Technogym’s Nerio Alessandri is Leading The Wellness Tech-Volution

At the age of 22, many of us may be attempting to find our place in the world, yet for Italian Nerio Alessandri, he was developing the perfect place for both wellness and technology in the world. Starting Technogym in a small family garage at the age of 22, Alessandri has, over forty years later, become the architect of a global wellness empire present in 120 countries.

Longevity spoke to Alessandri at Technogym’s New Wellness Center in South Africa about his journey. Moreover, we also tackled how he’s ensured that Technogym continues to lead the global wellness revolution, thanks to its ability to fuse design, technology, medicine, and sustainability, empowering people to live healthier and longer lives.

Nerio Alessandri: Technogym Is Redefining Wellness

Referencing how 10,000 years ago humans were moving constantly, running 20–25 kilometers a day, every day, Alessandri adds that things have drastically changed,

“Today, it’s drastically different. Most people move very little, maybe one, two, or three kilometers a day, if that,” he says, “Also, the gap between sedentary lifestyles and active ones has become a major health risk for society.”

As health is wealth, Alessandri emphasizes the importance of prevention, which entails returning to a more natural way of living and focusing on three factors: natural food, regular movement, and a positive mindset.

“Exercise is the only aspirational medicine in the world. No side effects.” – Nerio Alessandri

With that, he highlights the importance of inspiring people to get moving so that they can live better lives, and this is why investment matters, be it in people, in teams, and, more importantly, in technology.

Tech Meets Wellness

For Alessandri, his passions are simple: gymnastics and technology, and being Italian, the first shouldn’t be surprising.

“Wellness has deep roots in Italian history,” he explains, “Over 2,000 years ago, during the Roman Empire, the concept of ‘mens sana in corpore sano’ – a healthy mind in a healthy body – was already central to life. They valued the Mediterranean diet, the Olympic spirit, and the quality of life.”

Now, while he initially sought to work for Italian luxury brand Armani, he unfortunately did not get to, and so he pivoted, transforming from a fashion designer to a wellness designer.

With that, he began work in his small family’s garage, which was void of a phone and any resources. Yet, what it did have was Alessandri’s vision and passion, two things that remain to this day,

“I’m still that same guy from 42 years ago, with the same passion and drive. And now, over 75 million people use our technology every week.”

While he may not have been able to design the sleekest of suits, Alessandri’s eye is reflected in Technogym’s sleek, minimalist offerings. In fact, their Italian design and cutting-edge functionality make them the preferred choice for 28,000 hotels, 6,000 hospitals, 5,000 universities, 9,000 corporate buildings, and 60,000 fitness centers.

Health Ecosystem

While Technogym may be popularly known for being at the forefront of quality gym equipment, Alessandri reveals that it’s more about creating an ecosystem.

In 1996, in Seattle, Technogym began developing its first digital ecosystem, which soon became Technogym Ecosystem – a fully integrated digital platform. Over time, this platform has changed and transformed, and now the company’s latest innovation is the Technogym Check-Up.

“It’s a cutting-edge tool that uses a camera-based system and computer vision to track everything from body composition and mobility to cardiovascular capacity, strength, and even cognitive function,” details Alessandri, adding that the findings allow for the calculation of one’s wellness age.

“Your Wellness Age reflects how your body and mind are really performing, compared to your actual age.”

Yet, that’s not even the half of it.

The Technogym ecosystem also features the MyWellness CRM, a behavioral change management platform that connects all user data and touchpoints, smart equipment displays, and the mobile app. This helps to create hyper-personalized programs for each individual and their needs, be it anti-aging, stress relief, weight loss, or back pain management and sports performance.

“We build programs based on your goals, your passions, your physiological data, and your current health status.” 

Alessandri adds that the team then integrates their most effective strategies to offer a holistic, AI-driven path to better health and wellness.

Wellness economy 

Tackling climate change is integral to the survival of both humankind and the planet. Yet, Alessandri reminds us that unhealthy people can’t enjoy a healthy planet. This is why he encourages a shift from an ‘environment-centric’ model to a ‘people-centric’ model and adopts a ‘wellness economy’,

“We need to move from the green deal to the wellness deal,” he insists. “Healthy people. Healthy planet.”

It was this style of thinking that led to the founding of The Wellness Foundation in 2002.

A nonprofit dedicated to spreading wellness through education and public-private partnerships, The Wellness Foundation advocates for more active lifestyles and healthier communities by supporting scientific research, health education, social innovation, and the culture of balanced lifestyles.

What’s more, The Wellness Foundation has also led to the ‘Wellness Valley’ project. Launched by Alessandri in 2003 and featuring over 350 public and private stakeholders, the project aims to make the Italian region of Romagna the first district for knowledge and culture on wellness and good quality of life.

Wellness Anywhere, Anytime

Whether they’re in a luxury hotel, a gym, or a living room, Technogym is less about equipment and more about flexibility and accessibility to better health.

“You don’t need a big machine to get started,” Alessandri insists. “Technogym means a yoga mat. A step. A walk.”

Technogym understands that wellness is about behavior, mindset, and consistency, which is why, at 64, its founder isn’t thinking about retirement.

Alongside following a Mediterranean diet and staying active, it appears that ensuring we do the same is what keeps Alessandri young. 

“I’m on holiday 24 hours a day,” he jokes. “I love what I do. I’m lucky to promote wellness around the world.”