Sole Fitness Treadmill Buyers Win Class Status in False-Ad Suit

Sole Fitness treadmill owners in Ohio and Minnesota won class status in their lawsuit alleging manufacturer Fitness Equipment Services LLC deceptively overstates the exercise machines’ power, an order from a federal court in Ohio shows.

But the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio rejected the plaintiffs’ bid for a nationwide class, citing differences in state laws. It also narrowed the scope of the Minnesota class, dismissing claims under consumer protection laws but allowing plaintiffs to pursue their warranty claims.

Laura Bechtel and Troy Thoennes alleged Fitness Equipment, which does business as Sole Fitness, represents that the treadmills ...