While the world watches medals, an imperceptible framework underpins preparation, discipline, and resilience. At Milano Cortina 2026, more than 3,500 athletes from over 90 countries rely on nearly 1,000 machines supplied, installed, and maintained by Technogym, the Italian wellness company founded by Nerio Alessandri. Every repetition, recovery, and incremental improvement follows the rigorous performance standards Alessandri has been refining since he built his first training machine in a garage at the age of 22.
“At 22, I understood that technology, design, and scientific research could transform exercise into a structured, measurable, and accessible experience,” Alessandri recalls. His vision received its first global affirmation in 2000, when Technogym was appointed Official Supplier for the Sydney Olympics. “That partnership marked the transition from a small Italian manufacturer to a global benchmark in performance and wellness innovation.”
Since then, Technogym has supplied nine more Olympic Games, culminating in Milano Cortina 2026 – the first Winter Olympics on Italian soil. Alessandri’s influence extends far beyond the machines themselves. He has shaped how elite athletes prepare, monitor, and enhance their performance, merging innovation with discipline at the highest level.
“There were moments when the market encouraged a narrow focus on equipment,” he says. “But I have always believed that wellness is a social and economic driver, not a niche sector.” This conviction led to the creation of the Technogym Ecosystem, an integrated network of machines, software, AI coaching, and biometric monitoring. For Alessandri, wellness is a principled approach to human optimisation, guided by the Roman ideal mens sana in corpore sano – cultivating both mind and body through structured exercise, recovery, and balance.
“Today, the future of wellness lies in preventive healthcare,” he tells MOJEH MEN. “Our tools, from Technogym Checkup to AI-based coaching, allow fitness facilities to evolve into comprehensive health hubs, where each programme is tailored, data-driven, and designed to sustain long-term human performance.”
Exercise is no longer aesthetic indulgence or brute strength. It is a methodical instrument of longevity, resilience, and equilibrium.
Milano Cortina 2026 carries deep significance. “For Technogym, it is both a professional milestone and a national responsibility,” he says. The company is not just a supplier; it is an operational partner at the core of athlete preparation. Twenty-two training centres, each equipped for multiple disciplines, are deployed across the Olympic and Paralympic villages. Around 1,000 machines support athletes in skiing, skating, biathlon, bobsleigh, and more. Technogym provides full configuration, maintenance, AI-enabled systems, and on-site support, ensuring that athletes operate at the pinnacle of human potential.
“These Games allow us to demonstrate the best of Italian innovation and design on a global stage,” he adds. Tools such as Technogym Checkup and Biostrength convert preparation into an exact, quantifiable process, rendering every session a purposeful exercise in performance refinement and sustained capability. Feedback from athletes informs design and innovation, creating a continuous cycle of improvement that eventually benefits millions worldwide.
Working alongside Olympians has reshaped Alessandri’s understanding of achievement. “Elite athletes teach us that performance is the result of method, consistency, and data – not improvisation. Many people associate success with intensity, but athletes know that long-term progress depends on precision, recovery, and structured planning.”
He sees a parallel in entrepreneurship: “An entrepreneur cannot rely on improvisation; he must cultivate a long-term vision, remain passionate about his mission, and maintain the humility and curiosity required to keep learning and evolving. Just like athletes, entrepreneurs must embrace preparation, resilience, and the willingness to challenge themselves every day to achieve sustainable results.”
After four decades at the helm, Alessandri’s conception of leadership has matured. “Leadership today means creating a long-term vision, fostering a culture of innovation, and empowering people to contribute to that vision. As Technogym has grown, the priority is to ensure that our values – quality, research, sustainability, and wellness – remain at the centre of every decision.”
Daily physical activity remains non-negotiable. “It is a constant in my life and a fundamental source of balance. Whether using our equipment like Technogym Kinesis at the gym, or simply dedicating time to movement, this discipline supports my clarity, resilience, and decision-making. It is not an obligation; it is an investment in long-term well-being.”
Failures, he notes, instilled humility and reinforced the necessity of strong foundations. “Sustainable growth requires solid foundations – organisational, technological, and cultural. These lessons have guided every major decision since and have strengthened our commitment to quality and innovation.”
Technogym’s reach reflects Alessandri’s worldview. “The Middle East is undergoing a profound transformation, positioning wellness as a strategic pillar for societal development. This aligns perfectly with our mission.” Countries such as Dubai and Saudi Arabia share the same mindset as Olympic preparation. “Both are driven by ambition, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. Olympic performance and the development of a global city require long-term planning, investment in talent, and the ability to execute with precision,” he observes.
Looking ahead, Alessandri foresees a world in which wellness and elite performance converge. “The defining principle will be sustainable performance. Strength and longevity will increasingly depend on personalised, scientifically validated, and balanced training approaches. The future belongs to those who integrate physical activity, recovery, nutrition, and mental well-being into a coherent lifestyle. This is precisely the vision behind our Technogym Ecosystem.”
He imagines a legacy measured not in revenue, but in societal impact: “Success would be defined by the global adoption of a wellness lifestyle. If Technogym has contributed to reducing sedentary behaviour, improving public health, and promoting prevention as a societal norm, then our mission will have been fully realised.”
After Milano Cortina 2026, Alessandri hopes the Games will embody the core values of sport – discipline, integrity, collaboration, and ambition – while motivating communities worldwide to integrate physical activity as an essential part of life.
