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The Fitness Brand "PRECOR" - What’s Behind It?

The name PRECOR stands for top-class and highest-quality fitness equipment. Its application areas include professionally managed fitness studios worldwide, and the "PRECOR" label can be found in leading hotels of renown, as well as in companies and security agencies who take responsibility for the fitness and health of their employees, relying on the first-rate quality of PRECOR products. With over 30 years of market-driven experience, PRECOR has set milestones in continuous technical innovation and quality improvement of professional cardio and strength equipment. PRECOR is one of the fitness market leaders in the USA and outperforms many other renowned fitness brands here in Germany. The thoughtful mechanics, as well as the most modern technological components and optimum training functionality, have brought this brand to first place in the American IHRSA market study, a survey of 150 managers.

Among other things, groundbreaking fitness ideas were developed and successfully introduced to the fitness market, including the first Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer (EFX) and later the Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT) based on human natural movement patterns. The ultimate goal at PRECOR is the maximum benefit for the trainee. Member experience plays an integral role in the ongoing development of all new products.

PRECOR is an independent brand within the Finnish Amer Sports Group. It is economically well-embedded. To support sports enthusiasts in their athletic goals and life dreams, the brands Wilson, Suunto, Salomon, Atomic, Arc'teryx, and Mavic rely on consistent and highly professional, continuous development and innovation of their sports products. This ensures that they meet the highest demands and expectations in the multi-billion-dollar sports industry market and remain competitive.

All employees of Amer Sports – here we are talking about 7,000 employees in over 33 countries worldwide – are dedicated to the corporate philosophy of innovation, teamwork, entrepreneurial thinking, and fair play. These principles bring out the best in the employees of PRECOR. This is naturally reflected in the high-quality fitness equipment as well.

In recent years, PRECOR has learned a lot from the ongoing changes and trends in the fitness industry. For this very reason, PRECOR has positioned itself clearly as one of the market leaders in the fitness equipment sector as well as in terms of service quality for users.

LIFE FITNESS – your ideal partner for a healthier life

Life Fitness is well-known to many people from commercial fitness centers. Here, many athletes have first had literal contact with a cardio or strength machine from Life Fitness, meaning they conducted their workout on it.

The fitness product range – from home equipment to professional and innovative high-end devices for studios, hotels or the most diverse organizations – aims to encourage people to adopt a more active lifestyle through varied and innovative training programs.

Life Fitness has been active in the fitness market for more than 45 years and has seen countless fitness trends and changes come and go globally. They have learned and continue to rely on a high level of experience.

Life Fitness has become successful primarily through well-thought-out fitness ideas, which have contributed to an active and health-oriented lifestyle worldwide and will continue to contribute to this in the future.

The employees and partners of Life Fitness train themselves on a wide variety of fitness equipment (in so-called showrooms) and often demonstrate the "Fit for Life" philosophy to Life Fitness customers.

Life Fitness subjects its products to the toughest load tests. This is why they are often found in continuous use in fitness studios. For example, Life Fitness treadmills are guarantors of natural and perfect running pleasure. Here, the groundbreaking FlexDeck shock absorption system has proven to be effective. This allows even overweight individuals and those with pre-existing orthopedic conditions to have a knee- and joint-friendly workout.

Life Fitness Crosstrainers and Lifecycle recumbent or upright ergometers are found in many commercially operated fitness studios.

MATRIX – Realization of Studio Training and Use for Home Use

Die Marke MATRIX steht für das Attribut „par excellence“ im Bereich von Cardio-, Kraft- und Gruppentrainingsgeräten. Diese in Studioqualität konstruierten Fitnessgeräte können sowohl in Firmen, Hotels, Behörden als auch Fitnessstudios und für ambitionierte Sportler für die Heimnutzung eingesetzt werden. Fitness total heisst die Philosophie bei MATRIX. 

Große und renommierte Studioketten vertrauen auf MATRIX. Die Geräte bieten ein Maximum an Leistung, Zuverlässigkeit, technologischem Know How und perfektem Design. Fitnessstudios sollen für ihre Mitglieder perfekt ausgestattet sein und das tägliche Work Out zu einem besonderen Erlebnis machen. Das hat sich die Marke MATRIX auf die Fahne geschrieben und in der täglichen Arbeit geht es um diese Umsetzung.

MATRIX ermöglicht seinen Nutzern auch die Studioqualität seiner Fitnessgeräte in den eigenen vier Wänden zu nutzen. Bemerkenswert und zu erwähnen ist die hohe Langlebigkeit und das aussgerwöhnliche Maß an Funktionalität, das beim Training keine Möglichkeiten offen lässt.

Die Programme auf den Computerkonsolen animieren beispielsweise zu regelmässigen und hochmotivierenden Trainingssessions. Das sind wichtige Voraussetzungen, um kontinuierlich und zielstrebig seine gesetzten Fitnessziele zu verfolgen und zu erreichen.

The brand MATRIX stands for the attribute "par excellence" in the field of cardio, strength, and group training equipment. These fitness devices, constructed in studio quality, can be used in companies, hotels, authorities, as well as fitness studios and for ambitious athletes for home use. Fitness total is the philosophy at MATRIX.

Large and renowned gym chains trust MATRIX. The devices offer a maximum of performance, reliability, technological know-how, and perfect design. Fitness studios should be perfectly equipped for their members and make the daily workout a special experience. This is what the MATRIX brand stands for, and the focus in daily operations is on this implementation.

MATRIX also allows its users to utilize the studio quality of its fitness devices in their own homes. Noteworthy and worth mentioning is the high durability and the extraordinary level of functionality that leaves no possibilities open during training.

The programs on the computer consoles, for example, encourage regular and highly motivating training sessions. These are important prerequisites for continuously and purposefully pursuing and achieving the set fitness goals.

1. Easy handling, high functionality, and beautiful design
Every trainee has basic fitness goals. The equipment they train on should optimally support achieving these goals through functionality and intuitive usability. Also, the motivating appearance of the fitness equipment as well as the functionality of the display increase the enjoyment of training. Gym clients expect modern, highly professional equipment in terms of aesthetics and training usability.

When acquiring a complete strength training circuit or endurance equipment such as treadmills, ergometers, and elliptical trainers, attention should be paid to modern and visually matching equipment.

2. Top quality due to high focus on ISO certification
Fitness equipment in commercial gyms, hotels, or professional organizations like companies or authorities must withstand very high mechanical loads due to the high training frequency. The term "professional" means a more or less permanent use of 8 hours a day or more. Among other things, overweight individuals often train, which places maximum demands on the equipment. The number of fitness facilities that are open 24 hours and thus offer training opportunities has increased. These facts present the manufacturers of fitness equipment with very high demands and challenges. Long development times, extensive load tests with corresponding ISO certification are meant to ensure top quality. Ambitious athletes with an active lifestyle and a strong focus on a balanced work-life balance deserve only the best equipment technology.

3. The range of fitness equipment must cover a wide variety of training options
Have a competent equipment dealer create a professional offer for you. They know, in individual conversations with the user or investor, which equipment and to what extent a broad and deep variety of training options can be achieved with the respective equipment set. This is very important in order to offer future athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or even health-conscious sportspeople a high selection of training programs. Some want to reduce their body weight, others want to relax or tone their muscles. In any case, health and well-being should be maintained and improved. When clients experience this connection, they will happily return to their fitness park. Of course, a healthy diet and focus on mental health are important for wellness. Fitness training with the right equipment also plays an important role. Reputable manufacturers have years of experience in the production of training-supporting equipment and know what matters.

4. Fitness equipment should meet the current sports scientific findings
Leading fitness equipment manufacturers have highly experienced sports scientists on their team. They help them bring well-developed strength and endurance equipment to the market, designed according to modern sports scientific knowledge. For example, “biomechanics” plays an important role in the development and manufacturing of training equipment. What does optimal biomechanics mean? Training equipment is designed to match the ergonomic movement patterns of the body. There are also kinematic tests that help ensure elliptical trainers perfectly simulate the human running motion in everyday use. This also applies to running on a professional treadmill and pedaling on an ergometer.
This prevents excessive fatigue or, in the worst case, one-sided and harmful wear and tear. Only the muscles and cardiovascular system should be stressed.

5. Digital interaction through touchscreens and the use of apps
Modern fitness studios feature strength and, primarily, endurance equipment that allows training planning, control, and monitoring through apps. This allows trainers to interact with the trainees via apps and online connections. This increases training efficiency, reduces the time for training adjustments, and also adds fun. The entertainment options and the virtual variety of landscapes, performance parameters, training modes, etc. are very high. This can also improve training quality, and fitness goals can be effectively achieved. The use of modern touchscreens and personalized apps makes training in studios, hotels, companies, and public offices more individualized and personal. This can contribute to customer retention.

6. High versatility and applicability of training equipment
Professional fitness equipment with modern computer displays stands out due to its high variety of training forms. Should individual muscle groups or areas be targeted, or should the training machine enable an efficient full-body workout? This is something to consider. Therapeutically oriented fitness equipment focuses on sensory-motor skills, for example. This allows the body posture of the trainee to be assessed, and an intelligent software program can create, offer, and implement a personalized training program for correcting posture. Medical-therapeutic training equipment also allows people with severe physical disabilities to improve their endurance and strength.

7. Use of professional fitness equipment in the workplace
In most cases, athletes train in a fitness studio, club, or have a training device at home. Some companies take advantage of the opportunity, are well-informed, and cooperate with specialized fitness equipment manufacturers and health insurance providers. There are subsidies or tax advantages for corporate health promotion. Some companies pay or contribute a subsidy for their employees if they train in a certified studio. Other companies, in turn, set up their own health training studio within the company building for their employees. When considering such a concept, it is important to focus on high-quality and versatile equipment. Some training can even be used by entire teams in these spaces. This, in turn, increases team spirit, understanding, and trust among each other. Studies have shown that this can reduce absenteeism and increase employee satisfaction. Companies thus make a significant contribution to a balanced work-life balance for their employees.

8. Additional requirements for a professional fitness room
In addition to the obvious high quality of the equipment (without which one cannot remain competitive in the long term), the entire room ambiance should exude a feel-good atmosphere. This includes healthy lighting adapted to daylight. Windows for sufficient fresh air supply and a varied view of the outside contribute greatly to the well-being. The room should not have plain white walls. The training room should also not be overloaded with too many training devices. Sufficient space between the devices should be ensured. Communication areas for the athletes contribute significantly to a relaxed and harmonious workout.

9. Healthy and effective training with the help of an equipment trainer
Many people are inexperienced in setting up the chosen training device, make posture errors, or overload themselves quickly with too much weight or too high speeds. This is counterproductive and can sometimes lead to injuries and illnesses. To prevent this and to gain experience with the equipment, an experienced trainer should be assigned to the fitness athlete, especially in the beginning. The trainer can provide advice and also make corrections. Many equipment trainers are sports scientists, personal trainers, physiotherapists, or medical practitioners. In any case, they are experienced and have the necessary credentials to show they know how to proceed and how to train correctly and healthily.

10. Hygiene for a feel-good atmosphere in the training room is important
Regular and conscientious cleaning of the fitness rooms as well as the sanitary rooms is very important. In addition to well-being, health aspects also play a role. Quickly, the cushions, bars, and weights in the training room become contaminated with sweat, lime, and dust, which can be unpleasant. The training floor and training mirrors must also be cleaned and maintained. Attentive studio operators or fitness managers in hotels provide guests with disinfectants and wipes. It should also be communicated to athletes that they should thoroughly clean heavily sweaty cardio devices. Other subsequent athletes want to find a clean device as well. This should be kept in mind when opening a fitness room.

11. Balanced and comprehensive equipment with strength and endurance machines
As mentioned before, a fitness room in the form of a gym should offer visitors the maximum variety of training options. The gym owner, together with the equipment supplier or trainer, should consider how to position the equipment and how they should be arranged in relation to each other. The division into a cardio, strength, and group training area (free weights) has proven effective. In any case, it is important – especially by the trainer staff – to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly. Prolonged downtime should be avoided to prevent waiting times during peak hours. This is very detrimental to the image of a gym. Having a sufficient number of both strength and endurance machines helps avoid these disadvantages.

12. How can you afford the equipment for a gym or invest in new equipment in time?
Setting up a complete gym comes with very high costs. This is where extensive considerations start regarding how to make it affordable. At the same time, one takes on a high financial risk. Often, the investor or gym owner does not know what the gym's occupancy will be in the future. Furthermore, other relevant costs such as personnel, insurance, social contributions, operating costs, etc. must also be considered. Most gyms finance or lease the entire fitness equipment park. In this case, the equipment is not fully purchased, and users pay a type of usage fee. This primarily protects liquidity. The advantage here is also that, after an agreed leasing term, new replacement equipment can be acquired.

13. Financing fitness equipment – what should be considered?
Taking out a financing loan is the first obvious solution to acquiring the planned fitness equipment and other components for the fitness room. Here, one should pay attention to the current, ideally low interest rates. Banks often require investors or operators to have corresponding creditworthiness and collateral. The loan amount can quickly rise to a high five- or six-digit amount. Financing offers a corresponding tax advantage. During the usage period, it can be depreciated tax-deductibly. Banks mainly require the professional suitability of the business manager or the responsible borrower and a transparent, well-thought-out business plan for granting the loan.

14. The alternative is leasing the equipment
Leasing is the alternative to financing fitness equipment(see also more information on leasing). The equipment is rented for a specific period. The costs correspond to the actual, practical use by the trainees. Once the leasing period ends, the leased items can simply be returned, or new ones can be purchased as replacements. This extends the leasing period accordingly. The biggest advantage for the lessee is the full, 100% tax deductibility of leasing costs as operating expenses. Leasing avoids liquidity-draining capital binding. High investment sums do not need to be raised. Another advantage is that the equipment can always remain up to date. Outdated equipment does not need to be difficult to resell to buyers. The leasing company takes over further use. In contrast to financing, leasing costs are transparent and calculable.
An important consideration is also to have the right partner for financing, leasing, and conceptualization on your side. Experts in this field are characterized by reliability, a sense of responsibility, and transparency in information. You should also rely on reputable and long-experienced equipment manufacturers that only offer professional and technically advanced fitness equipment. Some have been active in the fitness market for decades.

15. Correct marketing measures support the success of your studio
The trainees view regular workouts as entertainment. As a forward-thinking studio owner, you should monitor the latest fitness trends, attend fitness fairs, or stay in constant contact with renowned equipment manufacturers. Always staying one step ahead of the competition provides significant market advantages. An outdated fitness room drives away customers, and they move to the competition.