Technogym CEO: Fitness Industry Needs Less Hype, More Action
Armed with decades of data and design innovation, Nerio Alessandri says it’s only the beginning for the Italian fitness equipment and giant
Technogym founder and CEO Nerio Alessandri urged the fitness industry to move past buzzwords and focus on execution. “We don’t need storytelling,” he said. “We need storydoing.”
In a wide-ranging conversation with Athletech News founder and CEO Edward Hertzman at the ATN Innovation Summit 2025, Alessandri reflected on Technogym’s evolution from a garage startup into a global wellness brand, sharing his vision for the future of health, longevity and performance.
“Innovation is in our DNA,” Alessandri said.
He was also recognized with Athletech News’ first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his outsized influence on the global fitness and wellness industry.
From Equipment to Ecosystem
Technogym has grown into a global ecosystem used by 70 million people across 120 countries. That scale, Alessandri said, isn’t just about selling premium fitness machines but about promoting education and healthier lifestyles.
He described Technogym’s vision as one rooted in design, education and purpose. “It’s an aspirational approach,” he said. “Let’s move for a better world.”
That vision now includes Healthness, Technogym’s new framework for preventive health and performance. Unveiled at the 25th Wellness Congress in front of 2,000 attendees from 100 countries, Healthness draws on years of data to fuel personalized, prescriptive training for both short-term results and long-term vitality.
AI as a Tool for Prediction, Not Just Prescription
On the role of technology and artificial intelligence, Alessandri stressed the importance of personalization.
“AI and data are crucial,” he said, adding that the trillions of data points collected across the Technogym ecosystem can assess body quality, mind state and health risks, not just to prescribe but to predict.
Technogym’s expansive data engine, he added, supports institutions, governments and corporate partners in identifying health risks and driving behavior change.
“Our obsession is the success of the customer,” Alessandri said, highlighting Technogym’s ability to offer hyper-personalized exercise protocols that support long-term health and fitness goals.
Technogym Enters Pilates
Technogym’s expansion into Pilates was another focal point, as the company prepares to launch the Technogym Reform: a sleek, eco-conscious Reformer developed in collaboration with leading Pilates instructors. Users will be able to access personalized workouts and feedback through the Technogym app.
Alessandri presented the move as part of a broader strategy to deliver a seamless, integrated experience across modalities, including cardio, strength, mindful movement and recovery.
“Pilates is a very important trend,” he said. “It supports customer success and gives variety in terms of exercise, in terms of progress and training experience.”
Design as Differentiation
Alessandri, who once aspired to design for Giorgio Armani, spoke passionately about the role of aesthetics in Technogym’s success. The company has won multiple design awards for its equipment line.
“Feel good and look good is the same part of the holistic approach,” he said.
With more than 28,000 hotels worldwide outfitted with Technogym equipment, design remains a core pillar, especially as Alessandri noted the brand’s global recognition.
“We have a lot of people (wh0) select resorts, hotels and fitness centers if there is Technogym inside,” he said.
Expanding in the US
Technogym recently opened a new headquarters in Jersey City, New Jersey, as it seeks to expand in the U.S. market, which Alessandri views as underserved in terms of health, fitness and mental well-being solutions.
“We are honored to support the U.S. market and to elevate in terms of healthy people, healthy U.S.,” Alessandri said.
Investing in Wellness
Alessandri also offered a glimpse into his family office, Wellness Holding, which has made significant investments across fitness, wellness and health-focused ventures.
Most recently, the firm acquired a stake in Acqua Filette, a premium Italian mineral water brand bottled in glass and aluminum and known for its purity and sustainability. Free of arsenic and low in nitrates and sodium, the water features a rare mineral profile that has earned it placement in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels.
“My personal commitment is to lead them to leave the legacy for the new generation,” Alessandri said.
Ultimately, Alessandri sees wellness as the next major economic force.
“Human centricity is the new frontier, from a green economy to the wellness economy,” he said. “We have a big responsibility for this situation. And if we serve in a good way—this momentum, this unbelievable momentum—we have a possibility to make a difference.”