THE STORY BEHIND BOARDGAINS
From a whiteboard workout to a fitness game built for schools, gyms, teams, and families.
FITNESS SHOULD FEEL LIKE PLAY
BoardGains was created to make fitness more fun, social, and easy to lead. By turning exercise into a game, we help groups stay active, connected, and excited to move.
FROM TRAINER TO INVENTOR
I’m Eric Mathura, the creator of BoardGains. After more than 10 years as a personal trainer and bootcamp instructor, I saw that people worked harder and stayed more engaged when fitness felt like a game.
Inspired by competition shows like Survivor, I started testing workout games with my classes. What began on a whiteboard slowly became a complete fitness board game.
After a successful Kickstarter in 2020, BoardGains officially launched in 2021. Today, it helps teachers, coaches, trainers, and families turn ordinary workouts into a fun group experience.
Choose Your Edition
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
Whiteboard Gains
BoardGains began in September 2016 at a Board Games Bootcamp event. I created a workout game on a whiteboard using dice, movement, and simple fitness challenges to make exercise feel more like play.
The response was immediate. People were engaged, competitive, and having fun — and that’s when I realized this idea had the potential to become something bigger.
THE IDEA STARTED TO GROW
Poster Gains
In 2018, the whiteboard version evolved into a printed poster game that I used at fitness events and bootcamps. It was more polished, easier to use, and helped bring the concept to life.
After one event, a player asked, “Where can I buy this?” That moment made it clear BoardGains had the potential to become a real product.
BUILDING THE GAME FOR REAL
BoardGains Takes Shape
Over the next two years, I focused on refining the game, testing it in workouts, and researching how to turn it into a real board game product. When the pandemic hit, I used that time to go all in on development.
In November 2020, I launched a Kickstarter campaign — and successfully funded the first official BoardGains production run.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
Growing the Game
Today, BoardGains helps turn workouts into play for schools, gyms, teams, families, and fitness groups. What started as a bootcamp idea has grown into a fun, ready-to-play fitness game used in multiple settings.
BoardGains is continuing to grow, bringing people together through movement, competition, and fun fitness.