New Matrix treadmills offer stunning array of features

New Matrix treadmills offer stunning array of features for unprecedented merger of exercise and entertainment

COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. – Oct. 16, 2008 – The wraps are finally off the Matrix T Series treadmills, and customers agree: They are the brand’s most advanced, innovative, exercise-inspiring treadmills to date.

Introduced today at Club Industry, the new line of treadmills – the T7xe, T7x and T5x – offers a stunning array of features, including compatibility with iPod® on the T7xe and T7x and a 15-inch touch-screen LCD TV on the T7xe. All three models are equipped with advanced technology for exceptional performance and feel, thoughtful design elements for easy servicing and more.

“We designed these new treadmills with the input of 600 fitness enthusiasts, service technicians and club owners and operators. The result is a merger of exercise and entertainment that’s never been achieved before,” said Chris Clawson, Johnson Health Tech North America Corp. president and CEO.

Compatible with iPod

The new T7xe and T7x treadmills enable users to view, play and control their music and videos for iPod directly through the T7xe’s integrated 15-inch touch-screen and on the T7x’s integrated 7-inch screen. A silicon pad holds the iPod in place even when the treadmill is inclined, protects it from scratches and prevents it from rattling. Also, iPod devices charge when connected.

T7xe 15-inch Touch-Screen LCD TV Console

The T7xe features a visually dazzling 15-inch integrated touch-screen LCD TV console with Vista Clear Television Technology for a crisp, vibrant picture (also on T7x) and FitTouch Technology for intuitive touch-screen functionality.

The display also offers features that make it user friendly. With the touch of a finger, users can select what workout feedback data they want to see, and like they do with the “last” button on a TV remote, they can toggle between their current and most recent incline levels and between their current and most recent speeds.

“The interface on the T7xe makes the unit tremendously approachable, incredibly easy to use, visually pleasing, and above all, enormously inspirational,” said Clawson. “It is going to change the way people use fitness equipment.”

Other Features

With the T7xe, for the first time in the industry exercisers can use every inch of an integrated 15-inch screen to watch their videos and TV programs thanks to a secondary LCD data display which shows workout time and distance. Should the main console malfunction, this display (also on T7x) can be used in conjunction with crossbar quick keys for quick start functionality until the main LCD can be repaired.

All three new treadmills boast the Ultimate Deck System which absorbs impact for a soft user feel and provides more than 25,000 miles of maintenance-free performance. They also have the Matrix Dynamic Response Drive System, the same proven drive system that’s on the current Matrix T5x treadmill. Coupled with advanced controller technology, the Matrix Dynamic Response Drive continuously monitors and adjusts the motor’s output to ensure each stride is smooth, fluid and even.

In addition, T Series treadmills include an embedded FitLinxx wireless transmitter for service and performance monitoring.

All three models also feature:
–An integrated, three-speed fan
–A large, 22-inch-by-60-inch running surface
–A low, 9.5-inch step-up height for easy entering and exiting
–Two-piece motor cover design that gives technicians easy access to key components for servicing

An optional 15-inch LCD TV screen can be attached to the T7x and T5x, and like all Matrix cardio machines, the new treadmills are CSAFE compatible.

Customer Feedback

Feedback from customers who have seen the new treadmills has been extremely positive.

“The response we’ve gotten from our customers has been phenomenal,” said Andrew Kolman, product manager, treadmills and entertainment, Matrix brand. “Club owners and operators can’t wait to get these treadmills in their gyms. They know their members will look forward to working out on these amazing machines, and that will help with member attraction and retention.”

Angel Banos, CEO of Gold’s Gyms of Los Angeles, recently selected Matrix Fitness Systems cardiovascular equipment for three of his health clubs. “We’ve been in the business for 20 years, and the T Series are some of the best, most technologically advanced and attractive treadmills I’ve seen,” he said. “We’re very excited to get them in our clubs. Our members are going to be ecstatic about having them, and we, as club operators, are excited because we beta- tested the Matrix treadmills in our clubs for the last eight months and they didn’t require a single service call.”

Banos also said the treadmill’s multiple language settings will be an asset for clubs that serve non-English-speaking customers, like his.

Warranty

The T Series treadmills have a lifetime warranty on the drive and motor, a seven-year warranty on the frame and a three-year warranty on parts and labor through Matrix’s Customer Advantage Program.

About Matrix Fitness Systems

Matrix Fitness Systems (www.matrixfitness.com) is the premium commercial brand of Johnson Health Tech North America Corp. and comprises a complete line of cardiovascular and strength-training equipment for health clubs and other fitness facilities.

About Johnson Health Tech North America Corp.

Johnson Health Tech North America Corp. is a leading provider of a full-line of cardiovascular and strength-training equipment for health clubs, vertical markets and homes. Its brands include Horizon Fitness (consumer exercise equipment), Matrix Fitness Systems (commercial products) and Vision Fitness (specialty equipment).

JHTNAC’s parent company, Johnson Health Tech, Co. Ltd., has been producing premium fitness equipment since 1975 and is the world’s fastest growing manufacturer of fitness equipment.

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This press release may contain forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the statements above. These include, but are not limited to, competitive factors, technological and product developments, market demand and economic conditions.

iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries

Vista Clear, FitTouch, Ultimate Deck System, Dynamic Response Drive System, FitLinxx and Customer Advantage Program are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Johnson Health Tech. Co., Ltd.