With childhood obesity increasing and the world becoming more technologically dependent, there is no shortage for arcade gyms. Lenny Lowestein, previously a vice president for 24 hour fitness, realised the potential for a new type of gym; one that would attract youth and couch potatoes alike. He gathered a set of interactive games focusing on having fun but involving physical activity. He called this new idea XRKade. He implemented XRKade within traditional fitness centers allowing these clubs to benefit from new clientele. Since implementing his product there have been over 70 sales nationwide contributing to an extensive growth of sales from $350,000 in 2007 to $3.65 million in 2009. This extensive growth is taking the world by storm creating a new gym environment focusing on physical activity through virtual interaction.
Lowestein is the perfect example of an entrepreneur. He used innovative ideas to create a product that greatly appealed to an untapped market. He also created a vast amount of wealth in a small period of time, $3.65 million worth. He took a risk in placing XRKade within already established fitness centres, drawing reclusive gamers into a world in which they would probably more than afraid to go. And overall he has began to change the fitness industry, allowing everyone a chance at exercise they can enjoy from whether it’s running on a treadmill to playing a virtual skateboarding game.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2010/june/206722-10.html
