We established Dream Runner in May 2023, a fitness retail organisation with an aim to tackle three core social issues in addition to ensuring that individuals feel good about themselves whilst working out in the gym. 

​

• Obesity 

• Loneliness

• Mental health

​

Previously working as a barber, I continuously observed the impact of these elements through my conversations with people from all backgrounds. Hearing the stories of individuals who faced these issues became more frequent and more affecting, not only to the individuals themselves but to their family and friends. I was empathic about this, and this is when my desire to make a positive change began to develop.

 

During this time, I was exercising regularly, and I noticed my own personal improvements to my wellbeing, sense of belonging within the gym and my physical health. I advocated through my work about the impact of fitness and exercise on these three core areas. Which led me onto the idea of my brand, Dream Runner.

​

Prior to launching Dream Runner, I carried out extensive research and found that nearly 2 in 5 (39%) people stated that they avoid exercising or going to the gym because they feel self-conscious about the way that they look. Feeling self-conscious can create a discouraging cycle when it comes to going to the gym. The desire to improve physical fitness clashes with the fear of being judged by others. I also found that when you are wearing clothing that is functional and makes you feel physically comfortable, such as supportive with appealing materials, you're more likely to push through roadblocks to reach your fitness goals. 

​

Noticing my own personal motivation to exercise and become fitter once I had purchased activewear which improved my mood and self-esteem, I began to realise how this can encourage people to work out. This can include the colour of the activewear along with the fit and feel. Again, I wanted to back up my own personal experiences with research and from this I found studies which also confirmed that feeling good about the clothing you wear to the gym is likely to increase your motivation and encourage you to attend the gym. Subsequently this helps you connect with others, make new friends, and improve your physical and mental health. 

​

Throughout the research I explored, I frequently noticed a theme that activewear has the power to actually improve your mood, motivation, and performance. Being active releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good, boosting your self-esteem and helping you concentrate as well as sleep well and feel better. 

Over one in four (26%) adults and 23.4% of children aged 10-11 years in England are living with obesity, which places a huge pressure on the NHS, and it is expected to grow if action to tackle obesity and encourage people to be healthier is not taken. 

 

In recent years it is reported that more than four in ten (44%) of young people (aged 18 to 24 years) and 35% of people aged 25-34 years have felt loneliness. People who are lonely suffer from more depressive symptoms, as they have than been reported to be less happy, less satisfied and more pessimistic.

 

In addition, the wider economic costs of mental illness in England have been estimated at £105.2 billion each year. Continuously observing the conversations about impacts on mental health through my work and being aware of how positively fitness can improve this, I have grown increasingly passionate about fitness and the positive chain of events fitness can have on society. Similarly to the crisis of mental health and loneliness, obesity has risen following the pandemic and I am passionate about making any change possible to this.

 

Moving forward from the research and preparation to launch, we carried out Dream Runner research to ensure that we stood by our aim that people would feel less self-conscious and good in their activewear. Therefore we carried out a survey on people’s preferences for colours, materials and other features.

 

We are pleased that the impact we have had in a short period of time has already encouraged people to exercise and become physically fitter, even inspiring those who work from home to move more. The feedback we have received from our activewear has been complimentary to the materials (how this supports their body and how comfortable the materials feel, along with the quality of the clothing and durability of the clothing). We have also received positive feedback about the colours making people feel good.

​

For some people, activewear may appear to just be linked to how we view ourselves in the mirror but for me, activewear means so much more. To me, activewear can lead to a constructive domino effect which leads to a healthier, happier society.

​