Aviron Victory Treadmill: Gamified Fitness or Just Another Treadmill?
Aviron's approach to home fitness is pretty straightforward: workouts can be a drag. But, lots of people *love* video games. Aviron figures, why not combine the two? It's all about gamification – the same idea that fueled the Wii and VR hits like Beat Saber.
Instead of trying to shoehorn workouts into video games, Aviron brings video games to your workout. This Toronto-based company, founded in 2018, really turned heads in 2022 with their gamified rowing machine. Timing was perfect – pandemic gym closures sent everyone scrambling for home fitness options.
From Rowing to Running: Aviron Expands
Gamification naturally fits rowing’s speed-up-slow-down rhythm. That's why Aviron started with a rower, not a treadmill or bike. But, with a platform in place, they've branched out. In August 2024, they dropped a bike, followed by connected dumbbells and, of course, the Victory Treadmill.
In a crowded market full of Peloton and NordicTrack clones, Aviron stands out. While Peloton built a following around instructors and classes, Aviron's all about the games. The great thing about the Victory Treadmill is that Aviron's already got a solid software and gaming library from their rower and bike, making the transition smoother.
Gaming on the Go (or Run): How It Works
If you're familiar with Aviron's other equipment, you'll recognize most of the games. But instead of rowing strength or pedal speed, the Victory uses your walking/running speed and incline to control the action.
While fishing games or Aviron's Breakout-style game feel a bit less natural on a treadmill, they've come up with a clever solution: joystick-like controllers. This makes adjusting speed and incline way more engaging. Instead of just punching in numbers, you're actively involved in the workout.
Personally, I found it easier to get lost in the competition on the rower than on the treadmill. It just feels more intuitive. But, the Victory treadmill does offer tons of distractions on its 22-inch touchscreen. You can stream YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and Spotify – basically, all your favorite ways to avoid working out, but while working out. Aviron also offers scenic virtual routes and a small, but growing, selection of classes. They haven't invested as heavily in instructors as Peloton, but the content is there as a nice bonus to the games.
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?
The connected fitness landscape has shifted a lot since Aviron launched. Some companies got overconfident and paid the price when the hype died down. The treadmill market, in particular, is super competitive.
With home treadmills ranging from super-fancy $5,000 NordicTracks to basic $200 folding models, the Victory's $2,499 price tag puts it in the middle. It's not quite as massive as a gym treadmill, but it's still well-built and feels sturdy. The controls are responsive, it goes up to 12.5 mph, and its low profile makes it feel stable.
Ultimately, the Victory treadmill is a solid piece of equipment with a good variety of content. So, it probably won’t become an expensive clothes hanger anytime soon.
Source: TechCrunch