Fitness accessory provides easy storage
More fashion-forward than a fanny pack and sleeker than a sweater tied around the waist, Christina and Martin Lopez developed a storage solution for female exercisers with a workout wrap called the “JogTog.” Now, the Windsor couple have launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the production the JogTog+, which improves the look and utility of the original.
While the JogTog’s design simulates a compact sweater, with arms that tie around the waist and a flap that hangs down in the back, the workout wrap is constructed from light-weight jersey mesh and reflective material. Three zippered pockets around the waist allow for balanced storage of phones, keys, MP3 players and other workout accessories.
Christina and Martin have lived in Windsor for about 10 years and own and operate a carpet and house cleaning business called Heaven’s Best. As frequent outdoor exercisers at Windsor’s Foothill Regional Park, they developed the idea for the JogTog as Christina sought a better way to carry accessories when she exercised, and saw others facing the same challenge.
“I was always wondering – gosh I would love to have someplace to put my keys, or my phone,” she said. “And then we see women – I do it too – tie sweaters around their waist. So we would see tons of people just holding everything or fumbling with things.”
‘Fashionable’, ‘useful’ and ‘versatile’ were words that stuck out to Christina and Martin as they brainstormed the design for the JogTog. “After our jog we came home and just cut up an old sweater, and I sewed on some fake zippers and that’s how it was born,” Christina said.
According to Christina, they also designed the JogTog to conceal less-flattering spandex workout clothes. “As a woman I know I tie a sweater around my waist when I have spandex on,” she said. “Just because Spandex isn’t the most flattering.” Those who have purchased the JogTog appreciate it for the coverage and storage, she said.
As a self-funded enterprise, the Lopezes launched the JogTog in February of 2013 through their company called VersaWraps. They often market the workout wrap at local running events, and sold out of their initial order of 1000 JogTogs. “We’re very low on product right now,” Christina said. “But everybody loves it.”
Limited funding makes it difficult for the Lopezes to expand to markets further afield, such as New York or the Midwest. Yet considering their current limitations, Martin said he is proud of what they have been able to achieve. “We’ve done it all ourselves,” he said, “And for us to that ourselves and to be where we’re at, I think we’ve done pretty well.”
JogTogs come in several combinations of colors, and even fold into themselves to become a compact pouch for easy storage. Though it’s geared toward women, Martin said he wears a solid black version on his own workouts. “When I wear it, I put my phone in there, my keys… And I don’t have my man-shorts dangling everywhere. But that’s just me.”
According to Christina and Martin, the Kickstarter will help the couple fund the first wave of the JogTog+. The new model includes brighter colors and reflective material, more storage and improved zipper placement. The camapign may also help to expand their current marketing efforts.
As of Wednesday, the Lopezes had raised $710 of a $10,000 goal. Their Kickstarter campaign runs until Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:17 p.m. and will only be funded if at least $10,000 is pledged.
For more information on the JogTog, visit www.thejogtog.com. To access the Lopezes’ Kickstarter campaign, go to www.kickstarter.com and enter “JogTog” in the search box.
