The Story of Workouts On Demand:
CONTEST/GIVEAWAY
After 20 years as a fitness professional directing Group Exercise Programs, Pascale Vandenbroucke noticed changes in the gym business. People were working longer hours and having more responsibilities at home, and gym members where having a harder time making it to scheduled exercise classes. The market seemed to be changing and more and more people were relying on exercise videos. With the price of each video being around $20, and more people using the computer to view online videos, Pascale left her job of eight years and created the concept of Workouts On Demand–a website that would host online exercise videos.
Building the site would take almost one year and the help of dozens of professionals from several different industries. One of the first hurdles was creating a library of exercise videos, which meant video making and editing, lighting and sound. “I had no experience with video. Basically, I took a crash course on creating videos in about three months. I remember days of feeling completely overwhelmed–I wanted to quit many times. For a long time, there were more bad days than good days,” says Pascale. Another big obstacle was interconnecting six software programs and four internet service providers to work together to run the site. Other challenges included web design and maintenance, marketing, database creation, plus learning how to run your own business.
The site opened for business January 1, 2008 and has grown quickly. With over 200 members, 2000 unique visitors per week, and 10 different countries represented in the membership (Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Yugoslavia, Serbia, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Brazil and the United States), the site is projected to have over 600 members within the next six months. “We are very happy with the sites growth, but the most rewarding part of the experience has been when members contact us thanking us for the videos or asking a specific question about their fitness program”, says Pascale.
WorkoutsOnDemand currently hosts over 70 workout videos that range from Pilates, Yoga, Toning, Cardio Kickboxing, Salsa Aerobics, Cardio Dance, Step Aerobics, Low Impact, and Stability Ball (exercise formats that are available in most health clubs) and membership to the site is $10 per month. The exercise videos are 5 to 40 minutes long and new videos are added every week to keep the content fresh. Though the site’s main focus is the beginner exerciser, the site also hosts a large selection of workout videos for intermediate and advanced level exercisers. Site visitors include stay-at-home moms, home-based business owners, beginning exercisers who feel uncomfortable in a gym environment, people who live in remote areas, and those who have a tough time getting out of the house to workout. Many of the members recently moved to foreign countries from the United States where they no longer have access to the type of workouts they’re used too.
Developing a home based internet business can be a lonely endeavor, but according to Pascale, “Knowing I’m helping people from different parts of the world reach their goals, makes it all worthwhile.”
Contest/Giveaway:
One Fit Mommy reader will win a 6 month FREE PREMIER membership to Workouts on Demand! This is so cool people!! There are full-length exercise videos on yoga, pilates, “butt burner”, nutrition, exercise tips, etc…Simply post a comment with your email address by March 14th at 9pm PST. Winner must reply to email within 72 hours.
82 responses so far ↓
1 monica // Mar 7, 2008 at 6:57 pm
what a great idea, they should hook up with health insuranace companies for discount rates
2 Shannon Baas // Mar 7, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I would like this.
3 jen // Mar 7, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Want/need to get in shape for summer and would love this! (Just had my 2nd child and I’m going to Mexico this year!)
4 Adrienne Gordon // Mar 7, 2008 at 9:15 pm
awesome concept!
5 renee griffin // Mar 7, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I have 5 kids and I had my 5 child when I was 34 my body has just not been right since I really need to get into shape, this is really a great giveaway, I could really put this to use
6 Vergie Weems // Mar 8, 2008 at 12:03 am
HOPE ONE IS CLOSE TO ME
7 geekbearinggifts // Mar 8, 2008 at 12:20 am
I could really use this, and it would motivate me to finally get the computer/TV network set up. I think DH said I just need a longer cord… Thanks for the offer!
8 susan varney // Mar 8, 2008 at 1:03 am
tres bien mon ami
9 Kelly // Mar 8, 2008 at 2:06 am
I would love this. I love trying different exerise routines and this would be great to try a bunch of different ones.
10 Nicole // Mar 8, 2008 at 2:45 am
I would love to win this Great idea!!
11 Kathleen Luman // Mar 8, 2008 at 2:58 am
This would be a great win. It would help with motivation and who could use the exercise. Great prize.
12 Amanda K // Mar 8, 2008 at 3:19 am
Boy could I use this!
13 Stephen Saunders // Mar 8, 2008 at 6:11 am
I want it, hope I win.
14 Terra Heck // Mar 8, 2008 at 8:54 am
What a genius idea!
15 Alicia Zemer // Mar 8, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Hola.
16 Donna Coughlin // Mar 8, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Pick me! I would love this!
17 Kathy Scott // Mar 8, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I need to take some time for mom and get back in shape. I am also going to Mexico this year.
18 Susan // Mar 8, 2008 at 1:45 pm
What a great idea!
19 James Jenkins // Mar 8, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Wow!!
20 Ashley Henley // Mar 8, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I would love to try this
21 Karen // Mar 8, 2008 at 6:50 pm
fantastic idea–I’m expecting my second child this summer and will have my work cut out for me to get back in shape. This sounds like it could be a real help!
22 Meredith Peters // Mar 8, 2008 at 10:12 pm
This would help motivate!
23 christopher h // Mar 9, 2008 at 12:37 am
what a great concept
24 Alka // Mar 9, 2008 at 12:45 am
cool, i wanna try.
25 Suzie // Mar 9, 2008 at 3:59 am
I could really use this to help me lose the pregnancy weight!
26 Susan Holder // Mar 9, 2008 at 4:09 am
I would love this
27 Samantha Pruitt // Mar 9, 2008 at 9:44 am
oh wow! this sounds so cool!
28 Stephanie Chandrasekaran // Mar 9, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Wow what a great idea for us moms!
29 Amanda Funai // Mar 9, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Wow – I would love to try this. So much easier with a baby at home.
30 Lisa Fosses // Mar 9, 2008 at 6:19 pm
interesting concept
31 Sylvia Porter // Mar 9, 2008 at 11:00 pm
this is such a great idea!
32 Ginny // Mar 10, 2008 at 12:00 am
I’ve been wanting this so bad. When I first heard about it, I thought it was included & was so bummed when I couldn’t find it. WOuld love to win & try it out.
33 Mary Murray // Mar 10, 2008 at 1:09 am
Wow, this is something I need!
34 Rita S // Mar 10, 2008 at 4:09 am
What a great idea.
35 Melissa Hong // Mar 10, 2008 at 5:34 am
This would be absolutely fantastic for me because it’s takes a variety of activities to keep me focused on fitness. What a great idea!
36 Britni // Mar 10, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Ooh I would love this!!
37 sarah // Mar 10, 2008 at 1:48 pm
enter me!
38 Tarah // Mar 10, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I cannot tell you how much I NEED this!
39 Paige // Mar 10, 2008 at 3:41 pm
That sounds great!
40 Angie P. // Mar 10, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Great concept!
41 Eva // Mar 10, 2008 at 6:32 pm
I could really benefit from this since I dont get a chance to work out at a gym I could do this in my home
42 Tony // Mar 10, 2008 at 9:37 pm
My wife was cured of cancer and recently completed a double masectomy, she is not feeling that great about herself. But this site I stumbled on would be great for her, she could work out at her pace on her time and work her way back in. Great idea.
43 Amanda // Mar 11, 2008 at 5:15 am
Pick me, pick me!
44 Jodi Y. Theirl // Mar 11, 2008 at 3:18 pm
What a neat idea – thanks for the heads up!!
45 Laura lee // Mar 11, 2008 at 10:43 pm
There is some great video content available via internet. Most people don’t yet have the computer and television working together yet, but I don’t think it will be long. So this is a forward thinking business concept. Good luck with it.
46 JONI CHADWELL // Mar 11, 2008 at 11:50 pm
wow! great idea
47 Sandy // Mar 12, 2008 at 3:29 am
What a great idea! I’ve been trying to work exercise back into my life…this could really help!
48 Danielle S // Mar 12, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Great idea!
dansan826 at yahoo
49 Anthony Hedden // Mar 12, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Enter me
50 Renee Turner // Mar 12, 2008 at 9:12 pm
What a great concept!
51 Julie // Mar 13, 2008 at 2:42 am
What a neat idea! I might have to rearrange the room to be able to view my computer and have room to work out, but I like the idea!
52 C Duran // Mar 13, 2008 at 4:45 am
This is such a great idea!
53 Stephanie Adkins // Mar 13, 2008 at 4:56 am
I love the idea – enter me.
54 Mya Brooks // Mar 13, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Love it!
55 Nanette Olson // Mar 13, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Yeah, I am desperate for a workout.
56 Rebecca Lunsford // Mar 13, 2008 at 5:39 pm
This is great! I juggle family, work and school so any time I have, I’d rather spend at home.
57 trudee carreiro // Mar 13, 2008 at 6:54 pm
what a great concept
58 mama4jc // Mar 13, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Yet another idea I wish I had thought of first!
I’d love to give it a try!
59 Tanja // Mar 13, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Count me in! I would love to win this!
60 Joy Venters // Mar 13, 2008 at 11:30 pm
could really use this
61 Kim // Mar 13, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Great prize. Thanks
62 Karen Gonyea // Mar 14, 2008 at 12:01 am
Great Contest
63 Simone // Mar 14, 2008 at 12:24 am
I love my workout on demand TV channel, so I’m sure I would love this!
64 Elizabeth // Mar 14, 2008 at 2:18 am
Perfect!
65 shawna // Mar 14, 2008 at 2:41 am
I would love to win this one!
66 Bobbye F // Mar 14, 2008 at 3:32 am
Cool concept! I am trying to lose weight and tone at the same time, this would be a very useful win!
67 Kayce // Mar 14, 2008 at 3:35 am
Include me, please
68 Heather C // Mar 14, 2008 at 3:40 am
This would be great! Thank you!
69 Linsey Knerl // Mar 14, 2008 at 7:03 am
Yeah! This is just what I need! Thanks!
70 Miranda Allen // Mar 14, 2008 at 9:11 am
Please enter me thanks
71 Becky Grady // Mar 14, 2008 at 12:32 pm
What a great idea!
72 Brooke // Mar 14, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Pick me, please!
73 Erica G // Mar 14, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Great idea!
74 Veronica Garrett // Mar 14, 2008 at 2:47 pm
I would love to win this membership.
75 kathy pease // Mar 14, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I NEED TO WORKOUT
76 J.Jean // Mar 14, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Great idea and congrats on starting your own venture! Many happy returns!
77 Mickey Anderson // Mar 14, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Great. Would be exciting to win. Man and Woman, my daughter would just go wild over this… please enter me… thanks.
78 Rosanne Morrison // Mar 14, 2008 at 10:56 pm
It could help when I’m busy with granchildren and can’t get out
79 Donna Kozar // Mar 14, 2008 at 11:41 pm
This is a great idea.
80 Terri Wagner // Mar 15, 2008 at 2:44 am
I love this idea. I could use a way to workout without buying videos.
81 sarah woods // Mar 15, 2008 at 2:50 am
How about the workout!!!! Best of luck to ALL who Enter!!!!!Thanks
82 Lily Kwan // Mar 15, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
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