Fitness Apparel & Accessories Store Starting is the hardest part

It all began for Richard during the pandemic when lockdown measures left him, like many others, searching for ways to stay active at home. Inspired to improve his fitness, he began working out with resistance bands. Unfortunately, his newfound passion led to an injury.

As an engineer with a lifelong curiosity for understanding how things work, Richard couldn't let this setback deter him. He noticed his home stepper could perfectly complement his resistance band workouts, but it needed something extra. With determination and ingenuity, he experimented with various attachments and designs until he created an innovative feature compatible with a wide range of steppers or height adjusters.

The RARP-ID Platform and Step accessory was born. Designed as either a direct replacement or supplementary addition to existing steppers or height adjusters, it expands the range of possible exercises while maintaining constant tension on the band for maximum effect. The ingenious accessory offers adjustable resistance and multiple positions for a comfortable workout.

Richard's invention minimises the risk of injuries caused by improper band positioning and prevents bands from slipping and striking the user. Confident in the RARP-ID stepper accessory, he believes it offers home fitness enthusiasts a safe, cost-effective solution.

Richard's passion for fitness and innovation began long before the pandemic struck. Richard loved to stay active from a young age through different sports - first football, then boxing and even some casual weightlifting at the gym. With being advised at a young age to give up several physical sport actives, he needed an alternative.

Fitness became more than just physical activity to Richard - it was a stress reliever, a brain boost, and a chance to socialise with friends. He realised that prioritising exercise made him a happier, healthier and more focused student.

Richard was hired as a design engineer for a technology company. He enjoyed the problem-solving nature of his job, but long hours behind a computer took a toll. Richard long standing back issue became more prominent. He remembered his physiotherapist back in his youth had recommended resistance band training to improve posture, flexibility and core strength. But wondered if they could then do more.

Richard researched techniques and purchased a set of high quality latex bands. The lightweight bands provided an excellent workout and were easy to use even in his small apartment. Within a few weeks, Richard noticed a remarkable improvement in his energy levels and reduction of aches and pains.

When the pandemic hit in early 2020, Richard's employer transitioned to remote work. No longer walking to or from the office or participating in recreational sports teams, Richard was determined not to let his fitness slide. He invested in a compact aerobic stepper for cardio and incorporated more resistance band exercises into his routine.

However, as an engineer, Richard understood the importance of proper form. He soon realised that resistance bands require strategic anchoring points and angles to avoid injury. Without gym equipment to secure the bands, Richard improvised by looping them around furniture legs or holding the ends himself - far from ideal solutions. Then one day, the resistance band became unhooked and knocked a tooth out.

With this moment of inspiration (kind of), Richard wondered if he could combine his stepper with the resistance bands to create safe, adjustable anchor points. As an avid hobbyist who always had projects brewing in his head, Richard decided to put his skills to work.

He carefully measured his stepper platform and sketched designs for attachments that could secure the bands. Using CAD software and a 3D printer, Richard created prototypes and tested them for durability. After several iterations, he successfully designed mounts that could be installed onto the stepper.

The mounts featured slots at different heights and angles to anchor resistance bands securely in place. Whether stepping up and down or completing an exercise routine on one level, the bands would remain taut. This prevented sudden snapping and uncontrolled motion that could lead to injuries.

Satisfied with his design's safety and functionality, Richard decided to produce additional units to help others struggling to use bands properly at home. He branded the product "RARP-ID" - incorporating his name and Innovate Design.

Richard spent many early mornings and late nights making sure the RARP-ID stepper and its accessories were improved in everyday in the design. Meanwhile, he continued his full-time engineering job remotely.