Nicolas Pizzo

Nicolas Pizzo

Founder & Managing Editor, FitGearHQ

Nicolas Pizzo founded FitGearHQ and edits every guide, review and comparison published on the site.

His background is in training, not in selling equipment: 39 years of martial arts practice, black belts in 3 disciplines, 25 years of strength and conditioning, and a decade teaching Krav Maga, with federation instructor diplomas in Krav Maga and in combat sports. He taught more than 1,000 students, including police intervention officers. That experience shapes what he looks for in home equipment: a deck that stays stable at running pace, a motor and frame built for daily use, cushioning that is easier on the joints, and a machine that actually fits the room it is bought for.

  • 39years of martial arts
  • 25years of strength and conditioning
  • 3disciplines with a black belt
  • 10years teaching Krav Maga

Credentials

  1. 2020Combat sports instructor diploma (Brevet de Moniteur Fédéral, level 3, contact sports)Fédération Française de Kickboxing, Muaythai et Disciplines Associées (FFKMDA)
  2. 20203rd-degree black belt in Contact Defense (Krav Maga)Fédération Française de Kickboxing, Muaythai et Disciplines Associées (FFKMDA)
  3. 2016Krav Maga instructor diploma (Diplôme de Moniteur Fédéral)Fédération Européenne de Krav Maga (FEKM)
  4. 2014Black belt in Krav MagaFédération Européenne de Krav Maga (FEKM)
  5. 2001Black belt in Shotokan KarateFédération Française de Karaté (FFK)

He taught weekly Krav Maga classes, coached students from white belt to black belt, and organized, judged and refereed belt exams and full-contact fights.

Background

Nicolas holds a master's degree in computer engineering and a master's degree in management, including an MBA exchange semester in the United States. His professional skills span engineering and data on one side, business and digital marketing on the other, which is why the FitScore is a structured, data-driven method.

How he evaluates equipment

FitGearHQ does not run lab or hands-on tests. Nicolas built the FitScore so that every treadmill is scored with the same rules, from its Amazon US listing, the manufacturer's specifications and its warranty terms, then weighted for each buying intent: small spaces, running, walking, heavy users and more.

Reviews and comparisons add research from professional reviews, independent tests, experts and owner reports. It is credited to its source, presented as reported experience, and it never changes a FitScore. The full method is on How We Score and the rules he follows are in the Editorial Policy.

What he does not do

  • No paid placements or sponsored rankings: manufacturers cannot buy a spot in a guide.
  • Affiliate commissions never change a score. FitGearHQ earns from qualifying Amazon purchases (see the Affiliate Disclosure).
  • No medical advice: the content is educational, and readers with a health condition should ask a professional (see the Disclaimer).

Areas of expertise

  • Treadmills and walking pads for the home
  • Matching equipment to space, body size and training goals
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Martial arts and combat sports coaching
  • Data analysis and product benchmarking

Outside FitGearHQ

Nicolas is also the founder of EXOGN, an SEO and website agency, which is why FitGearHQ is built around clear, structured and verifiable information.

Articles by Nicolas Pizzo