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TuffStuff History

Established five decades ago, TuffStuff Fitness International has become recognized worldwide as a leading manufacturer of high quality consumer and commercial strength products.

From our humble beginnings as a small family-owned company (founded in 1971), to our current state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Chino, California.  TuffStuff maintains one of the largest American production lines in the fitness industry, and remains the only fitness company in the United States with the capability to manufacture any product it sells.  This capability is remarkable in an industry where most equipment suppliers do not design or manufacture anything they sell.

The continued success of TuffStuff’s products in both the institutional and consumer markets may be attributed to a team of dedicated staff, focused on making design improvements and meeting market demands, while delivering exceptional customer service and support.

TuffStuff Fitness Pioneers

HISTORY OF FITNESS INNOVATIONS

TuffStuff Fitness International Inc.

1971
Mar 29

1971

1971

California Gym Equipment Company is founded by Steve Yatso and Ruth Grider.

1972
Mar 29

1972

1972

California Gym Equipment Company begins manufacturing simple fitness products like benches and racks for schools, colleges, gyms and professional teams.  In the beginning, all fitness equipment is distributed through gym equipment dealers, as specialty fitness equipment stores did not exist.

1977
Mar 29

1977

1977

The first breakthrough in home gym design, SELECTOR-MATIC S-1000 featuring a bench press, lat station and a detachable bench for sit-ups, all mounted on a single platform.

1978
Mar 29

1978

1978

California Gym Equipment Company evolves the home gym design to include a leg extension, curl station, and a low pulley station; the first complete “home gym” is born, and the retail fitness industry for the new home market begins.

Introduce the first four-stack gym, SELECTOR-MATIC S-4000 designed for professionals and institutions.

1982
Mar 29

1982

California Gym Equipment (CalGym) MasterLine 500 Series Home Gym-min

Ken Carter and Sherman Grider launch the first free standing all-inclusive gym built for the home, MASTERLINE 500.   The Chrome Cal Masterline 500 Series started at $1,295 (including delivery and set-up).  “This elaborate home gym uses a conventional bench press with 200 pounds of weights and a quadriceps/hamstring curl attachment at the end of the bench.  A bar on the top of the unit can be used for straight arm presses,” said Steve Nearman in “Club Down Under” Washington Post 1984 article.

TuffStuff Fitness is a proud member of:
National Foundation For Governor's Fitness Councils - NFGFC-governor Logo
IHRSA - International Health Racquet Sportclub Assn
US General Services Administration GSA logo
Venice Muscle Beach Logo