Published: March 17, 2010

Enjoy Leisurely Workouts the Smart Way -- TaiSPO 2010 Area Focus (Fitness Equipment)

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TAIPEI, Taiwan - (BUSINESS WIRE) - TaiSPO or the Taiwan Int'l Sporting Goods Show (29 April - 2 May, 2010) is an annual event not to be missed by key industry players. One of its eight themes includes fitness equipment manufacturers who are out to help people enjoy fun workouts the smart way.

Backed by a strong electronics industry, Taiwan's fitness equipment makers differentiate their products with innovative IC-controlled functions which allow users to enjoy customized workouts by setting the time, pace and resistance. Additionally, LED displays show heart rate and calories burned.

Innovative combinations with 3C (computers, communications, and consumer electronics) technologies make fitness equipment even more powerful, enjoyable and valuable. Lately, high-end products come with value-added electronic features such as speakers, TFT-LCD TVs, and audio input for music players. Newly released products are able to interface with a computer or a USB device. Meanwhile, Internet access enables users to use the Internet while exercising.

Industrial competency

In fact, fitness equipment is one of Taiwan's most representative industries since it has been successfully upgrading its industrial structure since the 1990s when most manufacturing companies endured increasing price competition from counterparts in emerging countries.

A key to the industry's success is the adept application of Taiwan's electronics strength to create innovative features. Plus, a well-developed industrial supply chain provides a sound foundation to support growth of the fitness equipment makers; experienced metal fabrication, plastic molding, welding and painting operations are essential to make state-of-the-art products with trendy designs.

Among Taiwan's fitness equipment companies, a large number are former bicycle makers which, with long years of experience in related fields, have successfully transformed their bicycles into various kinds of fitness equipment.

Companies often emphasize multifunctionality, safety and ergonomics in upcoming models. Almost every company has obtained ISO (International Standard Organization) certificates and has acquired CE, GS or TUV approval to ensure product safety.

Taiwan's fitness equipment industry began in the 1970s and experienced a period of major growth in the later two decades when many companies operated as OEM manufacturing partners of American and European buyers. Now, many companies have moved from being outsourcing suppliers to owning their own brands and international sales networks. Ample funding has been invested in R&D to create designs for high-end products.

In reaction to the current market downturn amid the global economic recession, Taiwan's fitness equipment makers have invested even more money in strengthening product innovation and marketing efficiency as a means to enhance their competitiveness and make their products even more attractive.

Experienced manufacturing skills and product innovation make Taiwan's fitness equipment globally competitive and draw heavyweight international buyers from around the world to the Taipei-hosted sporting goods show every year.

Full product line

The TaiSPO's fitness equipment area, which gathers all related Taiwan manufacturers, presents a full line of products and ancillary devices. Major items include motorized treadmills, exercise bikes, stair climbers, rowing machines, elliptical "cross-trainers," aerobic exercisers, and weightlifting machines (strength trainers).

Every year, exhibitors surprise buyers with new models featuring creative functions and trendy designs. The area provides good opportunities for international buyers to meet all of Taiwan's leading fitness equipment makers and try out their most advanced models in the same place in four short exhibition days.

Among the major exhibitors are Johnson Health Tech, Dayco, Inray Fitness, Strength Master Fitness, Lifegear, Chang Yow, Body Sculpture, Hi-Star, Kingasia, and Sporting King and T. K. Chin.

Products displayed in this area are roughly classified into two categories: the home and institutional exercise equipment segments. In the U.S. (the world's largest fitness equipment market), the home market is by far the largest market and has grown significantly in recent decades.

Treadmills and exercise bikes are the two most popular fitness items for home use. In general, home fitness equipment is made foldable or in smaller size to save space and made with lighter materials for easy mobility. The machines are simple in design, often in soft, cozy colors to blend with home decor.

By contrast, equipment made for the institutional market is much sturdier and heavier to ensure durability and safety after long hours of use. In the U.S., a health club treadmill or exercise bike, for example, can be used more than 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Those fitness machines found at health clubs, hotels or other institutions cover a wide range, providing sufficient choice to indoor workout lovers.

North America is traditionally the largest outlet for Taiwan's fitness equipment shipments. However, lately the trade show is seeing increased buyer turn out from the Middle East, India and other emerging areas where consumer demand for sporting goods and fitness equipment is growing along with increased incomes.

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Enjoy Leisurely Workouts the Smart Way -- TaiSPO 2010 Area Focus (Fitness Equipment)

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