Nautilus Fitness, founded by Arthur Jones in 1970, revolutionized the fitness industry with its innovative exercise machines. The brand emerged from Jones’s vision to create equipment that accommodated human movement, leading to the development of the first Nautilus machine, the pullover. This invention introduced the logarithmic-spiral cam design, which provided variable resistance throughout the range of motion, making workouts more effective.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Nautilus gained immense popularity, becoming a staple in gyms and fitness centers across the United States. By 1984, it had established nearly 4,700 fitness centers. However, in 1986, Jones sold the company to a Texas oilman, and Nautilus continued to evolve under new ownership.
In subsequent years, Nautilus acquired rival brands and shifted its focus towards home fitness equipment. Today, Nautilus remains a prominent name in the fitness industry, known for its commitment to quality and innovation in strength training solutions.