Become your best self

Sustainable habits for a good and healthy life.

From Passion to Purpose: The Story Behind Kiltro

August 15, 2024
Written by:
Vlad

For years, I dreamed of creating an app like Kiltro. I've been fascinated by the world of health and fitness for as long as I can remember, and Kiltro is rooted in my personal journey into health, fitness, and performance. From my days as a dedicated soccer player to my newfound love for extreme water sports, keeping my mind and body in top shape has always been a priority.

These values — healthy eating, regular exercise, mindfulness, and mental resilience — were instilled in me early on. My father, a former Soviet gymnast and Ukrainian Champion, was a profound influence. When my family relocated to the Bay Area in the early nineties, the move allowed me to join organized soccer teams, fueling my passion for sports and physical well-being. As San Francisco became my home base, I embarked on a career in tech, working for companies like Adobe, Google, Pandora, and Airbnb. Despite the demanding schedules and high-pressure environments, I remained grounded by staying connected to my body through sports and mindfulness practices.

In 2012, I co-founded Hot5 Fitness, a fitness app that garnered half a million downloads and received accolades from celebrities like Kate Hudson and Randi Zuckerberg on the Today Show. When Weight Watchers (WW) acquired Hot5 in 2015, I spent the next four and a half years as a Product Executive at WW, helping millions achieve their health goals.

My time at Weight Watchers reinforced a simple yet profound truth: living a healthy life boils down to simple daily habits. Being mindful, staying social, eating well, moving regularly, and getting enough sleep are key to finding balance and fulfillment. However, many people struggle to integrate these habits into their lives due to the competing demands of modern living.

That’s where the idea for Kiltro came in. I noticed most wellness apps were too complicated or narrowly focused in one area while neglecting the entire person. They often make it about the product, not about the person. This approach doesn't resonate with me.

My insight was that just bringing awareness to the five areas of mindfulness, social connection, good nutrition, moving your body, and sleep was enough to make a meaningful impact. This is backed by extensive research showing that these pillars significantly contribute to overall well-being. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and improve mental clarity, while social connections are linked to longer, healthier lives. Good nutrition and regular exercise are foundational for physical health, and quality sleep is essential for both mental and physical recovery.

Ease and simplicity are the guiding principles behind Kiltro. Our mission is to make it easy for you to integrate simple, effective habits into your daily life so you can find greater fulfillment and balance.

We know how tough it can be to juggle everything while still paying attention to your health and well-being. Kiltro is your constant companion, supporting you every step of the way by raising your awareness, offering practical steps, and showing your weekly progress. Our aim is to provide straightforward, actionable guidance for making small changes that truly count.

The name Kiltro is a play on the phrase 'being off kilter,' which means being off balance or not in a correct state. Our goal is to keep you on kilter.

We believe that everyone should live their best life. That's why we're excited to share Kiltro with you. It's more than just an app, it's a partner in your quest for a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Join us and see how simple it can be to take care of your body and mind and really focus on what matters most. Let's make wellness effortless together and live intentionally, one day at a time.

Become your best self

Sustainable habits for a good and healthy life.

Kiltro Blog

Nutrition Foundations

Fitness Basics