Conception of the Gymstick Original​

The Gymstick concept and product range were invented in Finland by Gymstick International Oy who specialise in fitness products and education.

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The Gymstick Original was a tool that was conceived by Risto Kasurinen, a Finnish sports athlete. Using a stick for training is widely popular in Finland and is regularly used in gyms, for sports training and by rehabilitation specialists and physiotherapists.

The stick is most often used for warming up, increasing range of movement and to facilitate with stretching. In fact, it is common to see stick training classes in fitness clubs around Finland. Older adults often use the stick to improve joint mobility and the stick is also used to develop technique for movements like squats, lunges and Olympic lifts.

Risto Kasurinen, Gymstick creator, in a red shirt performing an exercise in a studio
Risto Kasurinen - Gymstick creator
Outdoor winter workout using Gymstick equipment

From 1995 – 2000, Risto used the stick extensively to train for track and field sports and ice hockey and was using it to teach squats, lunges and Olympic lifts to young athletes. During this time, Risto decided to share his knowledge of ‘Stick Training’ and wrote a book that went on to be a successful publication in Finland. It was also during this time that Risto started to experiment with adding bands to a stick.

He quickly realized that adding the bands to the stick proved to be a successful way of adding resistance to the exercises that he had already devised. Originally, the bands on the stick was one continuous loop, but he soon realised that having two separate bands allowed for more exercises and functional movements. 1997 after spending all his savings, Risto created the first Gymstick, which originally was called the X Stick and patented it in Finland.

From 1997 to 2003, Risto focused on Nordic Walking and did not have time or energy to focus on the X Stick. In 2003, Risto started a company with his business partner Miika and the core business focused on corporate wellness events.

Sanna Kasurinen (Risto’s wife), and Miika started to experiment with the X Stick and this was when they decided to move forward with launching the X Stick. From their Nordic Walking experience, they knew how to develop instructor education and it was at this point that they decided to call the X Stick, Gymstick.

Gymstick classic in green color
Man exercising with Gymstick Original 2.0
Gymstick Original in exercise

Initially, the Gymstick programs included Basic, Cardio, Power, Muscle, Pilates and Circuit and these formats took off very quickly in Finland but after 12 months, they realised that they needed to focus on just Gymstick instead of their corporate events business.

This was the beginning of the company and concept that we now know is Gymstick.

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Nathan Case
23:33 07 Apr 25
I’ve been using Gymstick for about 3 years and I’ve noticed a profound impact on both my general fitness and sports-specific performance, particularly when it comes to my golfing game.These workouts have improved my core strength and flexibility, I have much better balance and power, and no longer get niggling injuries thus allowing me to maintain my length of shot despite my increasing age.This versatile training tool combines elements of strength training, flexibility and endurance, making it an excellent addition to any golfer’s fitness regimen and I would highly recommend giving it a go to see if it assists you as much as it has myself.
Jenny Farmer
09:14 05 Apr 25
Imagine having access to your own gym whenever you want ! Well, that's exactly what you get when you purchase a Gymstick.It is a fully portable piece of exercise equipment that can be used to target specific areas in the body, so no more excuses for not going to the gym when you are on holidays - It goes with you !Standing or floor based exercises can be done using this wonder stick, as well as using it in combination with other exercise tooling.Everyone should try exercising with a Gymstick at least once. You'll be hooked if you do and your body will reap the benefits from using it on a regular basis. Include it as part of your weekly exercise regime - You won't look back !
Daria Kearon
22:05 03 Apr 25
I love using the Gymstick as it truly works all muscle groups as well as improving balance, strength and coordination but keeping it low impact. I’ve been following Marietta Mehanni’s Gymstick Muscle program for 5 years and trust her programs.I also am an aqua fitness instructor and teach Gymstick H2O and all my clients have seen an improvement in their strength, coordination and mobility. The Gymstick is a simple tool but highly effective and would recommend it for everyone especially guided by Marietta the educational and fitness expert in this area.
Sharyn Case
07:09 03 Apr 25
I've absolutely love training with Gymstick! The workouts are not only fun and varied, but incredibly effective. Since incorporating Gymstick into my fitness routine, I’ve noticed a big improvement in my balance, overall strength, and coordination. What I appreciate most is how functional the training is, It supports the way I move in everyday life, not just in the gym. The combination of resistance and movement challenges the body in all the right ways, and there’s always something new to try. It’s such a smart and enjoyable way to train!