Yowza Fitness

For anyone looking for an affordable elliptical machine, treadmill or even now – table tennis equipment (thanks to a deal with the adidas company), Yowza Fitness is a company to consider carefully. In the opinion of the editors of Elliptical Trainer Exercise, this company has quite a few marks of quality – and we’re not the only ones who think so.

What follows is a Yowza Fitness review of the company itself, including their history and company philosophy, customer reviews and contact information.

If you were looking for our reviews for the Yowza ellipticals, they can be found here:

The “CardioCore TM” ellipticals are a trademarked, patented breed of elliptical trainers exclusive to Yowza Fitness. They feature the unique ability to train the core muscle group (abdominal region) with a “counter-rotational upper body movement” only found on the listed elliptical trainers.

Please note that we strive to only deal with the top quality elliptical trainers at this site, so we hand-pick the ellipticals we choose to feature. By testing the products whenever possible, contacting customers when we can, and finding relevant and honest customer reviews, we only provide what we feel are well-rounded reviews to industry-leading elliptical machines.

Here at EllipticalTrainerExercise.com, we’re proud to feature the entire line of elliptical trainers for Yowza Fitness, as they meet our stringent eye for quality and perform very well for a quality workout.

Let’s turn the discussion to the company at hand.

About Yowza Fitness, and Company History

This company has a very interesting bit of history. Several key players from Smooth Fitness fame, like the CEO Joe Alter, are now with Yowza Fitness. Joe was former VP of marketing at Smooth Fitness, and was promoted to CEO there.

Yowza Fitness has a sister company in Germany, Green Fitness GmbH, used to distribute products in Europe. and they own their own factories. In other words, Yowza ellipticals are designed and made by the same company.

They are based out of Florida (Bonita Springs to be precise), and they manufacture their ellipticals in a Taiwanese facility (note this is not the same as “Made in China,” Taiwan and Yowza both have much higher design and manufacturing standards). This is a trend in the fitness industry where many big names are finding that the cost of manufacturing is much less off-shore.

The quality of the ellipticals is excellent, however. Many in America have become somewhat suspicious of the made in China brands – Yowza Fitness is not made in China – but the facilities in Taiwan are top-notch, in particular with their knowledge of electro-magnetic braking systems.

Born out of a knowledge of how effective Smooth Fitness operates their marketing and distribution online, Yowza has followed suit with a few exceptions: they only distribute online, so at present there is no way to buy their ellipticals in stores.

There are strategic reasons, detailed below, but by and large this translates into big savings for the consumer.

The proprietor of the company is Leao Wang. This fitness engineer single-handedly has dozens of patents and has built the company on his knowledge of superior technologies in the cardio-workout market. Chief among these patents is the proprietary Counter-rotational, Cardio Core movement in several of the Yowza Fitness ellipticals.

In fact, Leao Wang holds more patents than all the world’s fitness leaders – which is truly the backbone of the success of this company. Nobody else can really compete with the counter-rotational action of the top three ellipticals from Yowza to date.

All their ellipticals are designed and tested in the United States.

They are also among the cleanest producers of elliptical machines around, using stringent standards of recycling, clean raw materials and produce very eco-friendly, green products.

Due to their intelligent business structure, they have quickly become one of the leading companies to sell fitness equipment factory-direct, cutting out the high cost of retail markup for the consumer.

Thanks to marketing online primarily, they have managed to keep their costs low while delivering a great (in our experience) line of products. In fact, they commonly save the consumer up to 60% off their purchases when compared to comparable elliptical machines.

Why Yowza Fitness Wins Raving Fans

Besides strong and knowledgable leadership, from design to marketing, the company wins raving fans for a number of reasons. One of which is their patented, innovative technological advances.

With the launch of their Captiva elliptical, they punctured the market with several innovations: their ellipticals are all roller-less, and no longer use weighted flywheels like front-end ellipticals must use (all this means: lower maintanance); they have sealed ball bearings which again translates into longer use and lower maintenance worries; their SureFit(TM) pedals which pivot by way of a cushioned rubber buffer (which optimizes user comfort and minimizes any pain associated with long use of ellipticals); and they introduced both Counter-Rotational Core motion with their unique handle design and a variable stride/variable motion elliptical machine.

That’s a lot of innovation in one machine. Read our Captiva review under Best Elliptical Trainer for more details.

Their prices are just right – though they produce mid to high-end machines, they know how to price things affordably and offer 6-months same-as-cash financing.

On top of these facts, they have a leading warranty and customer service philosopy (details below). They aren’t content with simply providing “good ellipticals,” with a “me, too” attitude – Yowza Fitness ellipticals feature some genuine innovation, unique to the fitness industry.

High Quality, Low Prices, Factory-Direct Philosophy

Like Smooth, Yowza offers high quality and value for lower-than-expected prices. They directly compete with the much-lauded Precor, Diamondbak and LifeFitness models of ellipticals but do not have club-model pricing.

This again is due to smart business practices (from manufacturing to distribution), and low overhead (no retail markup). The consumer gets all the benefits of high-end technology, with low-end or midrange cost.

Selling directly online from the factory through a word of mouth network of fans and affiliates, Yowza Fitness knows the needs of the fitness market and the needs of consumers who are looking for a good value in a rough economy.

Leading Warranty

The warranty on all their ellipticals is lifetime on the frame and braking system, 5 years on parts (and electronics) and 2 years on in-home labor.

However, they also have service plans to extend the warranties, and they stand behind their products. Consumers have a company that is willing to put their money where their mouth is with Yowza Fitness.

60-Day Money-Back Guarantee

One last note: their 60-day money-back guarantee – if you’re worried, don’t be: they will give a full refund if there is any problem within the 60-day time period.

Great Customer Service

One of the concerns that some have from shopping with an online-only merchant is that they think they will get no service. This is not true with Yowza Fitness.

How to Get Customer Service or Maintenance from Yowza Fitness

They offer service on their products (if you live in the contiguous United States or Canada), and will cover their warranty guarantee. For refund questions, call toll-free: 1-877-969-9240.

If you need service or parts:

Call toll-free: 1-800-969-9240, select option #2 to request service or get a status update on an open request. The Service Department operates: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon-Fri, Eastern Standard Time. Otherwise you can send an email to Service AT Yowzafitness DOT com

This information is available on the FAQ page.

There Are Financing Options Available

You can apply for a 6-months-same-as-cash option offered via a Yowza Fitness card (this is a GE Money Card, so can be used in other venues accepting this form of credit).

Note: On the new Pompano elliptical trainer, the most affordable Cardio-Core cross trainer, they offer an 18-month same-as-cash (no interest) plan, but only for the duration of the launch of Yowza Pompano.

What Customers are Saying about Smooth Fitness

On August 15th, 2011, “Steph” (a customer at Amazon) had this to say about the Smyrna treadmill from Yowza:

We just got our Smyrna Treadmill and we love it!!! It is extremely quiet, especially considering how powerful the motor is. The display is very impressive looking and at the same time extremely user-friendly. We use it mainly for running and the belt is very smooth and easy on the joints. It is built to last with a very sturdy frame. We love the variety of workout programs that are included…The customer service at Yowza Fitness was outstanding. They were extremely knowledgeable, curteous and friendly.

“L. Panesi” from Pineville, North Carolina (a beautiful place, by the way – very lush) said on New Year’s Day, 2011 (about his new Captiva elliptical):

I’ve had it for 3 months. Works well, very quiet, very smooth. I am glad I bought the Captiva (not the Sanibel). Worth the extra $500 because of the stride adjuster and incline adjustment feature.

“Steve W” said of the Yowza Fitness Sanibel elliptical:

After one year with my Sanibel I have lost 30 pounds, blood pressure is the best it has been since I was in my 20s, stamina and energy level are great – due to exercise and diet changes. I would have to say the Sanibel changed my life…It has really been trouble free and the core workout really does strengthen your abs & back, in fact I have not had a back ache since I started using it. Highly recommend the Sanibel, it is a life changer. Only bad thing is I had to buy all new clothes, my old ones were too baggy.

“Bill F” bought the new for 2012 Yowza Pompano, and says:

The best elliptical I have ever used. Smooth, quiet, a terrific workout. No doubt, if you’re accustomed to a conventional machine this one will initially feel awkward with the core rotation and the cushy pedals. But, once you get the hang of it, it’s a blast. Strongly recommend the professional assembly.

Of the Yowza Navarre, Jason Riddle said:

I’ve owned four different elliptical machines and this is the best built by far. All pivot points have roller bearings not cheap sleeve bearings like other manufacturers,a fact Yowza should promote more. Over all a very sturdy well made machine and one of the best warranties in the business.

“Marianne” bought the entry-level Largo elliptical. She says:

Wow, did I make a good decision when choosing your Largo! I did a lot of online comparison based on footprint, and checked out a LOT of online reviews; and I kept coming back to the Largo. This elliptical is everything good I read it would be. Love the controls/sensors on the handlebars.

Clearly, the company wants to win your business and has created well-crafted (in our experience) ellipticals and treadmills to show for it. Yowza Fitness is a company that has earned our trust, and that of their loyal customers by innovating and providing actual value.

The Downsides of Selling Fitness Equipment Online

It’s perfectly understandable how some people want to get the full hands-on experience with certain investments. The fact that there is a 60-day, money-back guarantee should answer some of these concerns.

Maybe you’re also wondering:

Can’t see the elliptical in person…
See below for a unique solution to this common objection. It’s clear that these elliptical machines are an investment, and selling in a local store would alleviate some questions.

But Yowza doesn’t see it that way – they only sell online for the time being. They keep costs down that way and those savings are passed onto the consumer.

You may be wondering -

How can I try before I buy?
Here is yet another innovation from Yowza Fitness.

Anyone interested in buying one of their ellipticals (or treadmills, or other fitness equipment) can contact their customer service department. See above for details on how to do so.

They will then go through their network of owners who have opted in to allow locals to come by and see a Yowza Fitness elliptical in person. I haven’t seen another company go to this length of service, but this company seeks to innovate at all levels it seems.

What Does Yowza Fitness Specialize In?

Two words come to mind when I consider Yowza Fitness. First is “innovative” and the other is “quality” – but I could add in there “affordability” and “customer service” as well. The truth of the matter is that they are pioneers of fitness equipment, blazing their own trail.

They specialize in quality construction – like how all their joints are sealed bearings and not sleeved bearings, as one happy customer pointed out. The quality is there from the components to the overall workout.

Their products will last years and help you carve away unsightly fat if used in conjunction with a healthy diet and overall fitness strategy.

Yowza has patented technology and has pushed the envelope of actual design innovations versus merely eye candy accessories.

Who heard of cardio core ellipticals before Yowza pioneered them? They didn’t exist.

There is little doubt that this company had to start from ground zero, but since beginning they have formed an alliance with adidas to create other products like tennis tables to add to their lineup of quality products.

This is a company that is making their own path and is one to watch for in the years to come.

Yowza Fitness Awarded 5-Stars From a Consumer Review Site

A leading consumer review website, “Top Consumer Reviews,” awarded Yowza Fitness with a full 5-star rating.

“Yowza Fitness delivers excellent elliptical machines, uniquely created to reduce the joint wear and tear that other elliptical climbers are prone to,” said Brian Dolezal, of TopConsumerReviews.com, LLC. “A steady incline system, preset workouts, and Sure Fit pedals work together to create a successful and comfortable workout. Yowza Fitness also backs up their elliptical machines with an exceptional warranty…If you’re looking for an outstanding elliptical machine at an affordable price, Yowza Fitness should be your first stop.

Company Contact and Service

Contacting Yowza Fitness is simple – they have a contact form you can use or one of the following will work just as well. Use the contact form at www.YowzaFitness.com.

Their mailing address:
Yowza Fitness
24830 Burnt Pine Dr. Bldg. 3 Suite 3
Bonita Springs, FL. 34134

For customer service:
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST
1-877-969-9240 option #2

Pre-Sales Questions:
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST
Saturday/Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. EST
1-877-969-9240 option #1

Our final thoughts on this company – they’re pushing the envelope in a “me, too!” industry. Ellipticals are somewhat a saturated market, yet this company has managed to pioneer quality by being innovative from the design, down to the online-only model of distribution which keeps costs down.

It’s clear if you watch how innovative this company is just which direction they’d like to go in: quality, widening the gap between themselves and competitors – and in the end, this just means a better workout for their customers.

It’s hard not to admire them for being unique in a field ripe with gimmicks (their innovations aren’t gimmicks). We’re pleased to review their products and we stand behind them, after all it’s rare to find a company that combines “affordable” with “quality,” but this describes their business strategy.

If you’d like to read other reviews or elliptical articles, please visit our main website here, where you can find reviews for Yowza Fitness (including which elliptical we rated as best elliptical for home use), as well as our Elliptical Workout and our take on the Elliptical vs Treadmill debate, among other articles.