Life Transformations Fitness in Lee’s Summit is one of the only fitness centers in the Midwest with a full line of Atlantis Strength Equipment. We know why we love this equipment… but we want to share. Read below to learn about the History of Atlantis Strength Equipment. Atlantis is quickly becoming a leading brand of strength equipment.
Atlantis Strength History
When Canadian bodybuilding champion Raymond Sansoucy built his first piece of equipment in 1982, he had no idea his tiny company would one day become Canada’s largest commercial fitness equipment manufacturer.
“I needed equipment for my gym and was discouraged by the choices I had at the time” recalls Raymond. After several pilgrimages south of the border to study the contents of countless health clubs and gyms, he felt he had accumulated enough data and inspiration to make his first pieces. “It was very difficult at first; we had to improvise because components were scarce and everything was new to us. I was also running my gym and doing my degree at night, so sometimes I had to finish pads at 4:00 am so I could deliver that day.”
As business improved, the firm moved to larger locations every five years in order to keep up with new demand from other provinces and the United States. By 1998 the company had finally settled in its current 68,000 square foot facility north of Montreal where approximately 65 employees now work. A separate showroom and testing facility nearby houses the complete product line where clients may sample units in a leisurely and functional setting.
Although the inspiration for early Atlantis units was unquestionably driven by their designer’s bodybuilding background, the fitness revolution has clearly had a major impact on the company’s outlook. “A lot of what was available in the old days was fine for lighter applications, but it would not survive heavy use, or was not heavy enough to use. I wanted to make equipment that stronger people could workout on and not have to fix every week”.
Predominantly welded frames, heavier gauges of steel, and higher resistance levels are still the building blocks for every Atlantis product, but numerous fitness inspired features and modifications have substantially changed the firm’s product line in recent years.
“The fitness industry has changed a lot over the past few years, and so have we,” explains Raymond Sansoucy. “Today’s facilities must accommodate a much broader membership than ever before, and we are very sensitive to the new demands being placed on our customers. Today’s Atlantis is being designed around him and her, young and old, novice and expert alike. We are proud of the versatility and value our lines offer”.