The Nautilus Group Introduces New Schwinn Fitness Elliptical Exercisers

VANCOUVER, Wash.--(BW HealthWire)--Aug. 1, 2002--The Nautilus Group Inc. (NYSE: NLS - News), a leading marketer, developer, and manufacturer of branded health and fitness products, today announced the introduction of the new Schwinn® elliptical motion trainers.

With this new generation of home elliptical equipment, Schwinn's legacy of quality, durability and results-oriented design moves into a new category of cardiovascular fitness equipment.

Elliptical motion trainers provide a non-impact, full body cardiovascular workout that follows the natural movement of the body. From 1998 to 2001, the use of ellipticals grew by 114%, according to a study by the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association.

The two new Schwinn® models, the 417p and 427p, are designed for home use, with a small overall footprint and premium materials at an affordable price for the consumer. A high inertia drive-train makes for a quiet and smooth ride, and the machine can be used in either the forward or reverse direction to work multiple muscle groups.

Both elliptical models allow for 16 levels of resistance for a variety of exercise options and feature a V-Force(TM) magnetic resistance brake. The higher-end model features an LED display, computer-controlled brake, five computerized programs and a heart rate controlled program that allows the user to specify a target heart rate and maintain that rate. The computer adjusts to the appropriate heart rate level without user intervention.

"The platform for these new elliptical machines is based on a proven, patented technology," said Kevin Lamar, President of The Nautilus Group. "The elliptical motion was especially designed to provide a better workout for most of the major muscles and the new foot plate ensures the natural stride for the user's foot. We also designed the foot pedals to be closer together than other elliptical machines, which is especially comfortable for women.

"These new elliptical units will provide our dealers with an exciting new cardiovascular option for their customers. Providing the best home-based, consumer-oriented elliptical exercisers is yet another move by The Nautilus Group to support our dealers' success."

The new Schwinn® elliptical motion trainers are expected be available for sale in mid-September and will be on display at the Health and Fitness Business show in Denver, CO, from August 1 to August 3, at booth #604.

About The Nautilus Group

The Nautilus Group, Inc. (formerly Direct Focus, Inc.) is a leading marketer, developer, and manufacturer of branded health and fitness products sold under such well-known names as Nautilus, Bowflex, Schwinn and StairMaster. The Company currently markets its Bowflex home fitness equipment and Nautilus Sleep Systems through its direct-marketing channel, using an effective combination of television commercials, infomercials, response mailings, the Internet, and inbound/outbound call centers. The Company sells its Nautilus, Schwinn and StairMaster commercial fitness equipment through its sales force and selected dealers to health clubs, government agencies, hotels, corporate fitness centers, colleges, universities, and assisted living facilities. The Nautilus Group also markets and sells a complete line of consumer fitness equipment, under its Nautilus, Schwinn and StairMaster brands, through a network of specialty dealers, distributors, and retailers worldwide. The Company is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington. The Nautilus Group is located on the Web at www.nautilusgroup.com.

From time to time, The Nautilus Group may issue forward-looking statements relating to its products and services, including statements regarding its Bowflex, Nautilus, Schwinn Fitness, and StairMaster businesses. Factors that could affect The Nautilus Group's actual results include its reliance on a limited product line, fluctuations in advertising rates, market acceptance of its existing and future products, growth management challenges including the growth resulting from the acquisition of the assets of Schwinn Fitness in September 2001 and StairMaster in February 2002, a decline in consumer spending due to unfavorable economic conditions, government regulatory action, its ability to effectively identify and negotiate any future strategic acquisitions, its ability to integrate the StairMaster business and any other acquired businesses into its operations, unpredictable events and circumstances relating to international operations including its use of foreign manufacturers, and general economic conditions. Please refer to our reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. We also caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

     The Nautilus Group, Inc.
     Jean Suffin
     Public Relations
     303/545-1432
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     StreetConnect
     Michael Newman
     Investor Relations
     206/320-1231