September 21, 2024 · Hannah Altman

How My PhD Research Guided Me to a Unique, Safer Approach to Fitness

Instead of a typical write-up on aging and exercise, I wanted to share insights from my PhD research and how it has shaped the unique approach to fitness I now offer through I-STAR.

My PhD — “When Looks Matter: Errors in Decision-Making in the Health and Fitness Industry in a World of Asymmetric Information and Bounded Rationality” — delved into how people often choose their trainers based on appearance rather than expertise. Decisions made on surface-level cues rather than actual qualifications can lead to suboptimal results, including serious injuries.

One key takeaway: most clients genuinely seek more than fast, short-lived results. They value safe, effective training that reaches their goals without risking injury. That insight fundamentally shaped my approach — programs that prioritise long-term wellbeing, so you feel supported and confident while making real, lasting progress.

Through I-STAR, I offer a research-driven approach that integrates academic knowledge with practical experience. In an industry that’s still largely unregulated, trust matters. My programs are designed with evidence-based methods that protect your body while guiding you toward your goals — building strength, managing pain, or improving overall fitness.

The focus is not on quick results but on sustainable progress that enhances your long-term health. By blending the science behind exercise with a personalised approach, you get more than just a workout — you get a fitness plan built to last, grounded in evidence and designed for your long-term success.

And remember — together, the possibilities are infinite.

Put it into practice

Train with Infinite