Elliptical Trainer Sales Grow 35% in 2006

In the latest issue of the Sporting Goods Business Magazine, elliptical trainer sales grew an impressive 35% in 2006. The drive is attributed to individuals looking for a low impact workout. In particular, the baby boomers are driving sales. As they age, they are seeking a form of cardio exercise that places less stress on their joints.

The boomers ignited the fitness boom of the '80s. After 2 decades of running and high impact aerobics, their bodies are begging for relief. That relief came in the form of a weight bearing exercise that avoids stressful reverse motion.

Recently I stopped at ProSource, a fitness equipment store in Raleigh. The salesperson there told me he sold more ellipticals in the last year than treadmills. Although treadmills are still the cardio equipment of choice, their market share dropped last year, with most of the percentage going to elliptical trainers. In fact, the growth of elliptical sales was even higher at fitness equipment specialty stores. Many of those sales were commercial quality machines.

It was also noted that cardio equipment was the only segment that experienced growth in the fitness equipment industry. While fitness equipment sales were flat, the cardio segment posted growth in the low teens. Strength equipment was one area that saw declining sales.

Considering an elliptical trainer, check out our Best Buy Ratings.