FitEduCoach is at the forefront of revolutionizing fitness education, bridging the gap between passion and profession in the health and wellness industry. Founded by Shraddha Sheth, a visionary leader with 25 years of diverse experience in healthcare, fitness, and ed-tech, FitEduCoach stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment.
Through her unwavering dedication, Shraddha has transformed patient care, expanded the fitness industry across 23 states, and now leads a mission to empower the next generation of fitness professionals. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects resilience, creativity, and a commitment to redefining fitness education by integrating cutting-edge technology and impactful mentorship.
In this Entrepreneur One Magazine exclusive, Shraddha Sheth shares her inspiring journey, significant achievements, and visionary plans for FitEduCoach. From overcoming challenges during the pandemic to creating a sustainable future for the wellness industry, her insights promise to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Background and Journey:
Q. Can you share a brief about you and an overview of your professional journey and how you ventured into your current business domain? Also, please share your personal background as well.
My 25-year career has been a rewarding journey across healthcare, fitness, and now, ed-tech. I began as a nutritionist, optimizing patient diets and collaborating with doctors to improve health outcomes. Subsequently, I played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the fitness industry, leading a team that transformed customer experiences and expanded operations across 23 states. This experience honed my skills in revenue generation, operational excellence, and strategic growth. At 45, I embarked on a new venture, founding FitEduCoach. Drawing on my diverse experiences, I aim to empower aspiring fitness professionals and contribute to the growth of the industry.
Q. What motivated or inspired you to pursue a career in the health and wellness industry?
It brings me great satisfaction to mentor and guide aspiring professionals. In healthcare, I found fulfillment in improving patient outcomes through nutrition and lifestyle interventions. Now, I’m excited to apply my expertise to the fitness industry, empowering the next generation of fitness professionals and shaping the future of health and wellness.
Key Accomplishments:
Q. What do you consider your most significant achievements or milestones in your career?
Healthcare: Improved the health outcomes of thousands of patients annually through effective nutrition and lifestyle interventions.
Fitness: Played a pivotal role in transforming the fitness industry by driving pre-sales, optimizing operational efficiency, and enhancing customer experiences. Contributed to the success of over 2 million individuals and empowered thousands of team members.
Fitness penetration: Contributed to fitness penetration in the country
Challenges and Learnings:
Q. What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
The fitness industry faced significant challenges during the pandemic, with gyms and fitness centers forced to close their doors. This led to decreased revenue, job losses, and disrupted fitness routines for many. However, we were committed & didn’t give up & today as we talk the industry has shown remarkable resilience and is gradually back to 17% growth YOY.
- High Attrition Rates: The industry often faces high turnover rates among fitness professionals. Skilled manpower has always been a chronic issue
Solve: Rather than completely relying on placement agencies, we worked on a long-term solution – We had built up our own academy and started producing skilled manpower, and extensive continuous training modules were imparted followed by role elevations. - Customer Retention: Retaining customers in a competitive market requires continuous innovation and excellent service.
Solve: Post Pandemic there were many hybrid fitness brands entered the country from big-scale clubs to boutique studios. We actually got into the mode of Re-think, Re-build – Reboot leading to Technology enabled services online – as well as offline services. Focus on giving customers a seamless, hassle-free experience and value adds.
Innovation and Vision:
Q. Could you discuss your vision for the future of your business or the industry as a whole?
FitEduCoach envisions a future where fitness education is accessible to all, empowering individuals to pursue fulfilling careers in the fitness industry. We aim to be at the forefront of fitness education, providing innovative programs and cutting-edge technology to equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Our future goals include:
- Expanding our reach to a global audience
- Partnering with leading fitness brands and organizations
- Developing advanced certification programs
- Investing in cutting-edge technology to enhance the learning experience
- Empowering more individuals to become fitness entrepreneurs
- Build an IP where Fitness Educators gather in India to open doors for Indian youth overseas
Q. What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2024-25?
- Cultivate Habit Creation in Fitness pros to CEC (Continuous Education Certifications) also known as short courses. Impart webinars at nominal cost teach up to 10000 students .
- Curate learning & upskill programs for Core professionals – who want to level up their professional careers as Club managers, Clinic managers, Spa managers, and Salon managers. Enable them how to manage the business till P&L This will make business across the wellness industry sustainable.
Closing Thoughts:
Q. Is there anything else you’d like to share or any message you’d like to convey to the audience reading this feature about you?
“Technology empowers the less empowered. If there is a strong force that brings a change, in the lives of those on the margins it is technology. It serves as a leveler & a springboard – PM Narendra Modi”
