Our legacy began in 1968 with the LifeCycle, the first electronic exercise machine. Since then, we remain inspired by human movement, conducting advanced biomechanics research to drive our design and development, address customer needs, and move the needle forward.
At Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, we continue toward a unified goal of offering the most natural movement on the market.
We design our products with one eye on production, while the other focuses thoughtfully on the end user and their environments.
Digital innovations have been fundamental to us since the very beginning, as we understand innovation and technology go hand in hand. As a digital-first company, we lean into our Digital Solutions to enhance user experience, prolong the lifespan of our equipment, and empower our customers to make data-driven decisions.
Fitness has changed drastically over the last few decades, and Life Fitness has evolved with it. Countless fads have come and gone, but Life Fitness has endured to encourage people to lead active lives. The best way to know everything we can about our fitness products is to use them every day. Helping people live healthier lives is what we do, and the devotion to that goal begins with our employees.
Take a look at the Life Fitness Story…
It all started with the Lifecycle exercise bike, which was the first electronic piece of exercise equipment. It was invented by Dr. Keene Dimick, a chemist who was driven to invention by his desire to improve the effectiveness of his exercise routine.
As aerobics, legwarmers and leotards crept into the fitness facilities, Life Fitness was taking big steps forward as a company and diving headfirst into the digital age.
Lifecycle, Inc. is sold to Bally Manufacturing Corp. and later becomes Life Fitness, Inc.
Life Fitness enters the digital age with LifeRower.
Lifecycle exercise bikes made specifically for the home are introduced.
Lifecircuit becomes the first electronically controlled strength training system.
Liferacer, which lets exercisers race each other on a video screen, takes fitness further into the digital era.
A bold expansion into strength training by Life Fitness sets the groundwork for future partnerships with college athletic facilities and professional sports teams. Meanwhile, Tae Bo® was keeping people fit, and Zubaz® pants were a frequent sight at the gym.
The first Life Fitness treadmill hits the market.
Life Fitness Academy is established as a training and education division of Life Fitness.
A full strength training solution is added to product line when Life Fitness acquires High Tech Professional Strength Systems.
Life Fitness becomes a part of Brunswick Corporation.
Hammer Strength acquired by Life Fitness.
Life Fitness acquires ParaBody Inc., a maker of home strength equipment.
Life Fitness extolled the value of connecting exercisers to their fitness equipment. This foresight paid off in the form of compatibility with future fitness apps and wearables.
500,000th Lifecycle exercise bike is produced.
Signature Series selectorized strength line unveiled. It will go on to become the most popular strength line in the world.
Controlling stake in Protokon, LLC, a leading European equipment manufacturer in Kiskoros, Hungary is obtained.
Life Fitness creates the Elevation Series, the first cardio equipment with iPod® compatibility.
Virtual Trainer website enhances user interaction with cardio equipment and serves as a predecessor to LFconnect.com.
An aggressive approach to innovation keeps Life Fitness on the cutting edge of technology and new product development. Life Fitness is prepared for fitness trends, like the increasing popularity of group training, and an exploding fitness app market.
Augie’s Quest Limited-Edition Lifecycle® introduced to help raise money for ALS research.
SYNRGY360 redefines small group training.
Award-winning Lifecycle GX group cycling bike is launched.
500,000th treadmill manufactured in Franklin Park, Illinois, USA facility.
Engaging and connected Discover Tablet consoles are launched.
LFconnect app, the first that works directly with fitness equipment, debuts. It and other fitness apps interact with Life Fitness equipment through LFopen™, the first truly open API in fitness.
SYNRGY BlueSky outdoor training, an extension of the groundbreaking SYNRGY360, is introduced. This is the first small group training system from Life Fitness designed specifically for outdoor use.
Life Fitness launches several other new products: PowerMill Climber, FlexStrider Variable-Stride Trainer, Insignia Series Strength and Hammer Strength Select.
The addition of Brunswick Billiards gives Life Fitness a wide breadth of products in the active recreation category.
Recognizing the need for activity in the workspace, Life Fitness creates InMovement.
Life Fitness expands its product portfolio into active aging and rehabilitation with the addition of SCIFIT.
Cybex joins Life Fitness. The addition of another trusted brand further strengthens the fitness product portfolio.
The addition of ICG provides Life Fitness with an extensive offering of award-winning, premium indoor cycling bikes.
Life Fitness is acquired by KPS Capital Partners and the Life Fitness Family of Brands is created. The product portfolio represents the largest selection of fitness equipment in the industry.
Life Fitness releases the redesigned Integrity Series cardio line
Life Fitness releases the new Discover SE4 console in 16″ and 24″
Life Fitness unveils the new premium line of cardio – Symbio
