Dipra Ray found himself in the fitness industry unexpectedly. Coming from a background in investment banking, he and Melody Shiue had an initial idea that was centered around using body measurements to determine the most suitable clothing for individuals.
However, as Ray and his team delved deeper into this concept, they discovered the value of accurately showcasing body measurements and creating personalized avatars for users. This was important because the traditional methods of tracking health — such as purchasing weight scales — were limited in their effectiveness. Other alternatives, such as DEXA scans, were costly and time-consuming, making regular usage impractical for most people.
“Recognizing the significance of understanding one’s own body, we realized empowering individuals with this knowledge could lead to better health decisions and ultimately improve their lives,” said Ray. “With this in mind, we made a conscious decision to primarily focus on the health and fitness market. We believe this sector holds the greatest potential for creating a meaningful impact in the near future.”
Ray said their initial venture involved the development of mPort, the world’s first fully-automated 3D body scanner. This hardware-based solution took the form of a large body scanning pod or booth, which they deployed primarily in shopping centers and fitness facilities across Australia.
“Since then, technology has evolved,” Ray elaborated. “Select iPhone and iPad models were released with a TrueDepth sensor, originally designed for Face ID. This sensor closely resembled the type of infrared sensor utilized in our scanning pods. Recognizing the potential of this technology, we made the strategic decision to pivot and leverage it to create a mobile measurement solution.”
Thus, Bodymapp, a software-based body scanning solution, was born.
“With Bodymapp, trainers and gym owners can provide accurate body scanning without the need for expensive equipment or trained staff,” said Ray. “Clients can conveniently complete scans using their smartphones at home or an iPad at the facility. By seeing their results, they are more likely to stay motivated and keep working on their health and fitness goals.”
Helping members achieve goals is one reason Bodymapp’s B2B program is a win-win partnership for health clubs. By providing accessible and affordable 3D body scanning, health reporting and fitness tracking, facilities can attract new potential clients and increase engagement and retention. Clubs and centers can offer these services without expensive hardware, generating a new revenue stream with little to no upfront cost.
“The comprehensive health reports, avatar comparison and goal-setting features of Bodymapp further enhance its value, empowering trainers and clients to make informed decisions and track progress on their fitness journey,” explained Ray. “Overall, our B2B program provides fitness facilities with a compelling opportunity to offer innovative body scanning services, drive client satisfaction and create an additional revenue stream.”
With a mission to empower people to transform their health, fitness and quality of life through accurate, accessible and affordable body and health measurements, Ray said there are four key areas to the company’s success: accessibility, accuracy, affordability and personal journey support.
Accessibility: The software offers the convenience of being accessible anywhere, anytime. Users have the flexibility to perform scans in the comfort and privacy of their own homes or during consultations at fitness facilities. There’s no need to wait in line for a scanning machine, and it eliminates the requirement for costly per-scan fees.
Accuracy: Bodymapp takes pride in its commitment to accuracy. Circumference measurements are accurate within 0.3 inches, while body fat percentage is within a 3 to 4% range of DEXA, which is considered the gold standard for body composition testing.
Affordability: With a monthly subscription of less than $10, individuals gain access to unlimited scans. This significantly outperforms the cost of paying $40 to $150 per scan. Moreover, it eliminates the need for fitness facilities to invest in expensive hardware. Clients can be scanned using either an iPad or iPhone.
Personal Journey Support: Ray said Bodymapp recognizes the importance of guiding users on their individual fitness journeys. “We empower individuals to set realistic goals and provide ongoing support to help them stay committed to their path,” he said. “This personalized approach ensures users receive the necessary guidance and encouragement to achieve their objectives.”
Overall, the entire Bodymapp team has set an ambitious goal of measuring one billion people within the next five years to help make a positive impact in the world. Ray said in a society that often focuses solely on weight and waist size, Bodymapp is championing a new era in body assessment with a mission to help users understand their unique body shape and live a confident, healthy life.
“The most fulfilling aspect of my role is witnessing the tangible impact we have on our users,” said Ray. “It’s incredibly rewarding to receive feedback from countless individuals who share their stories of how Bodymapp has directly improved their health and well-being. Knowing our efforts have made a positive difference in people’s lives matters a lot.”
