Roam149 Next Gen Running and Urban Hiking Experience To Chelsea

This Patch article is sponsored by Roam149.

Located in Chelsea, N.Y. Roam149 is a 3-D virtual cardio and fitness club that embodies the idea of running, walking or hiking in a more personalized and natural setting while indoors. From the moment you walk in the door, your senses will immediately appreciate the calming decor with colorful foliage and plants to evoke the sight, smells and beauty of nature.

Patch had a chance to talk with Sid Raman, owner and founder of Roam149.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Raman: This venture began around July 2020, during the onset months of the pandemic. Persevering through with each successive iteration, critiqued and aided by professional runners, physical trainers and even friends and family, the team moved closer to the openness, instant reactivity, and immersive experience that I wanted in the product. Through these efforts Roam149 was born. We are new to the community but look forward to opening our doors to everyone. Our goal is to be a community destination and be around for a very long time.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in?

Raman: As an avid trail runner, I always had pined for a way to experience — on a treadmill — the same joys of running outdoors. So, with a group of talented robotics and mechanical engineers I set about to build the next generation running platform and software to complete this goal. Our patented treadmill takes our clients on a very motivational upward inline and downward decline in seconds unlike any treadmill in the marketplace.

Patch: If you sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Raman: Innovative, Interactive, Fitness, Motivating and Fun

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you faced in your job?

Raman: This project started in the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. There was so much uncertainty and restrictions at the time. I was able to keep a small team of people on staff in order to get the project done and our concept open, while also ensuring we gave our clients a safe and clean environment to workout in.

Patch: What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Raman: To know that I can contribute to maintaining someone’s healthy lifestyle with a new and innovative fitness wellness concept is very rewarding. We offer an indoor space that provides our clients with a fun, immersive and entertaining experience, so our clients don’t have to worry about pollution, bustle and crowds that the city-life brings at times.

Patch: How would your business or organization distinguish itself from others?

Raman: Roam149 offers an undulating landscape of the moon or runners can even try their hand at a virtual New York City Marathon —all 26.2 miles. We are building a library to enhance training, education, fitness, and physical-rehab processes using our state-of-the-art platform. With virtual multiplayer features, you can hike or run with someone in the next booth or — maybe one day — in another country. Roam 149 is the first to market fitness experience to capture mixed-reality in a studio setting. We believe our technological energy will take us beyond fitness to benefit the education and health sectors as well.

Patch: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Raman: Success takes a lot of time and effort. Along the way, it is often tempting to take short cuts, but I have found that these are ill advised, and in the end doing the right thing for all the stakeholders involved will result in the most enduring success.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about? If so, what are the details?

Raman: We have a few projects coming down the pipeline, we are very excited about one project in particular. We are in the process of offering people that use wheelchairs access to simulators at Roam149. This will allow them to still get cardio and fitness through the use of our stimulators.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Raman: We are looking to be a part of local marathons in the area, especially the TCS New York Marathon in NYC. We are also looking to work with the special needs community, to see how someone may benefit from using our simulators. We would take pleasure in serving the special needs community. And in the future we hope to be involved with the local running organizations, such as TCS and Achilles.

Patch: How can Patch users learn more about your work and business?

Raman: Patch readers can learn more about Roam149 on our website. Readers can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Visit us at: 149 West 27th Street for a complimentary 3-D virtual run or hike.