At-home fitness company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

According to The Street, Peloton has made headlines for its impressive rise during the pandemic, but it has also faced challenges as gyms reopened. Contrary to some speculation, Peloton has confirmed that it is not filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and has the necessary capital to meet its strategic objectives. When gyms closed due to social distancing mandates, at-home fitness companies experienced a boom, with Peloton becoming a prominent beneficiary. Its connected fitness devices turned into status symbols, offering a semblance of socialization during a time of isolation.

However, as restrictions lifted, many consumers returned to gyms, shifting demand away from at-home fitness equipment. What once seemed like a justifiable luxury—spending over $1,000 on exercise equipment—has now become a less attractive option as gym memberships offer a more social and affordable alternative. This shift, coupled with a backlash against its high-end marketing, has left Peloton’s future uncertain, with shares plummeting nearly 98% from their December 2020 peak of $162.72.

Falling sales are not unique to Peloton; other players in the connected fitness space are also struggling. Notably, American Home Fitness, a pioneer in the home fitness category founded in 2001, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

American Home Fitness: A Longstanding Brand Faces Challenges

While Peloton may dominate the headlines, American Home Fitness has been a regional brand providing exercise equipment well before Peloton’s inception. Based in suburban Detroit, the company prides itself on a customer-centric approach, offering a wide range of exercise gear from traditional weights to connected fitness devices.

“Our team is made up of athletes, trainers, and fitness experts who understand your needs,” the company states on its website. “We’re not here to push the biggest or most expensive equipment; we aim to match you with what you’ll genuinely enjoy using.”

Despite its efforts to maintain a personal relationship with customers, American Home Fitness has encountered significant challenges in the post-COVID retail landscape. On April 2, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing assets between $1 million and $10 million and liabilities ranging from $100,000 to $500,000.

The bankruptcy filing will enable the company to exit leases for underperforming brick-and-mortar locations that have struggled in a market increasingly favoring online shopping. “This company was performing really well during COVID, but there’s been a real decline in at-home exercise since then,” said Charles Bullock, the company’s legal representative. “Foot traffic is down significantly at their stores, and they still have leases to cover.”

American Home Fitness aims to honor outstanding gift cards worth $12,500 and intends to continue operations following its reorganization. The bankruptcy filing highlights the company’s desire to adapt to current market demands, with plans to emerge as a stronger and more efficient operation.

As the fitness landscape continues to evolve, the struggles of both Peloton and American Home Fitness underscore the challenges faced by retailers navigating a post-pandemic world.