SportsEngine, Inc., an NBC Sports Group company, and the leading provider of sport relationship management software, today announced the formation of its Better Together initiative, a plan that includes tangible actions to be taken by the company to help be part of building a better, more just society. SportsEngine’s Better Together Initiative was born from the belief that children should have access to youth sports programs in their communities regardless of where they live, and that every athlete deserves to be surrounded by trained coaches and volunteers who provide positive and safe experiences. SportsEngine currently works toward these goals through its software solutions, its youth sports directory, SportsEngine.com, and through its Safety division which includes background check provider, National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) a wholly-owned subsidiary of SportsEngine.
But, believing that more can be done, SportsEngine developed the Better Together Initiative to expand its commitment to better serve the communities where its employees live and work.
As part of the initiative, SportsEngine is forming partnerships with Twin Cities-based organizations, ACES and DinoMights, who share similar missions to positively impact the lives of young people in underserved communities through volunteerism, mentoring, sports and technology.
SportsEngine will also provide grants to local and national youth sports organizations who are committed to helping underserved communities and communities of color to receive no-cost access to its software platforms, or reduced background screening costs. Interested organizations are encouraged to apply for a software grant through SportsEngine’s website.
Additionally, SportsEngine is increasing its commitment and investment in national organizations including National Fitness Foundation, Positive Coaching Alliance and the National Council of Youth Sports. These organizations ensure equal access to youth sports in underserved populations through training, equipment, scholarships, and advocacy.
“We are excited to be one of the selected partners to work with SportsEngine in assisting our community to realize the positive power of youth sports,” said Wayne B. Moss, Executive Director, National Council of Youth Sports. “We are thrilled and honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with the National Fitness Foundation and Positive Coaching Alliance as part of SportsEngine’s Better Together Initiative.”
“We’re proud to partner with SportsEngine and support its ground-breaking Better Together Initiative,” stated Clay Walker, Executive Director of the National Fitness Foundation. “From the day it was founded, no organization has committed more time, energy or resources to ensuring that children have access to youth sport programs than SportsEngine.”
“We believe that the youth sports experience is an amazing opportunity to teach social and emotional skills that will stay with kids long after their youth sports experience,” stated Jason Sacks, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Philanthropy, Positive Coaching Alliance. “We are thrilled to partner with SportsEngine and work together to reach more coaches, athletes, league administrators, and parents with the powerful message that sports, if done right, can provide an unmatched opportunity for a positive, youth development and character-building experience.”
“Since the beginning, SportsEngine has been focused on three main priorities: getting more kids involved in sports, helping to provide safe experiences and making the lives of parents, coaches and volunteers easier through our solutions,” stated Brett MacKinnon, General Manager, SportsEngine. “Youth sports is in our DNA. We believe in the power of sports and its ability to open doors and positively impact the lives of children and their families. And while there is much work to be done in ensuring that the benefits of sports are accessible for everyone, with the support of our national partners, NCYS, NFF and PCA, we are hopeful about the progress that has been made and the positive impact yet to come.”
About SportsEngine, Inc.
Helping the world play smarter and live more, SportsEngine, Inc., an NBC Sports Group company, is the leading provider of sport relationship management software serving millions of coaches, parents, athletes, clubs, leagues, governing bodies, and associations. SportsEngine helps sports organizations around the globe reduce the time they spend on administrative tasks, and enables them to focus more on developing their athletes, providing safe experiences, and furthering the love of sport. Leagues and governing bodies across the country use National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI), a SportsEngine, Inc. subsidiary, to manage their background checks and safety programs. Learn more at: www.sportsengine.com/corp, facebook.com/sportsengine; or twitter.com/@sportsengine.
Wade Welsh to lead the team at the Bedford Park sports and recreation venue
(Bedford Park, IL) January 28, 2021 – Midway Central Station at Bedford Park has hired an Illinois native to lead the team at the 116,000 square-foot indoor venue opening this summer. After a national search, the Village of Bedford Park, which oversees the project in partnership with Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), has selected Wade Welsh as General Manager.
Welsh has an extensive background in sports management and marketing, having held management positions at several sports organizations including most recently with NASCAR in Joliet, Illinois. Wade brings results from his past experiences in sales, marketing, management, and organizational structure to Midway Central Station.
“Wade is the ideal candidate we hire for any of our venues,” says Dave Pritchett, COO of SFC. “He brings a wealth of knowledge from the sports industry to Midway Central Station and we are confident he will succeed in this role. His experience in hospitality will serve Bedford Park well in hosting regional events and bringing in repeat customers on a every week.”
About his new role as General Manager, Welsh adds, “It is an honor to join the Sports Facilities Companies and serve as the General Manager for Midway Central Station. The Village of Bedford Park is a tremendous community and I look forward to getting to know the community better to bring excellent programs, events, and entertainment to this destination.”
Midway Central Station will feature 8 basketball courts or 16 NCAA-regulation volleyball courts, an e-sports café, a family entertainment center including a redemption arcade, laser tag/laser frenzy, party rooms, restaurant, and more.
About the hiring of Welsh, Village of Bedford Park Mayor, Dave Brady commented, “Mr. Welsh comes to Bedford Park as a seasoned professional with a proven background. We feel he is the right person to bring excellent events to Bedford Park and create an experience worth visiting time and again.”
The venue will offer comprehensive programming and entertainment, making it a desirable destination for events in the area. In the first year alone, Midway Central Station is expected to bring in $5.7 million in local spending to Bedford Park.
To learn more about or to book with Midway Central Station, contact Wade Welsh at [email protected] or visit: playmidway.com.
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About Midway Central Station: Midway Central Station is a member of the SFM Network, the nation’s largest and fastest growing network of sports facilities and is operated by the industry-leader in outsourced operations, Sports Facilities Companies. Our Midwest location and proximity to Chicago’s Midway Airport increases the likelihood that you and your team will compete against teams from all regions of the United States and beyond. Only minutes from Midway Airport, major interstates and top-rated hotels; athletes and their families consider this the most convenient destination for sports tournaments. Full hardwood courts, a premium lounge with gaming options, and a state-of-the-art arcade that includes laser tag and e-sports are just a few of the amenities waiting for you. Learn more by visiting, playmidway.com.
Introduces Next Generation of Popular Bowflex Max Trainer; Expands Bowflex Treadmill Line
- New connected Bowflex® Max Trainer® M9 cardio machine and Bowflex® T22 treadmill integrate with the JRNY® digital fitness platform, which helps members achieve their fitness goals by offering curated workouts and entertainment options that stream while being coached.
- JRNY® members receive voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led workouts, integration with other fitness apps, and access to their entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
- Bowflex® Max Trainer® M9 cardio machine offers a 10″ HD touch screen, so users stay entertained during high-calorie burn interval workouts.
- Bowflex® T22 treadmill features a 22″ HD touch screen console, motorized 20% incline and SoftDrop™ folding system to easily move and store around the home.
January 25, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
VANCOUVER, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS), the innovation leader in home fitness for over 30 years, today introduced its new connected Bowflex® Max Trainer® M9 machine and Bowflex® T22 treadmill, which integrate with the enhanced JRNY® digital fitness platform — helping members achieve their fitness goals by offering curated workouts and entertainment options that stream while being coached.
The JRNY digital fitness platform uses machine learning to create an infinite number of personalized workouts based on an initial fitness assessment that learns and adapts as the member progresses — removing the guesswork from achieving a productive and satisfying workout. The JRNY platform offers voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led workouts, integration with other fitness apps, and access to the members’ own entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.*
“Our new Bowflex products, and JRNY digital fitness platform, mark a milestone in our mission of empowering healthier living through individualized connected fitness,” said Jim Barr, CEO of Nautilus, Inc. “They include the latest technology, and features based on consumer insights, to offer a challenging and engaging home workout experience. When paired with the JRNY platform, users get an in-home personal coach that offers motivation and encouragement, which is especially important during these difficult times.”
The Bowflex T22 treadmill and Bowflex Max Trainer M9 are the latest additions to Nautilus, Inc.’s individualized connected fitness portfolio. Since September 2020, Nautilus, Inc. has introduced two bikes, three treadmills, and a Max Trainer – all embedded with the enhanced JRNY digital fitness platform and HD touchscreens.
The Bowflex Max Trainer took the fitness industry by storm by creating a new category of cardio machine that blends the low impact of an elliptical and high intensity of a stepper to offer short, high-calorie burn interval workouts in a compact design. To enhance this experience, the new Bowflex Max Trainer M9 will come with a 10″ HD touch screen, to help users stay focused, motivated and entertained while they meet their goals. With 20 resistance levels, M9 users reap the benefits of longer workouts in less time.
The newest addition to the Bowflex connected treadmill line, the T22, offers a high-energy and engaging cardio experience. The product features a 22” HD touch screen console, so users can stream their favorite entertainment. With speeds up to 12 mph and a motorized 20% incline, users can push themselves even further with a variety of workouts while experiencing Comfort Tech™ deck cushioning for a supportive landing. The SoftDrop™ folding system and transport wheels make it easy to move and store the treadmill around the home. Additionally, T22 treadmill users can digitally connect to popular third-party apps such as Zwift by utilizing their own device and subscription.**
Click here for the full press release.
About Nautilus, Inc.
Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS) is the global leader in innovative home fitness solutions. The company’s diverse brand portfolio includes Bowflex®, Nautilus®, Schwinn®, and a broad selection of exercise bikes, cardio equipment, strength training products, as well as the JRNY® digital fitness platform. Nautilus, Inc. empowers healthier living through individualized connected fitness experiences. The company sells its products through direct and retail channels. Nautilus, Inc. uses the investor relations page of its website (www.nautilusinc.com/investors) to make information available to its investors and the market.
(Clearwater, FL) January 20, 2021 – Halo LAX’s Director of Events, Joel Franklin joined Erin Smith and Lauren Davenport of US Lacrosse and World Lacrosse’s TJ Buchanan Saturday in an all-star panel at the LaxCon digital conference presented by US Lacrosse. Together, they shared their expertise and outlook on the small-sided movement of 6-v-6 lacrosse. As a compliment to traditional lacrosse play, 6onLAX (by Halo LAX) and Flex6 (of US Lacrosse) formats feature less players, a smaller field, and a faster-paced game style. Each participating panelist and organization shared their perspective on the potential for this short-sided game to have long-lasting positive effects for the growing sport of Lacrosse.
“The 6v6 discipline is an incredible tool for global growth of the sport,” said TJ Buchanan, Director of Sport Development at World Lacrosse. “The reduced roster sizes, smaller field of play, unified field markings, and the simplified and harmonized rule sets make it easier than ever before for both new and existing countries to grow participation.”
World Lacrosse, the international federation for men’s and women’s lacrosse, serves a mission to develop lacrosse throughout the world to positively impact the lives of its participants and communities. The organization is comprised of nearly 70 National Governing Body members and holds five World Championships. World Lacrosse holds the vision for lacrosse to become an official Olympic sport in 2028. A vision that is shared by Halo LAX and US Lacrosse alike.
“US Lacrosse is excited about small-sided play through our Flex6 community-based program to introduce new players to the sport in a highly accessible and affordable way, and also encourage lifelong participation in the sport true to our athlete development model and organization’s mission. We believe the insights shared at LaxCon through this session with Halo LAX and World Lacrosse will increase participation in the sport,” said Erin Smith, Senior Director of Sport Development at US Lacrosse.
US Lacrosse, the National Governing Body for the sport, hosts the LaxCon conference annually and features coach development workshops, courses for officials, training and skill development sessions, networking opportunities, and industry-leading topics like the 6-v-6 format.
Joel Franklin, Event Manager for Halo LAX said, “The opportunity to collaborate with US Lacrosse and World Lacrosse to bring the 6onLAX style game to the national stage at LaxCon is an honor. As we launch into the 2021 events season, 6onLAX is one of the most important tools we have to grow the sport and reach new participants. By making the game smaller, we can make the sport bigger.”
Halo LAX launched in 2020 as the first events brand of the Sports Facilities Companies with a mission to grow the sport of lacrosse and provide exceptional events. Now in its first full season, Halo LAX is slated to host events across the country at venues such as Iron Peak Sports and Events in Hillsborough, NJ and Grand Park Sports Campus of Westfield, IN. Registration for 6onLAX events by Halo LAX is now open for the 2021 season. To register or learn more about becoming a host site for a Halo LAX event, visit http://www.halolax.com/
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About Sports Facilities Companies: The Sports Facilities Companies serve destinations, communities, and athletes across the country with the strongest portfolio of trusted, quality brands in the youth and amateur sports industry including facility development and management services by Sports Facilities Advisory, LLC (SFA), Sports Facilities Development, LLC, and Sports Facilities Management, LLC (SFM), SFM Network, and high-quality events by Halo LAX, Amp Events, and Hype Nation volleyball. Since 2003, the firms have served more than 2,000 communities, supported more than more than $10 billion in community based and sports tourism projects and have hosted more than 100 million visitors and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact through the SFM Network. For more information, visit: sportadvisory.com and sfmnetwork.com.
(New York, NY) Fit for Life, the leader in small exercise equipment and activewear, announces it has added adidas and Reebok to its world-class portfolio of brands. adidas and Reebok join Fit for Life’s already impressive portfolio of active brands including Gaiam, SPRI and Tommie Copper.
Fit for Life is the market leader in small, at-home fitness gear at popular retailers including Dick’s, Amazon, Target, Walmart and Kohl’s. Their brands and product lines continue to experience strong growth and resonate with consumers as they increase their practice of at-home health and wellness routines. RFE Sporting Goods recognizes Fit for Life’s success and credibility among top-tier active brands and is proud to partner on distribution for adidas and Reebok fitness equipment.
“RFE is excited to partner with Fit for Life, a proven company, with deep relationship across the US market,” said Dean Jackson, CEO of RFE Sporting Goods. “The Fit for Life expertise along with RFE products and brands is a strong recipe for success.”
Fit for Life is eager to begin innovating with adidas and Reebok brands, creating new products to meet the growing demand for at-home fitness and wellness.
“Adding adidas and Reebok to our portfolio of brands will be a powerful way to continue to penetrate the market and expand into new categories,” said Joey Shamah, co-founder and CEO of Fit for Life. “RFE’s trust and partnership is a true testament to our market knowledge and respected position in the industry.”
The distribution deal between RFE Sporting Goods and Fit for Life kicked off on January 1, 2021 and will quickly bring real value to consumers across the United States.
About Fit for Life
We believe most people aspire to lead healthier, more active lives but are often intimidated by what it takes to get there. Whether it’s what you wear, what inspires you, or what actually helps get you fit, it should make things easier, not harder.
Through our collection of brands, Fit for Life is dedicated to creating innovative products for everyone, from beginners to pros. We bring together distinctive designs, attractive packaging, and digital content to make health, wellness, and fitness more accessible for you, your loved ones, and even your pets. We’re here to empower everyone to be Fit for Life.
About RFE Sporting Goods
We are a global sports and fitness company specialising in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of a comprehensive range of fitness equipment to both the commercial and home markets.
With a distribution network covering more than fifty countries worldwide, our market leading product lines are designed and developed under some of the top brands within the world of sports and fitness today, including adidas, Reebok and Dynamax.
About Reebok
Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Boston, MA, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of fitness and lifestyle footwear, apparel and equipment. An Americaninspired global brand, Reebok is a pioneer in the sporting goods industry with a rich and storied fitness heritage. Reebok develops products, technologies and programming which enable movement and is committed to accompanying people on their fitness journey to fulfill their potential. Reebok connects with the fitness consumer wherever they are and however they choose to stay fit – whether it’s functional training, running, combat training, walking, dance, yoga or aerobics. A subsidiary of adidas, Reebok is the exclusive outfitter of CrossFit and the CrossFit Games, the exclusive authentic global outfitter of UFC; the title sponsor of the Reebok Ragnar Relay series; and exclusive apparel provider for Les Mills. For more information, visit Reebok at www.reebok.com, or, for the latest news at http://news.reebok.com/
Discover Reebok at the following locations:
http://facebook.com/reebok
http://twitter.com/reebok
https://www.linkedin.com/company/reebok/
http://youtube.com/reebok
- New generation of Bowflex® connected treadmills integrate with the JRNY® digital fitness platform through an HD touch screen console.
- Both T7 and T10 treadmills offer speeds up to 12 mph, motorized decline/incline and Comfort Tech™ deck cushioning for a supportive landing.
- The new treadmills feature transport wheels and a SoftDrop™ folding system to easily move and store around the home.
- The JRNY® digital fitness platform coaches members to achieve their fitness goals by offering curated workout and entertainment options that stream while being coached.
- JRNY® members receive voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led workouts, integration with other fitness apps, and access to their entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
New generation of Bowflex® T7 and T10 connected treadmills integrate with the JRNY® digital fitness platform through an HD touch screen console and fold up for easy storage. (Photo: Business Wire)
VANCOUVER, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS), the innovation leader in home fitness for over 30 years, today announced the launch of its new Bowflex® treadmills featuring the enhanced JRNY® digital fitness platform; further distinguishing it as the connected fitness company with a portfolio of digital products at different price points for all users.
The new Bowflex treadmills offer a built-in HD touchscreen, either 7″ or 10″ — allowing users to access endless entertainment while achieving their fitness goals. With speeds up to 12 mph and a motorized decline/incline, users can push themselves even further with a variety of workouts while experiencing Comfort Tech™ deck cushioning for a supportive landing. The SoftDrop™ folding system and transport wheels make it easy to move and store the treadmill around the home.
“It’s our goal to provide users with an exceptional portfolio of superior, personalized, connected home fitness products, so we’re delighted to offer the JRNY digital fitness platform on our new Bowflex T7 and T10 treadmills; with another model launching early next year,” said Jim Barr, CEO of Nautilus, Inc. “We have data that shows people who utilize the JRNY digital fitness platform work out more consistently and for a longer period of time, which reinforces our commitment to motivating them and empowering healthier living through individualized connected fitness experiences.”
The JRNY platform uses machine learning to create virtually an infinite number of personalized workouts that include motivation and praise and is based on an initial fitness assessment that learns and adapts as the member progresses — removing the guesswork from achieving a productive and satisfying workout.
With the new Bowflex T7 and T10 treadmills, the JRNY platform coaches members to achieve their fitness goals by offering curated workout and entertainment options that stream while being coached, including voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led workouts, integration with other fitness apps, and access to the members’ own entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.*
Users with the JRNY platform can also tune into Bowflex Radio to sprint to their favorite songs and all users can digitally connect to popular third-party apps such as Zwift.**
According to a recent survey conducted on Nautilus Inc.’s behalf by YouGov, 94% of U.S. fitness consumers*** said that they use some form of entertainment while working out. Seventy percent of people said they listen to music, 45% said they watch TV or movies, and 38% of people listen to podcasts or talk radio while exercising.
Bowflex® T7 and T10 Treadmills
Additional features include:
- Built-in HD touch screen (either 7″ or 10″ based on model).
- Speeds up to 12 mph with Comfort Tech™ deck cushioning for a supportive landing.
- Motorized decline/incline (-5 to 15%) for a variety of workouts.
- Features a 20″ x 60″ running path for longer strides.
- Transport wheels to move the machine and a SoftDrop™ folding system to easily store around the home.
- Built-in media shelf with accessory tray, USB charging port and dual water bottle holders.
The JRNY platform’s immersive, digital experience is available on Bowflex.com, for download in the Google Play and App Stores, and comes pre-loaded on the T7 and T10 treadmills. Following the two-month trial period, a JRNY membership will cost $19.99 per month or $149 per year, plus applicable taxes.
The Bowflex T10 treadmill is available for direct purchase on Bowflex.com and at select Dick’s Sporting Goods stores for $1,999 (MSRP). The Bowflex T7 treadmill is available at select retail stores for $1,599 (MSRP).
For more information about the Bowflex® T7 and T10 treadmills, and JRNY® digital fitness platform, please visit: https://www.bowflex.com/treadmills/.
*Requires a subscription to the streaming service, not included. Also requires a JRNY® digital fitness platform membership to access the streaming service from the console.
** Requires third-party subscription, not included. Requires a tablet or phone and separate third party subscription, not included. There is no affiliation with Zwift.
***All cited figures, unless otherwise stated, are from a survey conducted by YouGov Plc on behalf of Nautilus, Inc. Total sample size was 1066 “Fitness Consumers,” defined as US adults aged 18 to 64 years old who have spent $500 or more on fitness in the past year. Fieldwork was undertaken July 27 – August 3, 2020. The survey was carried out online.
About JRNY® Digital Fitness Platform
The JRNY® digital fitness platform coaches members to achieve their fitness goals by offering curated workout and entertainment options that stream while being coached, including voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led workouts, integration with other fitness apps, and access to the members’ own entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. The JRNY platform uses machine learning to create virtually an infinite number of personalized workouts that include motivation and praise and is based on an initial fitness assessment that learns and adapts as the member progresses — removing the guesswork from achieving a productive and satisfying workout. This immersive, digital experience is available on Bowflex.com, for download in the Google Play and App Stores, and is integrated with connected Bowflex® home fitness cardio equipment, including indoor cycling bikes, treadmills and Max Trainer® machines. Following the two-month trial period, a JRNY membership will cost $19.99 per month or $149 per year, plus applicable taxes.
About Nautilus, Inc.
Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS) is the global leader in innovative home fitness solutions. The company’s diverse brand portfolio includes Bowflex®, Nautilus®, Schwinn®, and a broad selection of exercise bikes, cardio equipment, strength training products, as well as the JRNY® digital fitness platform. Nautilus, Inc. empowers healthier living through individualized connected fitness experiences. The company sells its products through direct and retail channels. Nautilus, Inc. uses the investor relations page of its website (www.nautilusinc.com/investors) to make information available to its investors and the market.
Contacts
Media:
Erin Beck
Nautilus, Inc.
360-859-5863
[email protected]
Carey Kerns
The Hoffman Agency
503-754-7975
[email protected]
Investor Relations:
John Mills
ICR, LLC
646-277-1254
[email protected]
- The Bowflex® VeloCore™ bike was recognized for redefining indoor cycling with its innovative design that features both leaning mode and stationary mode.
- In leaning mode, the bike leans from side-to-side and simulates the feel of riding on an open road; all while helping to ignite your core and arms. A proprietary, patent-pending lock-out feature keeps the bike in stationary mode, so users can opt for a traditional cycling workout.
- The connected bike also integrates with the JRNY® digital fitness platform, which coaches members to achieve their fitness goals by offering curated workout and entertainment options that stream while being coached.
- JRNY® members receive voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led video workouts, integration with third party cycling apps, and access to their entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
The Bowflex® VeloCore™ cycling bike was awarded the CES 2021 Innovation Award for redefining indoor cycling with an innovative and proprietary design that features leaning and stationary modes. (Photo: Business Wire)
VANCOUVER, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS), an innovation leader in home fitness for over 30 years,today announced that it has received a CES® 2021 Innovation Award for the Bowflex® VeloCore™ bike. This groundbreaking product was recognized for its innovative design, and as the industry’s first dual-mode indoor cycling bike.
The Bowflex® VeloCore™ bike is the first indoor cycling bike to feature both a stationary setting and leaning mode. In leaning mode, users can push and pull the bike from side-to-side, replicating the movement of outdoor cycling. A proprietary, patent-pending lock-out feature keeps the bike in stationary mode, so users can opt for a traditional cycling workout.
The Bowflex® VeloCore™ indoor cycling bike received a CES Innovation Award out of thousands of products entered. The CES Innovation Awards program, owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products across 28 product categories. An elite panel of industry expert judges, including members of the media, designers, engineers and more, reviewed submissions based on innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetic and design.
“Since its launch three months ago, the Bowflex VeloCore bike has been extremely popular and continues to receive favorable customer and media reviews – it’s exciting to see that translate into recognition as a fitness industry innovator,” said Jim Barr, CEO of Nautilus, Inc. “This award is also validation that we are empowering healthier living by providing our customers with extraordinary, personalized fitness experiences.”
The Bowflex® VeloCore™ connected bike also integrates with the JRNY® digital fitness platform, which delivers engaging digital content on a 22’’ HD touch screen. The JRNY digital fitness platform coaches members to achieve their fitness goals by offering curated workout and entertainment options that stream while being coached. JRNY® members receive voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led video workouts, integration with third party cycling apps, and access to their entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.** Additionally, users can digitally connect to popular third-party cycling apps — allowing them to ride with their favorite trainers via streaming on-demand classes from Peloton®, or interact, train and compete against others on Zwift®.***
For more information on the Bowflex® VeloCore™ bike, visit: https://www.bowflex.com/bikes/velocore.html
** Requires a subscription to the streaming service, not included. Also requires a JRNY® digital fitness membership to access the streaming service from the console.
*** Requires a tablet or phone and separate third party subscription, not included. There is no affiliation with Peloton or Zwift. Peloton’s digital app ($12.99/mo.) has fewer features than its all-access membership ($39/mo.). $12.99/mo. subscribers cannot access Peloton’s leaderboard or its power, speed, and distance metrics. Cadence is available on iOS devices.
About JRNY® Digital Fitness Platform
The JRNY® digital fitness platform coaches members to achieve their fitness goals by offering curated workout and entertainment options that stream while being coached, including voice-coached individualized workouts, trainer-led workouts, integration with other fitness apps, and access to the members’ own entertainment subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. The JRNY platform uses machine learning to create virtually an infinite number of personalized workouts that include motivation and praise and is based on an initial fitness assessment that learns and adapts as the member progresses — removing the guesswork from achieving a productive and satisfying workout. This immersive, digital experience is available on Bowflex.com, for download in the Google Play and App Stores, and is integrated with connected Bowflex® home fitness cardio equipment, including indoor cycling bikes, treadmills and Max Trainer® machines. Following the two-month trial period, a JRNY membership will cost $19.99 per month or $149 per year, plus applicable taxes.
About Nautilus, Inc.
Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS) is the global leader in innovative home fitness solutions. The company’s diverse brand portfolio includes Bowflex®, Nautilus®, Schwinn®, and a broad selection of exercise bikes, cardio equipment, strength training products, as well as the JRNY® digital fitness platform. Nautilus, Inc. empowers healthier living through individualized connected fitness experiences. The company sells its products through direct and retail channels. Nautilus, Inc. uses the investor relations page of its website (www.nautilusinc.com/investors) to make information available to its investors and the market.
Contacts
Media:
Erin Beck
Nautilus, Inc.
360-859-5863
[email protected]
Carey Kerns
The Hoffman Agency
503-754-7975
[email protected]
Investor Relations:
John Mills
ICR, LLC
646-277-1254
[email protected]
A Blizzard for Early Season Backcountry Equipment Sales as Consumers Set Their Sights on Cold Weather Outdoor Activities
Port Washington, NY, December 14, 2020 – As consumers seek ways to be active, outside, and practice social distancing during the winter months, backcountry-related equipment sales in the U.S. grew a combined 76% in the opening months of this year’s snow season (August through October 2020) compared to the same period last year, according to The NPD Group.
Nordic and alpine touring equipment, splitboards, snowshoes, and backcountry accessories including beacons, probes, skins, and avalanche shovels, saw sales grow in the high double- to triple-digits to kick off the season. This is also a significant uptick compared to how backcountry product sales fared during last year’s 2019-2020 season as a whole.
This early season growth builds upon what began to take shape in March. An acceleration of backcountry equipment sales began at the tail end of last season and was driven by internet sales as many parts of the country, including ski resorts, shut down.
Looking at the snow sports equipment market in its entirety season-to-date, sales declined by 8% from August through October 2020 and this was driven by declines in alpine and snowboard equipment – the largest areas of the market.
“Consumers will continue to be active and seek another set of outdoor activities as temperatures drop and we move through the winter months. We can expect backcountry’s popularity to carry through this season and for product demand to grow, especially as the COVID-19 crisis and social distancing measures continue, ski resorts make operational changes to accommodate the circumstances, and skiers and snowboarders pursue alternatives to get their alpine fix,” said Matt Powell, NPD’s sports industry advisor. “I suspect backcountry product will sell out quickly and the market will run into inventory issues, which may slow the sales trend as we move into the peak selling season.”
Source: The NPD Group/ Retail Tracking Service, U.S. Dollar Sales
ST. LOUIS, MO.
Markwort Sporting Goods Company is pleased to announce their acquisition of the HQ4 Baseball Aluminum 18″ One Hand Training Bat from Mr. Al Dahlgren- the owner of HQ4Baseball.com Training Facility in Charlotte, NC for baseball and softball players.
Markwort Sporting Goods Company has sourced and marketed this training bat since 2013 under a license
agreement. This bat will become the newest Markwort® PowerSwing® label training product.
The HQ4 Baseball One Hand Bat Trainer is a proven steady seller and has been on the market for decades.
Markwort Sporting Goods Company was established in 1931 and is the maker of fine sporting goods products
such as C-Flap®, Game Face®, Heart-Gard®, Palmgard® and much more.
Matt Powell
Vice President, Senior Industry Advisor, Sports
@NPDMattPowell
A number of sports equipment categories have been real bright spots for U.S. sports retail under COVID-19. I strongly believe that in a post-pandemic world, we will continue to see a renewed interest in prioritizing fitness and living healthy lifestyles. This bodes well for the sports industry, if that interest can be harnessed.
Through the lens of Q3 sales results, categories tied to the outdoors as well as home fitness equipment continue to post impressive double-digit gains as we head into the final leg of 2020. Camping equipment sales grew by more than 25% in Q3, and much of this growth came from products tied to “backyard” activities as we saw notable increases for lighting systems, shelters, and camp furniture with an emphasis on entry-level products. The golf equipment business grew by more than 75% in Q3, bicycle sales by over 50%, and basketball equipment and racquet sports both grew by about a third. I think much of this has to do with consumers feeling safer outdoors as opposed to indoors. On the flip side, most scholastic sports equipment categories struggled with the exception of baseball which was up about 20%. Climbing equipment sales, which were robust pre-pandemic, turned negative during 2020 as much of those earlier sales were driven by the popularity of indoor climbing clubs. Climbing equipment declined in the low teens for Q3.
The home fitness equipment business continued its torrid growth in Q3 with sales up nearly double over the same period last year. Every major category showed robust growth, with cardio devices leading the way.
There are some important lessons we as an industry should take away from the surging sales.
The sports specialty market, in particular, has always been primarily focused on the elite athlete and less so on beginners. For instance, the average selling price of a man’s running shoe in the U.S. is about $70, while the performance running brands and retailers tend to focus on shoes that sell for double. For some time, I’ve been saying that the “newbie” or family participant is where there is tremendous revenue opportunity – and we are seeing this come to fruition today more than ever.
It is imperative for the sports industry to embrace the entry-level participant, and offer them products that meet rather than exceed their needs. Selling a new consumer a product that may be above his/her needs and competencies risks losing that consumer. The sports industry must be careful not to oversell a consumer.
When it comes to equipment, many of these purchases are “one and done;” if a consumer bought a treadmill in June, they most likely won’t need a new one for years. But there are opportunities to extend the investment and build upon that primary purchase, through accessories including those providing connected capabilities, or through a companion item, such as a stationary bike, to vary the workout routine.
I believe that “connected” devices will be the future of the sports industry – a trend that has only been accelerated and amplified by our current circumstances. Consumers want that sense of community, even if it is virtually.
I believe we can expect continued growth for sports equipment, but as an industry we should not rest on our laurels and instead need to actively think about what’s next to keep the momentum alive and well.
Source: The NPD Group/ U.S. Retail Tracking Service, July-September 2020 vs. 2019
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For more information or to speak with Matt Powell, contact me at [email protected] or 516-625-2203.