Johnson Health Tech, Inc., manufacturer of Matrix Fitness, Vision Fitness, AFG, Horizon Fitness and Livestrong by Johnson fitness equipment, reported a 23 percent gain in global retail sales in the first quarter. Overall worldwide sales for Q1 rose by 22 percent.

JHT's North American retail market, consisting of six brands in the sporting goods/mass market and specialty business segments, experienced the most significant growth with a 36 percent increase over Q1 2011. The company's North American commercial channel, including the premium Matrix Fitness line of cardio and strength equipment, saw a 28 percent growth over the prior year.

“In the last 9 months, JHT has launched 69 new retail products and 57 new commercial products worldwide,” said Mark Zabel, vice president of global marketing for Johnson Health Tech North America. “The combination of our aggressive flow of innovative products and sales distribution strategy supported by our global service capabilities has produced increased market adoption and customer acceptance that continues to accelerate positive incremental growth in both retail and commercial segments.”