Technogym Lawsuit Claims Upper Body Ergometer Seat Failure Resulted in Permanent Injuries

Growing number of lawsuits highlight risks linked to defective gym equipment and exercise-related injuries.

A New York woman has filed a product liability lawsuit alleging that a defective Technogym upper body ergometer exercise machine caused her to suffer severe and permanent injuries when the seat unexpectedly gave way during use.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Juana Gonzalez in the New York Supreme Court for Bronx County on August 20, 2025, naming Technogym USA Corp. as the defendant. It was later removed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on April 23.

The Technogym upper body ergometer is a kind of fitness machine designed to provide cardiovascular exercise through arm-powered pedaling motions. They are often used in gyms, rehabilitation settings and physical therapy programs.

Although most exercise equipment is safe when used properly, a recent wave of lawsuits alleges that some products were defectively designed or improperly maintained by gym owners, resulting in serious injuries.

Technogym Upper Body Ergometer Lawsuit

According to the lawsuit, Gonzalez was using the Technogym upper body ergometer in a seated position on August 22, 2022, when the machine’s seat suddenly disengaged from its base and tilted backward, causing her to be thrown violently to the ground. Gonzalez claims the incident occurred without any misuse or negligence on her part.

As a result of the incident, Gonzalez indicates she suffered serious physical injuries, along with ongoing pain, mental anguish and limitations that may be permanent. The lawsuit states she has required medical treatment and may need additional care in the future.

Gonzalez claims the company failed to properly design the machine to prevent the seat from detaching, and did not provide adequate warnings or instructions about potential hazards associated with the equipment. The complaint further alleges Technogym knew or should have known about the risks but continued to market the product as safe.

“The Defendant was negligent in its design, manufacturing, warnings and instructions given concerning the Technogym upper body ergometer exercise equipment, including but not limited to its failure to properly design Technogym upper body ergometer exercise equipment so as to prevent Plaintiffs injuries and also in its failure to properly instruct on its use and adequately warn of the danger associated with its use.”

— Juana Gonzalez vs. Technogym USA Corp.

The complaint raises allegations of negligence, strict product liability, breach of express and implied warranties, misrepresentation and violations of federal consumer product safety reporting requirements. It also claims the company failed to notify regulators about the alleged defect in a timely manner.

Gonzalez is seeking damages for her injuries, which the lawsuit indicates exceed the jurisdictional limits of lower courts, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses and other losses.

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