A LITTLE HISTORY OF THE FITNESS INDUSTRY:

The industry started about 30 years ago with home gyms (usually they were chromed steel) that were made locally, dumbells, weights etc..

The first cardio machines were piston rowing machines (remember those?) and exercycles. Lifecycle (Now Life Fitness) had a very expensive bike that was sold and dealers found that there was a market for quality.

More stores opened as the "working out" at home trend was gaining momentum. As more products were available manufacturers could supply this new industry. Treadmills opened the dealers to a new level and it grew quickly from there.

The fitness industry used to be a continental industry. One where the US built all the equipment we see in North America and European manufacturers serve the Euro markets. But like all other industries we find that all manufacturers have a facility in Taiwan or China but still build higher end locally. All R&D is done locally as well.

In all markets there are specialty fitness dealers that sell, service and repair only fitness machines. The dealers have access to all of the products you can find and choose only to sell the ones that they know won't be a service issue. That comes from experience.

The Specialty Fitness dealer pays taxes in your community. They help manufacturers design the next new products and it is not any more expensive than trying to buy direct.