Fitness Equipment Industry News - 20250319

Fit Gear Hub News Weekly

1. NordicTrack Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Launch of Ultra 1 Luxury Treadmill

NordicTrack, a leading fitness equipment brand under global interactive fitness giant iFIT, has unveiled its Ultra 1 treadmill to mark its 50th anniversary. Priced at over $15,000, the Ultra 1 features luxurious materials and cutting-edge technology inspired by aviation cockpits. Its sleek V-shaped columns crafted from white oak and metal seamlessly integrate an immersive sensory experience—including visual, auditory, and tactile dimensions. Users can control speed and incline via metal controllers or smart rings. Additionally, the treadmill incorporates Emmy-nominated iFIT training content, offering over 10,000 interactive workouts from global locations such as Seychelles and Everest, combining premium performance with artistic home-fitness elegance.

2. Echelon Partners with AWS, Launches Echelon Intelligence AI Platform

Echelon Fitness announced a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) on March 17, launching a cutting-edge AI fitness platform called Echelon Intelligence. Leveraging AWS's Amazon Bedrock generative AI technology and OpenSearch intelligent search capabilities, this platform personalizes workouts, tracks real-time user progress, and provides intelligent schedule management. Initially partnering with AWS in 2017, Echelon previously overcame streaming challenges by integrating AWS cloud solutions, facilitating over two million stable monthly workouts. This AI-powered upgrade is expected to boost user engagement and satisfaction, enhancing member retention rates by over 7%.

3. iFIT Teams with Ergatta for Gamified Fitness Experience

Global connected fitness leader iFIT has partnered with gamified fitness provider Ergatta, introducing interactive virtual racing content to NordicTrack and ProForm equipment. Launching initially on treadmills starting March 17, the partnership aims to increase user motivation by replacing traditional workouts with competitive, immersive gaming sessions. Ergatta’s content includes monthly updated virtual races, challenges, and direct community interaction. Jeremy McCarty, Chief Subscription Officer at iFIT, emphasized this collaboration enhances user engagement and community dynamics, aligning closely with iFIT’s commitment to innovative fitness experiences.

4. Echelon Acquires FlexIt, Rebrands as Echelon Intelligence

Echelon Fitness continues its expansion in personalized fitness solutions with its recent acquisition of FlexIt, now rebranded under Echelon Intelligence. This move complements Echelon’s previous acquisitions and initiatives, including ThriveX recovery equipment and ActiveMD telehealth. The acquisition integrates FlexIt's personalized training technology into Echelon’s ecosystem, allowing users seamless access to advanced personalized fitness plans. Combined with Echelon’s recent AWS partnership, the company positions itself as a leader in AI-driven personalized fitness solutions, significantly enhancing user engagement and retention.

5. Forme and FitBench Collaborate for Subscription-Free Fitness Solutions

Forme and FitBench have introduced a unique subscription-free fitness content solution, tailored for gyms, hotels, and other commercial settings. The partnership offers Forme Studio’s premium smart fitness mirrors featuring 4K UHD displays integrated with FitBench's compact exercise benches. At an introductory price of $7,350, the bundle provides pre-loaded fitness programs, including yoga, meditation, HIIT, and golf training, accessible without ongoing subscription fees. This collaboration aims to simplify fitness content access and increase customer convenience, enhancing on-demand training experiences.

6. ServiceSport Secures Exclusive UK Partnership with Keiser

UK fitness equipment servicing leader ServiceSport has secured an exclusive partnership with high-performance equipment provider Keiser. Under the agreement, ServiceSport becomes the authorized provider of maintenance and repair for Keiser equipment throughout the UK. Leveraging ServiceSport's network of expert engineers, gym operators can expect minimal equipment downtime and maximized performance. This strategic collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, enhancing reliability and operational efficiency in gym environments.

7．Basic-Fit Addresses Growth Concerns with €40 Million Strategy Shift

Basic-Fit, Europe's fastest-growing fitness chain, announced a significant strategic shift towards capital efficiency and profitability. Despite recording double-digit growth in revenue (€1,215 million) and memberships (4.46 million), the company plans to reduce expansion to 100 new gyms per year from 2025. Additionally, extended opening hours will roll out in France, Spain, and Germany. CEO René Moos noted that this new strategy aims to boost cash flow and investor confidence, amidst market speculation about potential privatization if share values remain undervalued. This move reflects a cautious yet ambitious approach to sustainable growth.