Mandy Oakes, director of client experiences for Manduu America, isn’t just promoting the revolutionary physical impact of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) workouts. She is witnessing firsthand the inspirational stories coming through Manduu studio doors nationwide. By Heidi Lubrani
Mandy Oakes, director of client experiences for Manduu America, isn’t just promoting the revolutionary physical impact of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) workouts. She is witnessing firsthand the inspirational stories coming through Manduu studio doors nationwide. From repeated-use injuries to basic, unwanted age-related issues, the 15-minute EMS workout offers relief and results, even for those who think they will never work out again.
Recalling feedback from a former collegiate cheerleader, Oakes said: “She was in her mid-to-late 40s and wasn’t able to go out on a walk, let alone strength train. Manduu got her back on track, feeling like she can exercise again. She just wanted to feel that endorphin release and all the benefits from exercising that she was unable to do for so long.”
With more than 10 years of experience as an athlete, fitness motivator and boutique gym owner, Oakes shared a success story about a franchisee who experienced drastic health improvements once he started Manduu. “He was in his late 50s with lower back pain for 25 years and now has no back pain and is the fittest he has been in decades, thanks to Manduu. He was so passionate about the product that he wanted to own a franchise,” noted Oakes. “That’s a great story – to hear someone go from a passionate user and dedicated client to owning a studio.”
The Manduu reach goes far beyond the weekend warrior or younger athlete focusing full time on fitness. “We have everything from clients with MS that come to us wanting basic strength, meaning they want to be able to stand unassisted without a cane. By month three or four, they are standing up unassisted and doing the workouts with us, and feeling so much stronger,” Oakes said. “We also have clients that want to just up their game, cyclists that want to race better, runners that want to run stronger and recover faster, golfers that want to strengthen their core on and off the tee.”
As a longtime distance runner, Oakes identifies with her clients more than they know. “After my own unexpected injury, I am now stronger than I was before. Actually, I was so passionate about my success that I asked for a job!” Oakes said.
At Manduu, it’s the trainers who really make that positive connection. ”They have a heart and interest in improving people’s lives,” said Oakes. “Our trainers really love working for us, and it shows in how they interact with clients. It’s such a wonderful marriage between the science and medical side with fitness. There’s nobody else doing that, and our clients really appreciate them.”
Wiley Robinson, RN, chief operating officer of Manduu and certified personal trainer, has over 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry and knows how to focus on what makes his clients feel inspired and confident. “There aren’t too many safe options for people as they grow older with regard to fitness, because of the intensity level and the simple fact of life just catching up. Before you know it, you’re thinking, ‘Gosh, I have to be in shape to go to the gym!’” noted Robinson.
Muscle stimulation workouts are now changing the way people look at fitness. “This product is completely scalable among a population of humans between the ages of 18 and 99, and this is something that is so remarkable now in the fitness world that it is truly revolutionary,” said Robinson. “In what other world, what other fitness space would you see someone in their late 60s coming into a boutique fitness concept and asking how they can get stronger?” Oakes asked.
“We see our clients are happy when they are able to carve out a manageable time frame that fits in their lifestyle and still gives results,” said Oakes. The most important highlight is the common thread of enthusiasm seen through all walks of life when that discovery is made. “I will tell you: Once our clients come in the door, you can just see the change, and they’re like, ‘Oh! Well, this is doable!’ We are really changing people’s lives and giving people hope,” concluded Oakes.
For more information about Manduu, visit manduu.com/about-our-team/franchise-opportunities.
– Heidi Lubrani