Fitness Movin’ & Shakin’: Bob Harms, Cybex, Diamondback, Star Trac

For April 8 to May 5

Bob Harms reported to SNEWS® he was among the layoffs at Precor last month due to “economic conditions revolving around poor sales performance in Q1.” He had most recently been the company’s national sales manager, consumer, and that position, which he took on 2006, was terminated. Harms, who said he’d like to stay in the fitness industry, can be contacted at 281-731-0246 or at bharms1@comcast.net. Precor’s parent, Amer Sports, reported consumer sales dropped 13 percent in the first quarter, compared to a year earlier, and that EBIT was down 57 percent in local currencies….

Cybex International has unveiled a new website (www.cybexintl.com) with more extensive information with a goal of easier navigation. CEO John Aglialoro said a company’s website “defines a company’s message and enunciates who that company is.” … Chris Speyer has been named vice president of marketing and product at Raleigh America and will, as a part of that position, oversee Diamondback Fitness. Communications director Jordan Benshea is also no longer with the company….

Even CEOs gotta have fun: Star Trac CEO Steve Nero dared to get into a “bench-off” with a body-building champion. That takes some chutzpah. Victor Konovalov was paralyzed when he was 20 after a motorcycle accident. He became the first handicapped IFBB pro body builder and is a five-time national wheelchair champion. He is now a motivational speaker and teacher. Do you have to ask who won?

If you have any personnel news or other news bits or tips that could be included in our occasional Movin’ & Shakin’ column, drop us a note at news@snewsnet.com.