Echelon Fitness, a prominent name in the connected fitness industry, is making its products and services more accessible through a new partnership with Flex, a health and wellness payment solution provider. This collaboration allows customers to use their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to purchase Echelon equipment, memberships, and workout accessories, potentially saving them 30-40% on their purchases.
Streamlining Fitness Purchases
The integration of Flex’s payment platform into the Echelon checkout process is designed to create a seamless and rewarding experience for customers. By using HSA or FSA debit cards, consumers can now utilize pre-tax dollars for fitness expenses, resulting in significant savings. If customers do not have their HSA/FSA cards readily available, they can still complete their purchase using a credit card. Flex will then provide an itemized receipt that can be submitted for reimbursement. This partnership is a significant step in Echelon’s commitment to making fitness solutions more widely available.
Echelon’s Commitment to Accessibility
Lou Lentine, founder and CEO of Echelon, emphasized the company’s dedication to providing the necessary tools and inspiration for people to achieve their fitness goals. The collaboration with Flex aligns with this vision by removing financial obstacles and empowering more individuals to invest in their well-being. According to Lentine, Echelon has already witnessed substantial growth in HSA/FSA transactions since launching the partnership.
What is Echelon?
Echelon Fitness has been providing home workout solutions since 2017, combining smart exercise equipment with an immersive membership experience. The company’s product line includes a range of connected fitness equipment such as bikes, rowers, treadmills, ellipticals, and strength training machines. These products are designed to be user-friendly, compact, and integrate with digital platforms for interactive workouts.
The Echelon Fit app provides access to a vast library of live and on-demand classes, led by professional instructors. These classes cover various fitness disciplines, including cycling, rowing, running, strength training, yoga, and more. Members can also track their performance, compete on a global leaderboard, and participate in over 2,000 off-equipment workouts. The app is available on both iOS and Android devices.
Echelon’s Product Range
The Echelon Flex Bike
The Echelon Flex Bike stands out as an example of the company’s commitment to versatility and portability. It is designed to function as both a recumbent and upright bike, catering to different fitness goals. The bike features adjustable magnetic resistance, built-in resistance bands for upper body workouts, and an LCD display to track workout metrics. Its foldable design and wheels make storage convenient.
Other Echelon Equipment
Besides the Flex Bike, Echelon offers various other fitness equipment:
- Echelon Connect Bikes: These bikes are designed for more advanced users, featuring Bluetooth connectivity, silent magnetic flywheels, and adjustable components.
- Echelon Row: A smart rowing machine with smooth-slide engineering, electronic resistance controls, and a device holder for accessing the Echelon app.
- Echelon Stride: A treadmill known for its foldable design, cushioned deck, and numerous features, making it suitable for home use.
- Echelon Strength Home: A new all-in-one connected strength training system with a flexible design that folds into a full-length mirror when not in use.
- Echelon Ellipse: A commercial-grade elliptical machine offering a full-body, low-impact workout.
Echelon Membership and FitPass
Echelon offers a variety of membership options to access its fitness content. The Echelon Premier Membership provides unlimited access to live and on-demand classes and includes a free extended warranty. The FitPass membership provides access to off-equipment workouts such as HIIT, yoga, and strength training. These memberships are available on a monthly or annual basis.
Echelon’s Competitive Landscape
Echelon operates in a competitive market with rivals such as Peloton, iFit, and NordicTrack. While Peloton is a well-known competitor, Echelon distinguishes itself by offering a range of equipment options and a flexible app-based approach, often at a more affordable price point. Echelon’s partnership with Flex also provides a unique advantage by making its products more accessible to individuals using HSA/FSA accounts.
The Impact of the Flex Partnership
The partnership between Echelon and Flex is expected to have a positive impact on both the company and its customers. By enabling the use of HSA/FSA funds, Echelon is making its fitness solutions more affordable, potentially attracting a broader customer base. Simultaneously, Flex is expanding its reach in the health and wellness industry, transforming the way consumers and businesses connect. This collaboration aligns with the growing trend of accessible and affordable at-home fitness solutions.
User Experience and Reviews
Echelon fitness equipment generally receives positive reviews, with customers appreciating the build quality, functionality, and convenience. The Echelon Flex Bike, for example, is praised for its ease of use, quiet operation, and space-saving design. Customers also like the variety of workouts offered through the Echelon Fit app. While some users have experienced issues with customer service or assembly, the overall sentiment towards Echelon equipment and services is positive.
Echelon’s Ongoing Innovation
Echelon continues to innovate by introducing new products, features, and partnerships to enhance the user experience. The recent launch of the Strength Home and the partnership with Flex are examples of Echelon’s commitment to making fitness more accessible and engaging. The company is constantly adapting to the evolving needs of its customers and the broader fitness industry.
Conclusion
Echelon’s partnership with Flex marks a significant step in making fitness more accessible to a wider audience. By allowing customers to use HSA/FSA funds for purchases, Echelon is breaking down financial barriers and empowering more individuals to invest in their health and wellness. With a diverse range of equipment, a comprehensive fitness app, and a growing community, Echelon is well-positioned to continue making an impact in the connected fitness market. This partnership comes at a time when at-home fitness solutions are becoming increasingly popular, reflecting a shift towards accessible, convenient and effective workouts.
