Spin Fitness Acquires Peak Pilates

VENICE, CA -- Spin Fitness (Mad Dogg Athletics Inc.), which created the Spinning program and line of Spinner bikes, announced Thursday it has acquired Peak Pilates.

Spin Fitness says that it hopes the addition of Peak Pilates will affect its global distribution channel of more than 35,000 facilities the same way the Spinning program has affected group exercise. John Baudhuin, CEO of Spin Fitness, said in a statement from the company that Spin Fitness approached Peak Pilates because of its programs, professionals and products.

“We share a passion for providing best-in-class equipment and education,” Baudhuin said. “We view their revolutionary MVe (maximum versatility exercise) program as an unmatched group exercise solution that is fun, challenging and gets results. It enhances member retention while meeting demand for equipment-based Pilates programming. With Peak’s expertise in classical Pilates programs and products, we see unlimited opportunity to expand in the fitness and studio markets.”

Peak Pilates was founded in 1996. Julie Lobdell, president of Peak Pilates, will continue to serve as president of the Peak Pilates division in Boulder, CO. Lobdell is credited with creating the MVe program, a music-driven group exercise workout that includes patented, stackable Pilates chairs and reformers, on-site instructor training, pre-designed group class formats, DVDs, marketing and implementation support.

“I am pleased to join forces with a true pioneer in the fitness industry,” Lobdell said. “We look forward to leveraging the talents and strengths of both organizations to provide the ultimate in fitness solutions.”

Star Trac, Irvine, CA, is the manufacturer of Spinning bikes.

“We have proudly worked with Spin Fitness to distribute the Spinning line of products for the past seven years in the commercial market and believe the addition of the Peak Pilates product line and education will strengthen their leadership position in the equipment-based group exercise category,” said Randy Bergstedt, Star Trac vice president of marketing.

Spinning, Spin Fitness and Peak Pilates will be featured next week at the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association conference and trade show in San Francisco.