History
Nautilus, Inc. originated in 1986 with the sale of most of the company by the inventor of Nautilus machines, Arthur Jones.[11] Jones created the Nautilus machine, then called the Blue Monster, in the late 1960s, with the purpose of developing a fitness machine that accommodates human movement.[11] The company's name was changed to Nautilus because the logarithmic-spiral cam, which made the machine a success, resembled a nautilus.[11]
BowFlex acquired Nautilus, Inc. and specialized in designing, developing and marketing strength and cardio fitness products.[6] In 1998, the company changed its name to Direct Focus and acquired the Nautilus, Schwinn and StairMaster brands between 1999 and 2002, before eventually changing its name to Nautilus, Inc. in 2005.[6] Nautilus became a publicly traded company on the U.S. stock exchange in May 1999.[12]
The company stopped selling exercise equipment to gyms in 2011 and shifted its focus to home-use equipment. The same year, Nautilus. licensed its brand name and technology to other manufacturers.[6]
In 2004, Nautilus was sued by Biosig Instruments for allegedly infringing its design for heart-rate monitors.[13] The case eventually reached the United States Supreme Court, who used it to establish reasonable certainty as the standard for judging whether or not a patent claim was indefinite.[13]
Nautilus acquired Octane Fitness, LLC from private equity firm North Castle Partners on December 31, 2015.[14]
The company was recognized by The Oregonian as one of the top places to work,[15][16][17] as well as the company with the healthiest employees of Oregon by the Portland Business Journal, in its 100-499 employee category.[18][19]
Nautilus has been awarded as an American Heart Association Fit-Friendly company.[20][21]
On November 1, 2023, Nautilus, Inc. changed its name to BowFlex, Inc.[22]
On March 5, 2024, BowFlex filed for bankruptcy.[23] The bankruptcy resulted in Johnson Health Tech acquiring the BowFlex, Schwinn, and JRNY brands.[24][25]
