Today I met with William Graydon, the creator of ‘unifitness’. Like many of our more entrepreneurial fellow students, he successfully set up a brand in his second year; a health and fitness company which offers support to students both nutritionally, as well as exercise planning and execution. He stocks various types of protein and other nutritional supplements, but stresses the personal basis of his work ethic, which, unlike online guidance, is highly personalised and tailored to the individual.
Upon being asked where he got the idea for a health related company, he answered ‘I’d just been signed as a model [since which he has modelled for Nike] and was basically told I had to get a six pack within two weeks.’ It was effectively the enormous pressure to get in shape in an incredibly short amount of time which led Will to research online products which could help. ‘While I was researching possibilities I just came across so many dodgy options that I asked my Dad’s friend, a top nutritionist, to give me some guidance, and he pointed me towards sourcing the really good products, as opposed to the mass of substandard stuff that’s out there.’ So armed with the knowledge of where to source the finest products and with a well- known (in the nutritional world) advisor ‘Gareth’, Will got started. Since then the success of his company has led to his being approached by ‘Akuma’, the company who make the Wasps kit, as well as Prince William and Harry’s polo gear (introduce us??)
When asked what his products could do specifically for girls, he immediately countered the frequent misconception that girls who take protein supplements will end up like Jodie Marsh, assuring me that in fact protein makes you lean, and is also ‘really good for your hair, nails, and skin– that’s what girls want isn’t it?’ This certainly coincides with the advice given to HC by another nutritionist, as you can see in our recently published article on lean living: (http://www.hercampus.com/school/exeter/fit-feb-pfp%E2%80%99s-15-top-tips-lean-living). As well as supplements, he also offers fitness advice for girls (and boys), and will help plan exercise regimes which he will then help you implement, often by going with you to the gym to provide support and instruction. He assured me of the quality of his products which are used by international and premiership football, rugby (the Welsh team took them to the world cup), Team GB athletics and pro boxers- ‘they’re used at the highest sporting level, and I never charge premium rates so they’re affordable for students.’
The brand is expanding fast, having spread already to lots of other unis, including Warwick, Sussex, Leeds and various in London. Will is also developing cooking ideas specifically aimed at students; ‘healthy and cheap- the idea is that you don’t change everything, just small alterations to your regular diet.’ Watch this space for explanatory cooking videos which are apparently under construction… Also in his range are meals best described (though not at all nutritionally akin to) as Pot Noodle- meals best had after exercise high in protein, averaging at about 270 kcals. One of the team is currently in the process of testing these out, so look out for a review in the next few weeks… Also in the pipeline is what Will refers to as ‘basically a limitless pill’. Having expressed considerable dubiousness (I have seen what happens in that film) I was assured that it was all natural- something ‘better than caffeine, natural and efficient, and is being tested in the UFC’- perfect for all-nighters in the library!
Excitingly, the company have been asked to expand as far as Dubai, Taiwan and Qatar, and Will is flying out to Dubai in April to meet with management teams there. Conveniently, he tells me, he’ll already be out there, for his ‘other company’; a music business he co-partners with his father. When asked to explain, he told me that he and his Dad put on concerts in the Middle East, among other music-type things. Will is also doing an MA in Sustainable Development. And running the marathon this year for Children with Cancer. ‘Well, actually I’m swimming in the sea for a mile, then cycling to London, then doing the marathon. Oh and I’m doing in all in Y-fronts. And I haven’t started training yet.’ His products must be good to inspire that much confidence in his fitness…
Ultimately, he tells me, the concept of Uni Fitness is to build a trustworthy brand; ‘the internet is such a huge resource, with so much unreliable advice- my aim is to narrow it down, and bring to people health and fitness recommendations on a personal level. I’m not about just selling products and ripping people off.’ So if anyone has any questions relating to toning, nutrition and exercise generally, it sounds as though Will Graydon is the guy to ask! (He also wanted to make it known he is recently single; ‘If this is as close to “campus cutie” as I’m going to get I may as well make the most of it!’)
For any health and fitness advice, contact Will at william@unifitness.co.uk and to access his website go to http://www.unifitness.co.uk/, where you can also see his blog.