NEWS RELEASE
Eleiko Joins AFS, ‘To Make People Stronger to Perform Better in Sports and in Life’
(OAKLAND, CA, CHICAGO, IL, March 13, 2019) – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today proudly announced and welcomed the addition of Eleiko to its membership ranks.
Founded in 1957 in with an inspiration to build a better barbell, Eleiko was crafted from a specially formulated hardened steel with a waffle pattern knurling and it went on to forever change Eleiko and the sport of weightlifting. 
In 1963, Eleiko blasted onto the world stage by doing what no other manufacturer had to date – building a bar that lasted an entire competition without being damaged or broken. A new “bar” was reached in the sport of weightlifting.
“We are very pleased to welcome Eleiko into AFS membership," said Josh Leve, AFS founder and CEO. “The company has stood the test of time and brings great quality and durability to strength training – still one of the major staples to health, fitness, and wellness.”
The quality of Eleiko products is underscored by certifications from the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) where it has equipped more than 40 World Championships, the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) where it has been the sole VIP supplier since 2009, and World Para Powerlifting, since 2005. Eleiko has also been part of five Olympic Games.
“We couldn’t be more excited to join AFS and bring our products and services to the studio market,” said Rickard Blomberg, President of Eleiko North America. “For those studios and gyms looking for strength training differentiation as well as a value added complete education program with a focus on performance and profitability for the studios, we have everything they need.”
Lennart Blomberg (Rickard’s father), a family friend of the original owners, acquired Eleiko in 1997. Great potential and a hint of nostalgia led Lennart to acquire the company and it has remained a family owned and operated business since, now headquartered in Halmstad, Sweden.
Today, the next generation of Blombergs have taken the helm with CEO Erik Blomberg continuing to run the company inspired by his father's principled leadership where humor, optimism, and kindness built a strong foundation for growth. These traits along with a commitment to learning, a drive to optimize human performance, and a passion for strength and professional strength sports, guide Eleiko today.
Rickard Blomberg, in his role as President of Eleiko Sport, heads the company's rapidly growing US operations, while Hans Blomberg manages Eleiko's IT and Logistic Systems.
Eleiko produces everything a studio or gym needs, including free weights, platforms, benches, racks, rigs, functional equipment and accessories, plus they have a comprehensive education program that brings significant value to a studio.
More information on Eleiko can be found at http://www.eleiko.com.
About AFS
The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) is the only membership community dedicated solely to the business of fitness studios. AFS provides studio owners and developers a wide array of business-specific products, services, and benefits that enable them to more effectively manage and grow their businesses, building on the passion, compassion and courage they’ve already shown. www.afsfitness.com