At 22, he built a gym machine in his garage. Now, the man behind the ‘Ferrari of fitness’ is looking to India

When Nerio Alessandri built his first piece of fitness equipment in a garage in Italy in 1983, he was just 22. More than four decades later, the company he founded, Technogym, has become a global name in fitness and wellness, with its equipment used by professional athletes, luxury hotels, fitness centres and households across the world. India is now emerging as an important market in his plans for growth.

“We are the Ferrari of wellness. We like to inspire and engage with people,” Alessandri said during his recent visit to India, offering a glimpse into the philosophy behind the Italian company’s premium positioning. Alessandri’s ambition goes beyond building machines for people who want to work out. He wants wellness to become part of everyday life.

From a garage to the global fitness industry

Alessandri’s journey began with a simple idea: exercise equipment could be designed differently. An industrial designer by training, he started Technogym in 1983, at a time when fitness was yet to become the lifestyle industry it is today. What began as a small venture gradually developed into a company serving everyone from individual fitness enthusiasts to elite athletes.

The early years were about building equipment. Over time, the business expanded into software, connected machines and digital training services. Technogym introduced electronic fitness equipment in the late 1980s and launched its first software in 1996. In 2006, it introduced internet-connected equipment, bringing digital technology into the workout experience. These developments helped lay the groundwork for a system in which equipment and software work together to personalise training.

“Innovation is the core of Technogym,” Alessandri said.

The company also built a presence in professional sport. It works with leading football clubs and Formula One teams and has supplied equipment for major international sporting events.In 2026, Technogym will mark its 10th association with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, supplying equipment and training facilities for athletes at the Milano Cortina Winter Games. The company set up 22 training centres, with around 1,000 pieces of equipment for more than 3,500 athletes from over 90 countries.

Why wellness means more than fitness

For Alessandri, the distinction between fitness and wellness is central to the company’s philosophy. “Fitness is look-good but wellness is feel-good,” he said.

The difference, as he sees it, is that exercise should not be limited to appearance or physical performance. It should also help people remain active, feel better and maintain their independence as they grow older.

“The future of the fitness is not about adding years to life but about staying strong, active and independent longer,” he said.

Technogym has built its business around this broader approach. Its connected equipment, digital services and training content are designed to help users follow personalised exercise programmes in gyms and at home. The company has also positioned design as a key part of its offering. Its equipment is intended not only for commercial fitness centres but also for homes, hotels and wellness spaces where appearance and ease of use matter. This has helped it establish a premium presence in the market.

Why India is on Technogym’s radar

India offers an opportunity for a company looking to expand its presence in fitness, hospitality and premium residential spaces. The country’s fitness industry remains relatively underpenetrated, even as more people pay attention to physical activity, preventive healthcare and healthy ageing. A 2025 industry report estimated that fitness facility membership in India accounted for less than 1% of the population, highlighting the scope for further growth.

“With less than 1% penetration of fitness market in India, the country presents a huge opportunity for Technogym,” Alessandri said.

The opportunity is not limited to standalone gyms. Investment in hotels, premium residential projects, wellness clubs and healthcare infrastructure is creating potential demand for fitness facilities and equipment.

Technogym has operated in India for more than two decades, supplying equipment to high-end hotels, fitness centres and wellness clubs. It also has a presence in the private home gym segment, where affluent consumers are looking for professional-grade equipment.

The company has established a presence in Mumbai and opened boutiques in Delhi and Bengaluru. These outlets give it a way to showcase its products and connect with customers interested in premium fitness solutions.

Alessandri said the company is exploring partnerships with leading real estate developers, hospitality chains and large institutions to strengthen its presence in India.