Athletes often know what it takes to stay fit and push their bodies to the limit, so it’s no surprise some have turned their passion into successful fitness brands. These sports icons have channeled their drive and knowledge into creating workout gear, health products, and training programs. Their brands inspire others to get active and make fitness accessible to all. From high-energy workout classes to innovative supplements, these athlete-founded brands cover it all. Let’s take a look at the athletes who’ve built iconic fitness brands that help people get in shape.
Michael Jordan – Jordan Brand
Michael Jordan, legendary NBA star, established the Jordan Brand under Nike in 1997. Originally focused on basketball shoes, it’s now a major player in athletic wear worldwide. The brand’s iconic Air Jordans became a cultural phenomenon and are popular across generations. Jordan’s brand expanded to include a full range of athletic and lifestyle gear. It remains one of the most recognized athlete-founded brands globally.
Cristiano Ronaldo – CR7 Fitness
Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo launched CR7 Fitness in 2016, focusing on gyms and training facilities. Known for his incredible fitness, Ronaldo’s brand reflects his dedication to peak performance. CR7 Fitness gyms provide access to Ronaldo’s training methods and are expanding internationally. With a goal of inspiring health and fitness, CR7 Fitness has become popular worldwide. Ronaldo’s name alone has brought fans from all over to experience his fitness philosophy.
Venus Williams – EleVen
Tennis champion Venus Williams created EleVen in 2007, a fitness and lifestyle brand centered around athletic wear. EleVen promotes stylish, high-performance sportswear for women and aims to inspire confidence in every athlete. Williams incorporates her tennis experience, designing clothing that withstands intense play. The brand is recognized globally and promotes inclusivity and positivity. EleVen also reflects Venus’s personal style, offering a fresh take on athletic fashion. As of the year 2024, Venus Williams stated that she has taken the tough decision to wind down operations at EleVen to refine strategies and enhance the overall brand experience. (Note that the fitness brand’s owner is pictured above.)
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Project Rock
Actor and former wrestler Dwayne Johnson teamed up with Under Armour to launch Project Rock in 2016. The brand includes athletic wear, accessories, and Johnson’s signature training gear, appealing to all fitness levels. Project Rock emphasizes the idea of putting in hard work, echoing Johnson’s motivational approach to fitness. The line has achieved global success, inspiring fans worldwide to push their limits. Johnson’s massive fan base helped Project Rock become an instant favorite.
David Beckham – DB45
Soccer icon David Beckham launched his DB45 fitness program in 2020, offering high-intensity interval training. The program combines Beckham’s expertise and fitness philosophy with diverse workouts. DB45 is available in selected gyms globally, focusing on building strength and stamina. Beckham’s brand emphasizes both physical fitness and mental resilience. With Beckham’s global popularity, DB45 quickly attracted an international audience (Note that the fitness brand’s owner is pictured above.)
Tony Horton – P90X
Fitness trainer Tony Horton launched the P90X workout program in 2003, quickly gaining a global following. Known for its intense training style, P90X reshaped at-home fitness with high-intensity interval training. Horton’s program provides a structured, challenging regimen that’s accessible anywhere. It became an international phenomenon, inspiring millions to transform their fitness routines. Horton’s P90X brand remains popular worldwide, especially among home fitness enthusiasts.
Kelly Slater – Outerknown
Surfing champion Kelly Slater created Outerknown in 2015, merging sustainability with surf-inspired fashion. While it started as an apparel brand, Outerknown emphasizes lifestyle and fitness rooted in nature. Slater’s brand is globally recognized, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers. Outerknown supports environmental responsibility, aligning with Slater’s commitment to ocean preservation. His brand has become a staple for surf culture and sustainable fashion.
Tom Brady – TB12
NFL quarterback Tom Brady launched TB12 in 2013, a fitness and wellness brand based on his own training philosophy. TB12 promotes a holistic approach, focusing on flexibility, nutrition, and injury prevention. Brady’s method emphasizes longevity and peak performance, catering to athletes of all levels. TB12 centers on sustainable fitness, expanding from the U.S. to international locations. Brady’s brand has gained respect among athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
Mark Wahlberg – F45 Training
Actor and fitness enthusiast Mark Wahlberg became a co-owner of F45 Training in 2019, a global fitness franchise. F45 Training centers on high-intensity, circuit-style workouts that appeal to people of all fitness levels. Wahlberg’s involvement brought F45 international attention, leading to rapid expansion. F45 gyms are now found worldwide, making high-intensity training accessible to all. Wahlberg’s brand remains a leader in the global fitness scene.
Gabby Reece – XPT Life
Volleyball star Gabby Reece co-founded XPT Life in 2015, a fitness program focused on performance training. Reece’s brand includes breath work, underwater training, and recovery, offering a unique approach to fitness. XPT Life has a global community, attracting athletes and wellness enthusiasts worldwide. The program promotes mental toughness and peak physical performance, mirroring Reece’s own training style. XPT’s focus on holistic fitness has set it apart in the industry.
Jillian Michaels – The Jillian Michaels Fitness App
Personal trainer and TV personality Jillian Michaels launched her fitness app in 2017, featuring customizable workout plans. Michaels’s app offers a wide range of routines, from beginner to advanced levels, accessible anywhere. The app has a global audience, making Michaels’s training accessible worldwide. It includes meal plans and fitness tracking, catering to a full lifestyle approach. Michaels’s app has become a go-to for home fitness enthusiasts globally.
Simone De La Rue – Body By Simone
Celebrity trainer Simone De La Rue started Body By Simone in 2011, a dance-inspired fitness program. Her classes offer a mix of cardio and strength training, appealing to a broad audience. Body By Simone is now a recognized brand worldwide, with studios in major cities and an online platform. De La Rue’s method emphasizes fun, dance-inspired moves for an effective workout. Her program has inspired a community of fitness fans globally.
Laird Hamilton – Laird Superfood
Surfer Laird Hamilton created Laird Superfood in 2015, offering natural, performance-driven supplements. Known for his endurance and strength, Hamilton’s brand aligns with his active lifestyle. Laird Superfood is now available internationally, promoting clean and sustainable nutrition. His brand appeals to health-conscious consumers and athletes alike. Laird Superfood has become a staple for those looking for quality, plant-based supplements.
Usain Bolt – Bolt Fit
Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt launched Bolt Fit in 2019, a fitness platform focused on speed and endurance training. Bolt Fit offers workout programs that mirror Bolt’s sprinting expertise and fitness. The platform is expanding globally, making elite training accessible to anyone. Bolt’s brand emphasizes speed, agility, and peak performance. Bolt Fit inspires fitness fans worldwide, especially those interested in high-intensity training. (Note that the fitness brand’s owner is pictured above.)
Chris Hemsworth – Centr
Actor and fitness enthusiast Chris Hemsworth launched Centr in 2019, a holistic wellness app. Centr includes workouts, meal plans, and mindfulness practices, appealing to a global audience. Hemsworth’s app promotes a balanced lifestyle, making fitness accessible to all levels. Centr’s worldwide availability and comprehensive approach make it a popular choice for wellness seekers. Hemsworth’s influence helped Centr become a leading wellness platform globally.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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