Aviron Treadmill: Gamified Fitness for $2499

The Appeal of Gamified Fitness with Aviron

Aviron’s approach to home fitness is rooted in the understanding that many individuals find traditional workouts unappealing. However, a significant number of those same people are drawn to the engaging nature of video games. The company posits that a lack of motivating competition and diverting entertainment may be the primary obstacles preventing a more active lifestyle for many.

This concept mirrors the success of gamification seen in products like Nintendo’s Wii and virtual reality games such as Beat Saber. However, Aviron uniquely integrates video games into the workout experience, rather than attempting to incorporate workouts into video games.

Company Origins and Expansion

Established in 2018, the Toronto-based startup gained prominence in 2022 with the introduction of its gamified rowing machine. The timing of this launch coincided with a surge in demand for at-home fitness solutions, driven by widespread gym closures during the pandemic.

Rowing’s inherent dynamic of varying speed and intensity lends itself particularly well to gamification. Consequently, Aviron initially focused on a rowing machine, leveraging this foundation to expand into other fitness equipment categories. In August 2024, the company unveiled a fitness bike, followed by connected dumbbells and the Victory Treadmill within a few months.

Differentiation in a Competitive Market

In a market saturated with competitors attempting to emulate Peloton and NordicTrack, Aviron distinguishes itself through its emphasis on gaming. While brands like Peloton cultivated a strong following based on instructor-led classes, Aviron prioritizes gaming as its primary differentiator. Fortunately, the robust software and gaming experience developed for the rower and bike can be readily adapted to the new Victory Treadmill hardware.

The games offered are likely to be familiar to users of Aviron’s existing machines. However, the Victory Treadmill utilizes walking/running speed and incline to influence gameplay, rather than relying on rowing or pedaling intensity.

Adapting Gameplay to the Treadmill

Certain game types, such as fishing games or Aviron’s version of Breakout, feel less natural when played on a treadmill. To address this, the company provides a pair of controller devices resembling joysticks. This innovative solution allows for more dynamic adjustments to speed and incline, moving beyond the typical numerical input.

The Victory Treadmill encourages more direct engagement with these controls during workouts. Personally, I discovered that the competitive element of gaming was more immersive on the rower than on the treadmill, as interacting with games while walking or running felt less intuitive.

Beyond Gaming: Entertainment Options

The 22-inch touchscreen provides a wealth of alternative distractions. I frequently found myself watching YouTube videos, effectively reverting to typical gym habits. The system also supports logins to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Max, as well as Spotify.

In addition to gaming, Aviron offers scenic virtual routes and a growing library of fitness classes. While the company hasn’t invested in instructors and classes to the same extent as Peloton, this content serves as a valuable complement to the core gaming experience.

The Evolving Connected Fitness Landscape

The connected fitness market has undergone significant changes since Aviron’s initial rower release three years ago. Companies like Peloton overestimated market demand, resulting in substantial financial setbacks. Despite this, competition remains fierce, particularly within established categories like treadmills.

Victory Treadmill: Pricing and Quality

Home treadmills vary widely in price and quality, ranging from $5,000 NordicTrack models to $200 foldable systems. Priced at $2,499, the Victory Treadmill occupies a middle ground. While not as substantial or robust as gym-quality treadmills, it offers solid construction and durability, and is expected to provide long-lasting performance. The controls are responsive, the belt reaches speeds of up to 12.5 mph, and the low profile enhances stability.

The extensive content selection ensures that the system is unlikely to become underutilized, remaining a valuable asset in the home fitness environment.