If you spend much time at the gym, you can probably guess the number of germs being passed from person to equipment and back to another person. Sometimes the germs can seem never ending!
Dawn Meifert was sick and tired of being, well, sick. Every time she felt good again, a trip to the gym on the wrong day could lead her into another cold. Determined to fix the problem, she created hand grips for gym equipment, called PhitGrip, that are not only easy to use but they are also antibacterial. She helps people get in their workout, without catching whatever germs were left behind by the last person to use the equipment.
I recently asked Dawn a few questions about her innovative product and how it works.
Tell us a little about PhitGrip.
PhitGrip is the only antimicrobial non-slip grip on the market. The grip is a patented formula of liquefied rubber injected with pure oxygen. We then grind the outside of it for that super soft suede like feel. We are not a neoprene product!!
What inspired it?
I am a germaphobe! I was really sick and tired of going to the gym and picking up a cold or virus that would then set me back a week or two. So, one day while I was riding my mountain bike (which needed new hand grips) I thought to myself why can’t I do something like this AND make it a germ killer. Voila.
How does it work?
The magic is in the ink itself. As you use the grip a little bit of the logo comes off on your hands, you cannot see it but it’s there. If you rub your hands together to spread the antimicrobial agent over the surface of your palm you get an instant hand sanitization.
How long do your grips keep their antimicrobial properties?
When the logo begins to wear off it’s time for a new pair, approx. 4-6 months.
Are there any special care instructions that the customer must follow?
None whatsoever. Some people have run them through their dishwasher and that’s fine. They aren’t going to melt as we have chef’s using them on their pot handles.
What separates you from the competition?
Gloves constrict your hand and traps moisture, two really bad things. The grip stays on the weight between sets so your hands stay dry with 100% mobility. Other grips out there are made of neoprene which can slip, PhitGrip locks down tight. Finally, our grip is not attached to any material. Meaning, when you go to lift a heavy weight often times the neoprene will pull away from the fabric, cause a tear and then you have to throw them away. PhitGrip does not have that problem.
Do you have any plans to expand into other areas within the health and fitness market?
Absolutely! With the MRSA virus showing up in gyms across the nation we are looking at ways to address that danger directly.
What are some goals that you’d like to reach in the next year or so?
We have specific sales goals in mind along with building strong brand recognition.
What are some lessons you business has taught you?
Patience really is a virtue I guess! This is the first manufactured product I have ever brought to market, so educating the consumer as to why we are better for their overall health is a marathon, not a sprint.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
This is an educational process, we have a high conversion rate once we get the individual to try the product.
Do you have any advice that you’d like to offer fellow entrepreneurs that are just getting started?
Be prepared for the road to be longer than you imagined and for it to cost three to four times as much to get to where you want to be. Check writing ability is always good!