out of Kochi, Kerala, India, online classes cater to a global audience too. Poornima’s plan for the future is to expand in the major cities of Kerala and the Middle East.
Mission and motto
Spreading awareness and the importance of Physical fitness, through newer and innovative workout options by incorporating the science of exercise is something. That has been on Poornima’s vision board since day 1. On talking about her thoughts on today’s take on fitness, she says that fitness should not be considered. As an option when there are ailments/diseases hitting millions of people around the world. But rather, it should be incorporated in everyone’s daily lifestyle. Poornima visualizes a healthier society and thereby a healthier nation through her business venture. She has also collaborated with corporate companies like Fragomen, TCS, and CTS as part of their worker-health programs.
Future of Zwagg and message to budding entrepreneurs
Zwagg Fitness Studios branching out in cities across India as well as International locations is what the next milestone of Zwagg is aimed to be. Launching fitness-based products and solutions is an active goal that the company is working towards.
As a message to other young entrepreneurs, she says, ”When you have the idea, work on starting the business, Do not procrastinate especially due to non-availability of funds.”
