The founder of Nautilus fitness equipment, Arthur Jones, has died at the age of 80.

Jones was a pioneer in strength and high intensity training techniques, helping to change the public’s notion that visiting the gym is all about hours using free weights.

He said: “Arthur Jones was the founder of modern-day exercise. He had an incredible ability to create the interface between man and machine by incorporating biomechanics in exercise equipment.”

Jones sold the brand and his interest in Nautilus in 1986, and the company was taken over by Vancouver, Washington-based Direct Focus in 1999.