Nautilus Institute Formed to Encourage Lifelong Fitness; Nautilus Comm

Nautilus Institute Formed to Encourage Lifelong Fitness; Nautilus Commits $10 Million for Research, Education; Appoints Fitness Experts to Drive Effort

    Business Editors/Health/Fitness Writers

    SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 2005--As part of its category growth initiative, Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS), a leading marketer, developer, and manufacturer of branded health and fitness products, has announced the formation of the Nautilus Institute, an organization to encourage more people to adopt lifelong fitness habits by providing them with expert knowledge and guidance.
    The commitment, which includes at least $10 million invested in research and education over the next five years, and involving some of the most highly-regarded researchers and trainers in fitness, was announced at the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association Conference underway here for more than 8,000 people.
    "Our society embraced a new age of fitness about three decades ago through aerobics, equipment and clubs, but fewer than one in five people truly benefit from a fit and healthy lifestyle today. If we are going to tap into all the benefits that sustainable exercise offers our society, we need to help more people start, improve upon, and maintain fitness and exercise patterns for a lifetime," said Tim Hawkins, chief marketing officer for Nautilus, which markets fitness equipment under the Nautilus(R), Bowflex(R), Schwinn(R)Fitness, and StairMaster(R) brands.
    "As a fitness industry leader, we believe we have a responsibility to help encourage proper fitness and exercise by bringing together industry experts to conduct research and present credible information that will help people make exercise and lifestyle choices that are appropriate for them. It goes way beyond just teaching people a certain style of exercise or how to use a certain piece of equipment. We also believe this close association with top fitness experts will help us deliver a fast, efficient pace of product innovation for years to come."
    The Nautilus Institute will begin its work by commissioning the Sports Performance Clinic at the University of California at Davis to more completely understand the appropriateness and functionality of various cardiovascular exercise machines. The program will be directed by 1980 five-time Olympic gold-medal speed skating champion Eric Heiden, and the highly-regarded sports physician Massimo Testa, who also trains numerous world-class cyclist athletes and teams.
    "We want to be sure people understand the impact of each piece of cardiovascular equipment, such as treadmills, exercise bikes and ellipticals," said Heiden, who serves as team doctor for the Sacramento Kings. "It's important to know how the equipment available in the market today helps you improve health. This will help beginners know where to start, and those who exercise know how to intensify or manage their exercise program. It also will serve as the basis for encouraging equipment calibration standards in the fitness industry."
    The Nautilus Institute also will develop and present industry guidance on the appropriateness of vigorous stretching before exercise. Research in the past few years has contradicted long-held assumptions about the importance of aggressively stretching muscles before running or other vigorous exercise.
    The Nautilus Institute also will evaluate the universe of knowledge regarding the merits of achieving optimal weight and body health through proper nutrition, exercise, or both.
    Nautilus, Inc. said its initial five-year program will be guided by a group of world-leading fitness industry authorities, including:

--	Jay Blahnik, an international trainer of fitness instructors, author of Full Body Flexibility, star of 17 award-winning exercise videos, and creator of numerous group exercise programs
--	Keli Roberts, a national multi-event cyclist, and a nationally acclaimed fitness trainer, author of Fitness Hollywood, trainer for many Hollywood celebrities, and host of a CBS/Fox-produced fitness video series
--	Tom Purvis, among the world's foremost experts in resistance training and exercise mechanics, and the founder of the popular Resistance Training System

    The Nautilus Institute will be directed by Buzz Truitt, an 11-year fitness industry veteran who previously served as the vice president of marketing for Schwinn(R) Fitness and StairMaster(R) brands. An avid cyclist, Truitt helped introduce the popular group indoor cycling trend, introduced the best-selling natural energy bar, and brings experience in global operations, marketing, and sales.

    About Nautilus, Inc.

    Headquartered in Vancouver, Wash., Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS) helps people achieve a fit and healthy lifestyle through proper exercise, rest and nutrition. With a brand portfolio that includes Nautilus(R), Bowflex(R), Schwinn(R)Fitness, StairMaster(R) and Trimline(R), Nautilus manufactures and markets a complete line of innovative health and fitness products through direct, commercial and retail channels. The Company was formed in 1986 and had 2004 sales of $523 million. It has 1,200 employees and operations in Washington, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, China, and elsewhere. More information is at www.nautilus.com.

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CONTACT: The Nautilus Group, Inc. Ron Arp, 360-418-6169 or Integrated Corporate Relations, Inc. John Mills, 310-395-2215 or 203-222-9013

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SPORTS MEDICAL PRODUCT SOURCE: Nautilus, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005