Balance Isn't Always 50-50

Onosetale Phyl-Arhedo is the Co-founder and COO of MyFitHub and a filmmaker. She began her career as an auditor at KPMG before transitioning into film as a scriptwriter and producer, working with productions across Nigeria, Ghana, and the UK.

Alongside her friend and Partner, Omotolani, she co-founded MyFitHub, a platform that gives users access to a range of fitness and wellness activities. Users can access gyms, pools, Pilates, yoga, badminton, padel, and other fitness services through a single flexible subscription or on a pay-as-you-go basis. Their goal is to make fitness more accessible and personalized by giving people multiple ways to stay active without juggling multiple memberships.

You describe yourself as someone who has always loved stories. How has your background in storytelling shaped the way you build communities and businesses?

Storytelling connects people, and that's central to MyFitHub. We use stories to make fitness relatable, showing real experiences rather than simply promoting a product. Beyond that, we've built community features like accountability partners, leaderboards, and fitness challenges because people are more likely to stay consistent when they pursue goals together. Storytelling helps us create a brand that inspires lasting habits, not just sign-ups.

What inspired the creation of MyFitHub, and what problem were you and your co-founder trying to solve?

We saw that fitness in Nigeria often felt rigid and limited to gym memberships. People wanted more flexibility but had to manage separate subscriptions for these activities, or didn’t even know what options were available to them. Inspired by global platforms solving similar challenges, we built MyFitHub to bring all these fitness services into a single marketplace and help improve people’s journey toward a healthier life. We also include access to certified nutritionists because wellness goes beyond exercise; it's about providing a complete fitness experience.

MyFitHub aims to make fitness more flexible and accessible. Why is accessibility such an important pillar in building the platform?

Fitness shouldn't be reserved for a select few. We designed MyFitHub to meet people where they are financially and physically. Users can choose subscription tiers, pay only for individual sessions, or even access free activities like running clubs. Whether someone is managing PCOS, diabetes, or simply starting a fitness journey, we want to remove barriers and show that healthier living can be practical and achievable.

Global Wellness Day encourages people to prioritize their wellbeing. What does wellness personally mean to you?

Wellness is holistic. It includes exercise, nutrition, rest, mental health, regular medical check-ups, and caring for your environment. It's not something you do occasionally; it's a lifestyle. True wellness comes from consistently making choices that support both your body and your mind.

In your experience, how can young women build sustainable wellness habits without feeling pressured by perfection or social media trends?

Start with your own health goals instead of chasing trends. Social media often encourages consumerism rather than genuine wellness. Listen to credible professionals, personalize your routine, and focus on habits that fit your lifestyle. Even simple actions like taking walks daily, meal prepping, drinking enough water, and moving your body consistently can have a lasting impact. Sustainability matters more than perfection.

Building a startup in the wellness space comes with unique challenges. What has been one of the biggest lessons you've learned as Co-Founder and COO?

The biggest lesson has been people management. Building the technology is one challenge, but convincing fitness providers to believe in a new vision takes persistence. Since we're introducing something relatively new, we consistently communicate the platform's long-term value. Some partners join immediately, others wait to see our progress, and learning to manage those relationships has been invaluable.

How do you balance creativity, operations, and leadership across your various roles?

It comes down to planning, prioritization, and teamwork. I structure my schedule carefully, knowing some days one responsibility will demand more attention than another. My co-founder and I support each other by covering responsibilities when needed, and I intentionally make time to rest so I can remain effective across both filmmaking and MyFitHub. Balance isn't always 50-50; it's adjusting without neglecting your well-being.

What trends do you believe will shape the future of fitness and wellness in Nigeria over the next five years?

Specific trends will come and go, but the fundamentals will remain. Exercises that genuinely improve strength, mobility, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being will always matter. Whether it's strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), endurance, or flexibility training, sustainable fitness solutions that deliver real results will define the future; I'm not talking about temporary hype.

Community appears to be at the heart of wellness movements today. Why do you think people thrive better when pursuing health goals together?

Because people aren't meant to do life alone. Community provides accountability, encouragement, and motivation, especially on difficult days. Having others who share similar goals makes consistency much easier. That's why community is a core part of MyFitHub; we want people to find support, encouragement, and lasting motivation throughout their fitness journey.

What impact do you hope MyFitHub will have on how Nigerians think about fitness and wellbeing?

We want MyFitHub to become Nigeria's go-to fitness marketplace. Whether someone is looking for a gym, swimming pool, yoga class, nutrition support, or corporate wellness solutions, we want them to think of MyFitHub first. More importantly, we hope to help Nigerians discover that wellness can be enjoyable, flexible, and integrated into everyday life.

Have there been any stories from users or beta testers that have particularly inspired you?

Our beta testing focused primarily on user experience rather than fitness outcomes. We wanted to ensure the platform was intuitive, easy to navigate, and aligned with users' expectations. Once we officially launch and users begin booking sessions through the platform, we'll have richer stories about how MyFitHub has impacted their wellness journeys. On the plus side, building MyFitHub has also helped me try more fitness activities. I am currently learning Badminton and trying skating next.

Many young women are navigating careers, education, and personal growth simultaneously. What advice would you give to someone trying to prioritize their wellbeing amid life's demands?

Your health is never a worthwhile trade-off. Career success means very little if your body or mind breaks down along the way. You don't need perfection, but you do need consistency. Find practical ways to care for yourself, such as walking, stretching, meal prepping, or simply making time to rest. Prioritize your health alongside your ambitions because it's what makes every other goal possible.

If there is one message you would like people to carry with them this Global Wellness Day, what would it be?

See wellness as a lifestyle, not an occasional activity or something reserved for fitness enthusiasts. Build habits that work for your body, your schedule, and your goals. When wellness becomes part of your everyday life, taking care of yourself becomes sustainable rather than overwhelming.

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