Life Fitness introduces new brand of value-priced cardiovascular equipment for the home

FRANKLIN PARK, Ill. – Jan. 13, 2003 – Life Fitness, the leading manufacturer of a full line of cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, today introduced a new brand of cardiovascular equipment for the home that offers exercisers quality at a value price point. The new upright and recumbent bikes, folding treadmills and total-body elliptical Cross-Trainer boast an attractive and dynamic industrial design, are easy to use and include a variety of workout programs to help a wide range of users achieve their diverse needs.

To differentiate this equipment from its more premium Life Fitness brand, the company will market the new products under the brands Life Fitness Sport and Essential. The new equipment will carry a brand name of Life Fitness Sport in OMNI Fitness retail locations and in Life Fitness’ international markets. In all remaining Life Fitness U.S. and Canada authorized specialty fitness stores, they will be called Essential.

“Although the products are identical, our dealers preferred different names to better serve their markets,” said Chris Clawson, vice president, consumer sales. “We developed these new brands to give our dealers quality equipment at a lower price point. They can be used by exercisers of all levels and are the perfect fit for those who want to upgrade their home equipment and still want a good value for their money.”

Upright and Recumbent Bikes

The new line includes two upright bikes –and Life Fitness Sport SU30/Essential UT4 and Life Fitness Sport SU70/Essential UT8 – and two recumbent bikes – Life Fitness Sport SR30/Essential RT4 and Life Fitness Sport SR70/Essential RT8.

They come in self-powered and plug-in models. The self-powered bikes have built-in heart rate monitoring sensors, 20 resistance levels and 10 workout programs, while the plug-in models have 16 levels of resistance and six workout programs. All of them feature a console with an integrated reading ledge and front roller wheels. A tough, multi-piece crank provides a smooth, reliable ride while the Poly V belt drive system ensures a quiet one.

Available now, the new bikes have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) range of $899 - $1,799 and have a lifetime warranty on the frame, two years on parts and one year on labor.

Folding Treadmills

Ideal for space-constrained homes or apartments, the two new treadmills, Life Fitness Sport ST35/Essential FT4 and Sport ST55/Essential FT6, fold for convenient storage. Unlike most other folding treadmills, these units have a patented, sturdy design that delivers a solid, safe performance.

They feature a large running surface (19.5 inches by 54 inches), a durable, powerful 2.0 horsepower Leeson motor system and large, three-quarters-inch rubber cushion mounts, that when combined with the 1-inch deck, produce better cushioning than most other folding treadmills.

Each unit comes with an accessory tray and reading rack and a variety of preprogrammed workouts. The Life Fitness Sport ST55/Essential FT6 includes telemetry heart rate monitoring as well.

Available in late January, the treadmills are priced at $1,599 and $1,799 and have a lifetime warranty on the frame, five years on the motor, two years on parts and one year on labor.

Total-Body Cross-Trainer

Rounding out the new brand is the Life Fitness Sport SX30/Essential XT4 Cross-Trainer. This total-body elliptical machine provides the feel of more expensive elliptical products at a reduced price. Its total-body design works the upper and lower body for better results. Users can also move in forward or backward motions to work different muscle groups.

The system features the patented Link6 elliptical drive system, which ensures a constant, fluid elliptical motion, and a Poly V belt drive system for a smooth, quite ride. The oversized pedals are optimally positioned to provide a natural movement and proper body positioning.

About Life Fitness

Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), is the global leader in designing and manufacturing a full line of reliable, high-quality fitness equipment for commercial and consumer use. Its cardiovascular and strength-training products, including the renowned Lifecycle exercise bike, are used in health, fitness and wellness facilities, as well as in homes, worldwide. The company is headquartered near Chicago and distributes its equipment in more than 120 countries.

Product photography is available upon request. Please contact Tracey M. Budz at 312.258.3904.

Life Fitness, Lifecycle and Link6 are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Brunswick Corporation.

Life Fitness, 10601 West Belmont Ave., Franklin Park, Ill. 60131 Phone: 847.288.3300, www.lifefitness.com

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