5 questions with Nerio Alessandri of Technogym

Do wellness and design intersect? The Technogym Founder and CEO tells us how

22 Jul 2025

ELLE DECOR

It was 1983 — an era we would all collectively tout as the golden era of bodybuilding years later. Between constant reruns of Mr Olympia and IFBB’s Mr Universe on television and Hollywood’s newfound fascination with muscles, the people wanted more. More definition. More precision. With an ardent love for fitness and industrial design expertise under his belt, Nerio Alessandri, too, was intent on fulfilling this demand.

Thus began a joint operation with his brother Pierluigi in their family’s garage, one that would eventually give birth to Technogym. Once a joint endeavour to create innovative gym equipment, the company today revels in all things fitness. They’ve unveiled equipment crafted alongside design powerhouses like Antonio Citterio and Dior. They’ve collaborated with Assouline to document wellness equipment design over the ages. What lies next? We spoke to Nerio and found out.

How has Technogym’s design philosophy evolved over the years?

Since the beginning, design has been at the heart of Technogym’s identity — what I call the ‘Wellness Design’ philosophy. Over the years, our approach has evolved from simply creating aesthetically pleasing fitness equipment to designing holistic, user-centric experiences that integrate form, function and digital innovation. We believe that beauty inspires consistency and consistency leads to better results.

Today, our design is not just about how our products look, but how they feel, how they perform and how easily they integrate into people’s lives — whether at home, in a gym or a wellness resort. Our products are not just functional; they are crafted as pieces of art, each one a masterpiece in its own right. The design of every product aligns with its environment, delivering luxury akin to high-end furniture found in hotels, residences, apartments, villas, offices, clubs and hospitals. This philosophy has helped Technogym become a global reference point for both fitness and lifestyle.

What role does technology, especially AI and digital platforms, play in shaping fitness experiences at Technogym?

We’ve always believed that the future of wellness lies in the integration of technology and human experience. Artificial Intelligence and digital platforms are not just tools; they are enablers of a truly personalised, engaging and consistent wellness journey. With AI, we can interpret individual data — goals, preferences, biometric feedback — and transform it into tailored training programs that adapt in real time. This is not just about smarter workouts; it’s about making every interaction with our ecosystem meaningful and results-driven.

Our connected ecosystem, spanning state-of-the-art equipment, the Technogym App and cloud-based platforms, creates a fluid experience that follows you everywhere: at home, in the gym, at work, or while travelling. It empowers people to train anytime and anywhere with expert guidance, real-time feedback and digital content that keeps them inspired.

How do you balance aesthetics with performance in wellness spaces?

At Technogym, our approach to wellness spaces, whether in luxury homes or commercial settings, is rooted in our Wellness Design philosophy. We believe that wellness should be integrated into everyday life, and that means creating environments where aesthetics and performance coexist in perfect harmony. Our equipment is designed to deliver top-tier functionality and biomechanical excellence, but also to serve as timeless pieces of design, akin to luxury furniture.

In private residences, we curate wellness spaces that reflect the individual’s lifestyle and interior aesthetic, ensuring the equipment complements the surrounding architecture. We also offer an interior design service to help plan and create the perfect space tailored to your needs. In commercial settings, whether it’s a five-star resort, a corporate wellness centre or a boutique fitness club, we adapt our solutions to reflect the brand identity and desired user experience. It’s this attention to detail, from materials and form to digital personalisation and performance, that allows us to craft truly immersive, inspiring wellness environments across all spaces.

How do collaborations with designers and architects influence product development at Technogym?

We believe that working closely with designers and architects allows us to create products that blend cutting-edge technology, aesthetic appeal and functionality. By incorporating their unique insights and expertise, we ensure that our products not only meet the highest standards of performance but also align with the evolving demands of modern spaces: residential, commercial or hospitality. Through these collaborations, we have crafted products that are both technically advanced and visually striking, designed to harmonise with the environments they inhabit. A prime example is our long-standing partnership with renowned architect Antonio Citterio, which led to the creation of the Personal Line — fitness equipment that doubles as design icons. These collaborations help us stay at the forefront of innovation while ensuring our products enhance the user experience, making wellness both functional and inspiring.

What’s one wellness or fitness trend you wish would make a comeback or disappear forever?

One trend is the obsession with quick fixes — those extreme, unsustainable workout or diet plans that promise fast results but neglect long-term health. Wellness is not about shortcuts. Consistency is crucial — both in training, with a personalised program that evolves over time based on individual needs and results, and in maintaining a healthy lifestyle that positively influences every aspect of daily life.

What I’d love to see stronger is the idea of everyday movement, integrating wellness into daily life in a natural, enjoyable way. Making movement a part of our daily lives is the future of sustainable well-being. Technogym’s global campaign Let’s Move for a Better World embodies this vision by encouraging people to donate their physical activity to promote healthier communities, making wellness both personal and socially impactful.