First Research is the leading industry intelligence company that helps sales teams perform faster and smarter, open doors, and close more deals. First Research performs the heavy lifting’ by synthesizing hundreds of sources into an easy to digest format that a sales person can consume very quickly to better understand a prospect’s business issues.’

Executive Summary

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

The US fitness equipment manufacturing industry consists of about 100 companies with combined annual revenue of about $3 billion. Major companies include Cybex International, ICON Health & Fitness, Life Fitness, Nautilus, and Precor. The industry is concentrated: the top five companies account for more than 50 percent of revenue.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by consumer income and demographic trends. The profitability of individual companies depends on unique product designs and effective marketing. Large companies have some advantages in brand recognition, but small companies can compete effectively by building unique products.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major products are motorized treadmills, stationary bikes, stair climbers, rowing machines, and elliptical ‘cross-trainers,’ collectively called aerobic exercisers; and weightlifting machines (‘strength training’), and traditional weightlifting equipment (‘free weights’ and benches). In addition, there are a large number of ancillary products. This equipment allows individuals to exercise by themselves in a limited space. The two major market segments for fitness equipment are the home and the institutional exercise equipment market (including health clubs, corporations, apartments, and hotels). The home market is by far the largest and has grown significantly in the past decade. Products are made and marketed separately for the two segments.

Products for home use are mainly treadmills and exercise bikes. Cost is a primary consideration, so home equipment is generally built with lighter materials, as it is rarely used more than one hour per day.

SOURCE: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/1ddebb/fitness_equipment

Body-Solid fitness equipment is extremely well known for its comprehensive warranty policy. Most fitness equipment companies, especially companies that manufacture home fitness equipment, do not provide their customer base with the extensive warranty coverage that Body-Solid offers. They claim, “Nobody beats our warranty. Absolutely nobody.” In support of their claim, Body-Solid provides their customers with in-home, lifetime warranties, on every piece and part of home gym equipment. Pads, pulleys, frame, any part one could think of on a home gym, is covered by Body-Solid, under their exclusive, in-home, lifetime warranty.

As you probably already know, aerobic exercise such as walking helps you control your weight. But did you also know that just one session of walking you can lower your blood sugar by 20 to 30%? Diabetic or not, many people these days are coming closer and closer to having high blood sugar levels, by a combination of not eating healthy and not exercising. Tips for keeping your blood sugars in a good range while exercising are to eat something 30 minutes before your walk (so your numbers don’t drop to low with your increased metabolism), check you blood sugar levels before and after every walk (to prevent drops), and walk at least every other day. One a routine habit is introduced to your system, your sugar levels will start to stay at a healthy level. Just remember, once you take just one day off, it can take months to get back on the saddle!