Many people use fitness equipment to stay in shape and improve their health. While some people purchase their equipment from retailers, many others buy it directly from manufacturers or through suppliers. These suppliers offer a wide range of products, including exercise bikes, elliptical trainers, and treadmills. They also sell weight benches, yoga and Pilates equipment, rowers, and home gyms. Moreover, they provide various services, such as delivery and installation of equipment. Some even offer financing options for customers. Despite the many choices available, some companies are more reputable than others.
The home market is a huge sector for fitness equipment makers. Consumers purchased 7.4 million elliptical machines and 30.6 million treadmills in 2001, according to data from the Sporting Good Manufacturers Association (SGMA). Stair climbers were the number one selling piece of fitness equipment but saw a significant drop in sales in recent years. This is due to newer machines that place less strain on the joints, such as elliptical machines.
Besides the home and commercial markets, fitness equipment suppliers often cater to hotels as well. In the 1990s, more and more hotels began offering workout facilities to their guests. These include gyms and saunas. This is a lucrative market for fitness equipment companies because it provides a steady source of income for them. It is estimated that hotel fitness centers generate more than a billion dollars in revenue each year for fitness equipment makers.
In addition to traditional retail channels, a number of fitness equipment suppliers are marketing their products through infomercials. These are television commercials that might run as long as a regular show and are devoted to promoting a specific product. Several fitness equipment firms have successfully used this marketing method, including Bowflex and the Gazelle Free Style Elite.
Another popular outlet for fitness equipment is the Internet. Some sites are dedicated to providing reviews, ratings, and comparisons of equipment. These sites are an excellent way to research different equipment before making a purchase. They are also a good way to compare prices and features of various pieces of fitness equipment.
While purchasing equipment, it is important to take into consideration the quality of the product as well as the warranty coverage. A quality product is more likely to last longer and provide greater performance. Many fitness equipment suppliers offer a generous warranty on their products. This warranty covers all parts and labor on the machine for a certain period of time.
Some companies also supply fitness training programs and products to their employees. For example, some employers have a program that will reimburse employees for the cost of purchasing home exercise equipment. This benefit can be an effective motivational tool for employees, especially during difficult economic times. Some companies may require employees to submit receipts of their purchase and use of the equipment, but this is often difficult to do.
Other companies, such as Icon Health & Fitness, manufacture and distribute fitness equipment. They produce elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, and home gyms. They have been in business since 1977 and are headquartered in Logan, Utah. fitness suppliers
