Nautilus launches plate-loaded strength line called Xpload

Playing to a full-house of football coaches, Nautilus launched Jan. 11 at the American Football Coaches Association meeting in Texas a plate-loaded line of strength-training equipment targeted at sports performance.

Rolling out with 15 pieces, the made-to-order equipment called Xpload is starting to ship now. Called the “capstone” of the athletic performance equipment, which includes not only these pieces, but also other in- and out-of-season training equipment such as the Nitro selectorized line and the StepMill, the Xpload line is said to finish up the company’s line aimed at sports teams and athletic training.

“This is sacred ground for Nautilus,” said Tim Hawkins, president of the Nautilus fitness equipment division. “We expect it to begin to dominate sales in the category due to the strong and complete product line. Athletic performance is at the top of the influence pyramid.”

Although not intended for the club market, Nautilus said it will show one piece at IHRSA. The line will be sold by a “focused team” of five dealers around the country, the company said, or can be bought by calling Nautilus.

Among features that differentiate it from Hammer Strength and other plate-loaded equipment lines aimed at sports performance, Xpload has what Nautilus calls an “optimal strength curve technology,” lower points to load plate and an ergonomic grip on the plates used. In addition, the company said Xpload (www.NautilusXPLOAD.com) will accommodate users from 5-feet-0 to 6-feet-10-inches tall.

“No other line has such a diverse range for the athlete,” Hawkins said.

The 15 pieces launched include various racks, platforms, benches, and all the needed presses, pushes and pulls for a full-body workout. Features include a spotter platform on the racks that swivels out of the way, and linkage on the arms that allow a user to define the path of motion.

“We introduced a new era of strength training in the 1970s,” Hawkins said in a release announcing the line, “and we fully intend to reclaim our leadership in athletic training with the completion of this line.”