Technogym recently launched an Antonio Citterio-designed line of gym equipment. A revolution in the fitness industry, someone actually bothered to look at this machine and design it as an object of industrial lust so that, maybe, someone as superficial as I might look at the chrome finish, the iPhone-compatible VISIO digital platform, the sensual curves of the side handlebars, and imagine that I too someday might be as attractive as it.

Fat chance of course since I would probably park the appliance in the middle of my "gallery" as a modern sculpture, next to the W.W. Stool and the Apple TV, never to be touched by human hands. Here, however, when taking the entire line of products into consideration, you get the feeling that they really were designed with function in mind, a concept so rare in design these days. Not only are these machines beautiful to look at, they also provide high-quality home fitness. In truth, the machine pictured above looks like it is looking at me, quietly judging me as if saying: "I am Character Approved. How about you?..."

And I don't respond very well to evaluation, yet, here it is, the beautiful glass weight rack, calling to me; the home fitness wall, clad in leather; the wellness bag, containing all you need--all of which reminds me why it is worth taking a second look at these objects of betterment.

[Image: notcot]