Meet Ulrich Dempfle, the CEO and co-founder of CAROL Bike. His journey from a mechanical engineer in Germany’s automotive industry to a healthcare system consultant and now fitness tech pioneer is as unique as it is inspiring.
Engineering the future of fitness
For CAROL co-founder and CEO Ulrich, CAROL Bike isn’t just a product—it’s a purpose. “I co-founded CAROL to make optimal health and fitness easier for everyone,” Ulrich explains. With a background in mechanical engineering and a career consulting for healthcare systems, he saw firsthand the transformative power of exercise—but also the barriers people face in making it part of their lives.
“I struggled too,” he admits. “Exercise felt time-consuming, often boring, and the results didn’t come quickly enough. When my co-founders and I discovered REHIT in 2012, it was a game-changer. This simple, efficient workout method completely changed my life—and inspired us to create CAROL Bike.”
What makes CAROL Bike different?
CAROL Bike isn’t just another exercise bike—it’s a sustainable habit for a fitter, healthier and younger you.
“CAROL Bike brings REHIT to life,” Ulrich says. “Where HIIT offers high-intensity training, REHIT offers maximum intensity training. The AI-personalized workouts apply your optimal resistance at precisely the right time. Just 2×20-second sprints trigger the most potent cardiorespiratory training stimulus possible. This pushes your body to new limits, making you much fitter and stronger. ”
As well as delivering superior health and fitness gains in 90% less time than traditional cardio, CAROL Bike makes it easy to set a fitness habit that lasts. “With workouts that take just 5 minutes and adapt to any fitness level, CAROL fits seamlessly into busy lives,” Ulrich adds. “It’s the smartest, most effective exercise bike out there.”
Ulrich with an early edition of the CAROL Bike.
Ulrich’s routine: Leading by example
Ulrich doesn’t just talk the talk—he rides the ride. “I practice what I preach and exercise almost every day. I do a REHIT Intense ride every other day, first thing in the morning—no excuses. On alternate days, I do strength training, just a few compound lifts with single sets to failure, never more than 15 minutes. On weekends, I’ll do a longer power lifting session with my son. I’m proud I can deadlift 440 lbs, which is 2.4 times my body weight!”
Ulrich’s personal fitness transformation is proof of CAROL’s power. “When I started, my fitness score was in the low 30s. Within a year, it jumped to over 50, and I’ve maintained that with minimal effort.” His VO2max is now 53.3—putting him in the top 10% for his age group. “It’s not just about improving fitness—it’s about delaying the aging process. By significantly improving my VO2max, CAROL Bike has helped me turn back the clock and keep it there.”
Ulrich's impressive metrics regularly rank him in the top 10 for Fitness Score and Peak Power in the CAROL weekly leaderboards.
Fitness Score is CAROL's measure of cardiovascular fitness. Ulrich has overseen a huge improvement in his Fitness Score from the low 30s to over 50.
Top tips for riders
What’s Ulrich’s advice for making the most of CAROL Bike? “Make it a habit,” he says. “Place the bike where you can’t ignore it—like between your bed and the bathroom. Focus on REHIT Intense rides as your foundation, other rides are add-ons. For top metrics, ride after a good night’s sleep, start fresh – not after other exercise, and follow the breath pacer in recovery and cooldown. You’ll feel better stepping off the bike and more inclined to stick with it.” And if you’re after peak power, he suggests afternoons, but if adherence is your main goal (and it should be), mornings are ideal. “Adherence always trumps performance,” Ulrich emphasizes.
Ultimate CAROL Bike resource
Looking for more insights into the science, strategy, and special features of CAROL Bike? Check out The Ultimate CAROL Bike Resource—your all-in-one destination for everything CAROL, presented by Ulrich. From tailored workout plans and an in-depth look at REHIT to a hands-on demo ride, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your CAROL experience. Discover the guide here.
A holiday message from Ulrich
As the festive season unfolds, Ulrich invites you to join him in a reflective and optimistic message for the holidays and the new year.
From all of us here at CAROL, wishing you a very happy holidays and prosperous New Year!
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All our experts have MSCs in Exercise Science, and they’re here to answer your questions. Whether it’s about the science behind CAROL Bike, or general fitness advice, whatever’s on your mind—we’re here for you.
