Revolutionizing Pilates Equipment: A New Approach to the Reformer
Welcome to Talking Design and Engineering by Makelab—a space where we dive deep into the insights and advice from industry leaders driving innovation in the physical product world. Today, we feature the fascinating journey of Kaleen Canaveri, Founder and CEO of Flexia. This detailed conversation unveils the incredible innovation behind the smart Pilates reformer and Flexia's mission to make Pilates accessible and data-driven.
From Inspiration to Innovation
Christina kicks off the episode highlighting the genesis of Flexia:
"We are talking about a new take on the reformer, the Pilates reformer—a smart Pilates reformer."
Kaleen, originally a mechanical engineer, became deeply invested in Pilates after suffering knee pain due to torn ACLs. Pilates remarkably improved her life, making her realize that there were significant gaps in the traditional Pilates equipment market.
"It wasn't until I did Pilates that my knee pain became manageable," Kaleen shares. "I wanted to learn how to teach it. That was my research."
Prototyping the Vision
Kaleen mentions her frustration working with other companies who didn't share her vision:
"The advantage that typically thinner people had on traditional machines was not there. How do you adjust this machine to fit the body in front of you? That was one of the big problems I wanted to solve."
With her extensive experience in both using and manufacturing Pilates equipment, Kaleen built the first prototype in her dad's woodshop. It was an ugly prototype, as she calls it, but it was functional. This hands-on experience was crucial in later stages when she had to give manufacturing instructions.
Navigating Challenges in Manufacturing
Making the leap from prototype to a scalable product is never easy. Kaleen's story is no different. She shares details about the hurdles faced, especially during a supply chain crisis:
"We built our first 400 units domestically. The quality was hit or miss, but we learned so much."
Through perseverance and learning, Flexia eventually partnered with a professional contract manufacturer, drastically improving the product's economics and quality.
Flexia's Unique Value Proposition
The heart of Flexia's innovation lies in the smart Pilates reformer outfitted with sensors that collect critical data, enhancing the practice of Pilates. Christina and Kaleen discuss its attributes:
- Load Monitoring: Sensors track the load, distance, speed, and acceleration.
- Performance Metrics: Unique metrics like control, consistency, and movement quality scores are introduced.
- Real-Time Feedback: The machine provides immediate feedback to users, allowing for a more tailored Pilates experience.
Kaleen states:
"What if Peloton invented the power meter for the bike? That's what we're doing. The horizon for how we can impact Pilates is limitless."
The Business of Flexia
Christina and Kaleen also touch upon the business side of Flexia. From working alone to building a robust team, fundraising, and product iterations, the journey is packed with learning and growth.
"My happy place is in product development," Kaleen says, reflecting on the balance between running a business and nurturing one's passion.
Personal Experiences and Networking
Both Christina and Kaleen exchange stories about their personal experiences as founders. Networking and customer feedback play pivotal roles in shaping their businesses.
"At the end of the day, customer feedback is the only thing that makes a difference," Kaleen emphasizes.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a warm invite from Kaleen for Christina to try the smart reformer, encapsulating the episode's theme of innovation, learning, and human connection.
“I’m so impressed with you and your company. This podcast is a way for me to learn too,” Christina remarks.
Kaleen responds, articulating the shared founder journey:
"Wouldn't want to be crying at work anywhere else."
Tune In
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