Recognizing the Challenges
To develop a brand that communicates fitness and empowerment that targets a niche demographic whilst still maximising returns. The shareholders approached us with a concept for a women's only fitness club that needed to balance the needs of privacy whilst creating the atmosphere of a high-end health club. The first challenge was to create a name that represented this concept. The next challenge was building an infrastructure to support the brand’s message. In its original state, the facility was dated. Working closely with the onsite developers, we collaborated to bring an 80s style gym into a modern-day fitness club accented with femininity.
Our Approach
In the discovery phase, we learned how there was a viable market gap for this type of venture, however it needed to appeal to a large female audience in order to be sustainable. We created various female personas such as single, married, mothers, daughters, professionals, working class and stay at home moms. Furthermore, we had to take into consideration the fitness levels of these personas. After running strategy sessions and defining the client base, a central theme for the brand’s values emerged: upscale, inclusive and empowering. Thus a name was born to signify these values and Athletica was conceived. The name tested well and the shareholders were delighted with the vision we created moving forward.
Branding
After developing a name, we needed to create an identity. The name needed to be complemented by a contemporary, sophisticated style. Minimalistic yet fashionable, we worked with a classical sans serif font that would help define the brand, making it easily identifiable in print and digital application.
Additionally we designed and produced materials that included interior instructional signage, stationary, apparel, membership forms, cards and key tags.
Environmental Design Consultation
For the launch, interior and exterior design elements would be a key factor in brand communication. Collaborating with the developer onsite, Usul was able to influence the design choices that would support the goals and objectives of the club. To maximize the member experience, we designed and produced patron touchpoints that impacted the users understanding of the brand’s storytelling with a cohesive visual identity. The results below show the process of how we achieved these goals and the outcome was well received by the targeted audience.
Into the Future
According to the IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association), the $30 billion health and fitness industry in the U.S. has been growing by at least 3 - 4% annually for the last ten years and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. It was understood from the onset of this project that we would be creating a brand with ambition to expand it into a franchise. Athletica has retained Usul as a consultant moving forward with these goals. We will be working closely to develop new locations and aid them in this endeavor.
