Aviron’s $2,499 gamified treadmill will keep you on your toes

Aviron’s home fitness equipment operates on a simple principle: People hate working out. But many of those same people love playing video games. Perhaps the only thing standing between them and a more active lifestyle is some health competition and well-timed distraction. It’s the same gamification concept that made Nintendo’s Wii and VR games like Beat Saber hits. Instead of bringing the workout to video games, however, Aviron bring video games to the workout. Founded in 2018, the Toronto-based startup made itself known in 2022 with the release of a gamified rowing machine. The pandemic was a predictably great time to launch a connected fitness startup, as gym closures left many predicting a future centered around home workouts. Gamification works well with rowing’s speed up/slow down nature. It’s clear why Aviron came out of the gate with a rowing machine, rather than the more familiar treadmill or bike. With a platform in place, the company has since diversified into those form f ... Read full article.