Englishman Francis Lowndes was perhaps the first western cardio machine salesperson. In 1796, Lowndes unveiled the Gymnasticon, a device the size of a refrigerator that depended on a set of flywheels that connected wooden treadles for the feet to cranks for the hands. In his patent, Lowndes described the machine as intended “to give and apply motion and exercise, voluntary or involuntary, to the limbs, joints, and muscles of the human body.”
It’s fair to say that we’ve come a long way from the days of Lowndes’ Gymnasticon. Today’s cardio equipment — from treadmills to stationary bikes — are internet-connected, biometric-tracking marvels, and it seems every year there’s a new evolution in the machines that humans use to pedal in place while figuratively taking off on their journey to optimal health.
At AB Show 2023 in Baltimore, Octonic, a company that produces a virtual reality fitness platform, demonstrated its futuristic wares for anyone daring enough to don the headset and step onto one of Woodway’s treadmills. When the VR headset was connected to the treadmill, the user was treated to the astonishing experience of walking through a 360-degree world replete with flying dragons and soothing seascapes.
While Octonic may represent the cardio market’s farthest horizon, traditional equipment manufacturers continue to refine their existing products and, in some cases, embark on evolutionary leaps in technology. To find out where the market stands currently and where there is opportunity for innovation, Athletic Business contacted a number of leading cardio manufacturers to ask for their thoughts. What follows is a look at these industry leaders’ latest and greatest products, as well as their insights into the future.
Precor
Erica Tillinghast, Director of Brand and Education
What kinds of features are your customers asking for in new cardio equipment? Exercisers value their personal content above all else, so making it easier for exercisers to access and interact with media and apps on their phone during their workouts is a top priority for Precor. Operators also are looking for ways to bring in new exercisers, and making a visual and emotional impact with impressive design and easy-to-market features on facility tours is top of mind.
What does it take to differentiate in today’s world of high-tech cardio equipment? During the development process, we focus on serving operators by anticipating changes in consumer behaviors and technology. We are mindful not just of what workouts and media exercisers want to participate in, but how they want to engage. We strive to minimize barriers, ensuring users can access desired content and eagerly anticipate it in their workout experience.
What do you consider your company’s most cutting-edge piece of cardio equipment? Our new P94 and P84 cardio consoles (see image on page 20) connect to our legacy Precor cardio product portfolio and provide the industry’s first commercialized casting solution for fitness facilities. With PrecorCast, exercisers can securely enjoy their own fitness and media content on the large 16- and 22-inch touchscreens. The consoles also include trending workouts that get exercisers moving within three taps, and embedded PlutoTV in the channel guide of every console provides an opportunity to reduce or eliminate spend on cable. Even better, the easy-to-refresh screensaver reel allows operators to easily market their services with high-impact imagery and QR codes.
Any areas you see as ripe for innovation in the cardio space? The fitness industry is trending toward fundamental movement patterns such as walking, running and climbing. Cardio workouts are becoming shorter as people invest more time in strength training. Innovations aiming to make these movements gentler and offering highly specific workouts for preferred cardio types are prime areas for innovation.
The Matrix Performance Plus treadmill with Touch XL console
Matrix Fitness
Kevin Mast, Global Product Manager for Commercial CardioWhat kinds of features are your customers asking for in new cardio equipment?
Our customers are asking for features that are effective and personalized. For example, if the movement of walking on a treadmill is relatively unchanged, then make the walk more interesting by simplifying how a member connects to the technology they use outside the gym. Or make the walk more entertaining and meaningful by offering science-based programs that meet the member where they are on their fitness journey.
What does it take to differentiate in today’s world of high-tech cardio equipment?
Differentiating our product means delivering a personalized experience for the user and valuable integrations for the owner. It is relatively simple to offer popular apps on the console but much more difficult to create intuitive software that an owner can personalize for their members and fits their business needs. Members want an understandable user interface to help navigate their favorite entertainment and workout apps to make the most of their time. On the operations side, integrations need to help owners seamlessly include cardio into their existing management systems. Finally, it is critical to pull the entire product together with a design that is intuitive to use and simple to service.
What do you consider your company’s most cutting-edge piece of cardio equipment?
Performance Plus treadmill with Touch XL console (pictured). This treadmill has the best of what we offer in technology and performance. We focused early in development on understanding the valuable elements of a slat-belt design and then reformulating those into a treadmill that is easier to own and usable by more members within a facility. One innovative and practical design feature is the location of the drive system and electronics. Knowing that sweat and dirt are always a concern with commercial products, we moved the drive system and key electronics to the front of the treadmill. Placing these components under the motor cover was a design challenge for our engineering team and is unique in the industry for slat-belt treadmills.
Any areas you see as ripe for innovation in the cardio space?
We think that innovation in cardio might not be as straightforward as making a new treadmill. We anticipate cardio spend will go down in the near term in relation to strength, as more members discover and want to strength train. Knowing this, we need to help our customers by delivering technology that is relevant for their members and helps business owners thrive. Innovations over the next decade may be less about introducing new movements and more about power efficiency, durability and networked serviceability.
SportsArt ECO-POWR
SportsArt
Ruben Mejia, Executive Vice President, SportsArt Americas
What kinds of features are your customers asking for in new cardio equipment?
Our customers are looking to do more than they traditionally have. It’s no longer just about their health — it’s also about the health of the planet. Our customers are flocking to our energy-generating cardio line, ECO-POWR, because they can help offset their carbon footprint by generating clean electricity during their workout.
What does it take to differentiate in today’s world of high-tech cardio equipment?
Almost all the big players in the fitness industry make good fitness products, but few make great fitness products. To differentiate, you not only have to make great products, you have to show your customers that you’re more than a commodity.
What do you consider your company’s most cutting-edge piece of cardio equipment?
With almost 200 patents in the fitness industry, innovation has been part of our DNA since our inception in 1977. We don’t just have one cutting-edge piece of cardio, we have several. To date, we have 13 products that generate electricity, including one with a Certified Carbon Footprint. We also have an elliptical with motorized stride assistance that has helped people relearn how to walk.
Any areas you see as ripe for innovation in the cardio space?
I recommend to anyone reading this to think out of the box and to pay attention to what is happening in colleges across the U.S. If you do so, you’ll spot that the younger generation is graduating and coming into the professional world with the same passion that they had as students.
The CORE StairMaster 10G
CORE
Ella Verhees, Director of Products - Main Floor CardioWhat kinds of features are your customers asking for in new cardio equipment?
Our customers prioritize cardio equipment with versatile programming options, seamless connectivity for member data integration, and durability for sustained use. Key features include engaging workout interfaces, compatibility with fitness management systems, and robust performance tracking capabilities — ensuring member satisfaction and efficient facility management across the cardio floor.
What does it take to differentiate in today’s world of high-tech cardio equipment?
Differentiation is finding the perfect middle ground between integrating new technologies and supporting an easy user adoption. There are great technologies out there. We focus on identifying the methods that both enhance the product long-term and benefit the user.
What do you consider your company’s most cutting-edge piece of cardio equipment?
My personal pick is the StairMaster 10G. It’s our most robust stair climbing piece. This product was designed for climbing enthusiasts. It has a huge stepping surface, multiple hand positions and is wide enough for users to enjoy a range of stepping activities. Going a step further, the 10G has OverDrive Mode, allowing a user to add resistance training to their workout. Think sled push and farmer’s carry as you climb the stairs.
Any areas you see as ripe for innovation in the cardio space?
The future of cardio technology and user experience lies in creating immersive, personalized and connected fitness environments that cater to the evolving preferences and needs of users, ultimately enhancing their fitness journey.
The True Stryker Slat Treadmill
TRUE Fitness
Dennis Schleeper, Cardio Product ManagerWhat kinds of features are your customers asking for in new cardio equipment?
Our cardio equipment has met nearly every specification. The exception lies in the realm of technology, not due to inadequacy, but rather a reflection of the fast-paced nature of technological advancements. Recognizing this, we are dedicated to ensuring our cardio equipment seamlessly integrates with the latest technological trends.
What does it take to differentiate in today’s world of high-tech cardio equipment?
Our goal revolves around offering a multipurpose platform that goes beyond the standard features of a TV or internet browser. What sets us apart is providing a comprehensive and unique platform that transforms the fitness experience.
What do you consider your company’s most cutting-edge piece of cardio equipment?
Our flagship product, treadmills, takes center stage. TRUE Fitness has consistently delivered the market’s premiere running platforms, reflecting our commitment to innovation and excellence.
Any areas you see as ripe for innovation in the cardio space?
A promising area of innovation lies in enhancing user engagement with equipment. It’s not just about introducing new hardware features, it’s about transforming the entire user experience.
