Brooklyn Fitness Boot Camp Fights Recession, Improves Lives and Supports Community with "Service First: Fitness at Any Price" Business Model

“Brooklyn fitness expert Jon Quinn is introducing a new ‘choose your own price’ membership program for his Brooklyn-based fitness boot camp; believing that hard economic times shouldn’t prevent anyone from reaping the benefits of personal fitness training. Additionally, captain Quinn will match 20% of all commitments above a monthly target amount with a donation to a health or wellness-focused ‘Charity of the Month.’”

http://www.prweb.com/releases/fitness/bootcamp/prweb3803074.htm

Life Time Staff Lends A Hand To Homeless, Jobless Man

“When Greg Staffa talks about himself, he’ll candidly acknowledge he’s got some traits that most people might find undesirable -- he’s overweight, unemployed and homeless. Instead of wallowing in pity about his current situation, he’s gotten creative about overcoming it. One way – he joined Life Time Fitness. Why would a homeless guy without a job join Life Time? At first, it was for the showers. Then it became about making a better life for himself. In just three months time, Greg has won the hearts and minds of three employees at Life Time Fitness in Savage who not only took the time to listen to his story...

http://savagepacer.com/news/general-news/life-time-staff-lends-hand-homeless-jobless-man-103

Owners Pumped Up For Fitness Factory Grand Opening

With its high ceilings, spacious interior and relaxed atmosphere, Fitness Factory attracts both competitive local athletes as well as those simply looking to improve their overall health. Although the gym opened its doors last November, an official grand opening celebration will take place in early April, said owners Mary Sue Teplitz and Andy Berman. ‘Our goal is to have our clients leave happy,’ Berman said. ‘Both Mary Sue and I are completely hands-on and involved in the day-to-day operations...

http://www.westport-news.com/news/article/Owners-pumped-up-for-Fitness-Factory-grand-opening-429294.php

Precor Facility Earns LEED® CI Gold Certification

“Precor is proud to announce that its new Guilford County, North Carolina strength facility earned LEED CI Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Leadership in Energy and Efficient Design (LEED) is the nation’s premier program for design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. It is the recognized system for certifying green interiors that promote healthy, productive places to work, are less costly to operate and maintain, and have a reduced environmental footprint. ‘This distinguished...

http://www.precor.com/corp/en/press/corppress2010_03/?p_rtnURL=http://www.precor.com/corp/en/press

Urban Active Turns to Motionsoft to Lead Technology Side of Fitness Chain’s Rapid Growth

“Motionsoft Inc, a leader in member relationship management (MRM) applications and financial services for the health club industry, announced today that Urban Active, one of the most iconic brands in fitness, has chosen Motionsoft as their club management and payment processing technology provider. Urban Active, recently ranked #3 on the Health.com list of Healthiest Gyms in America, will integrate Motionsoft’s versatile and growth-oriented fitness software across their full-service fitness centers. The rapidly growing company...

http://www.prweb.com/releases/clubmanagementsoftware/gymbillingcollections/prweb3803964.htm

Kids Everywhere Too Sedentary: Study

“American kids aren't the only ones being couch potatoes these days, according to new study of more than 70,000 young teens from 34 countries. From Argentina to Zambia, Regina Guthold of the World Health Organization in Geneva and her colleagues found, most kids aren't getting enough exercise, while nearly a third are sedentary. And while thoughts of the ‘third world’ may bring to mind long walks to school and heavy physical labor for children, this isn't what Guthold and her team found. ‘With regards to physical activity levels, we did not find much of a difference between poor and rich countries...

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62S4VQ20100329

Fighting Fat In The Land Of Sweet Tea, Fried Food

Mississippi Lawmakers Undergo Fitness Program To Set A Positive Example

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36017474

Tour De Force - Social-Networking Guru Gina Bianchini Makes Exercise A Core Part Of Her Schedule So Busy Workdays Don’t Sabotage Her Fitness

http://magazine.wsj.com/hunter/tone/tour-de-force/?KEYWORDS=fitness

Taking the Ride of Your Life: Meditative Cycling at Sport & Health

“Mary Beall Adler has a good reason for being awake at 5:15 a.m. As the owner of Georgetown Bagelry, she's on call from the wee hours of the morning to troubleshoot. But students in her daily cycling class at Bethesda's Sport & Health Club have a different motivation for getting out of bed that early: her. ‘She's the most positive, spiritual person, and the most inspirational speaker,’ gushes Tom Haley, 46. ‘Every day when I walk out of here, I’m in the best mood. In the rest of the city, happy hour is at 5 p.m. We have it at 5 a.m.” Her trick to getting students' heart rates rising well...

http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2010/03/meditative-cycling-sport-and-health-club.php

Content Spurs Changes In U.S. Fitness Sector [video]

"Consumer demand for innovation and customization, a boon for new entrants such as Beachbody and CrossFit, could spur capital markets activity in the sector, says Joe Pellegrini, managing director of Robert W. Baird's consumer investment banking group."

http://online.wsj.com/video/content-spurs-changes-in-us-fitness-sector/EA0F133D-36CA-43D2-8FB3-5F9BB9A05E49.html?KEYWORDS=fitness

CMAA Announces Addition Of CYBEX International As Silver Partner

"The Club Managers Association of America is pleased to announce the addition of CYBEX as a silver partner to its Corporate Advantage Program. The Corporate Advantage Program is a collaborative effort among CMAA, The Club Foundation and up to 15 corporate entities that have demonstrated a leadership role within the club industry. The program creates a bridge between club management professionals and the companies most dedicated to serving their needs. The monetary contributions by Corporate Advantage Program partners support the professional development programs offered and funded by CMAA and The Club Foundation...

http://www.worldgolf.com/newswire/browse/62422-CMAA-Announces-New-Corporate-Advantage-Program-Partner-Cybex-International

Disabled Veteran Trains for Inaugural Warrior Games

..Working out and staying fit helps to control depression and cope with physical pain better than anything his doctors could ever prescribe, Bilanca said. For the past three years, an intense combination of cardiovascular and weight-lifting sessions five and six days a week has been his medicine of choice. ‘I started using strength and endurance training and athletics about three years ago to manage my depression and post-traumatic stress, and as a substitute for narcotics,’ he said. ‘I found that I’d rather have the endorphin release and adrenaline rush from working out than numbing my pain with medications.’”

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=58478

Chronic Job Stress Leads To Obesity: Study

“Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center found that 72 to 75% of the employees studied were overweight or obese. Lead author Diana Fernandez, an epidemiologist at the URMC Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, said her research like many others linked high job pressure with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, depression, exhaustion, anxiety and weight gain. She explained, ‘In a poor economy, companies should take care of the people who survive...

http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_chronic-job-stress-leads-to-obesity-study_1363253

Thirty Percent of Breast Cancer 'Is Caused By Obesity'

“Up to a third of breast cancer cases could be avoided if women ate less and exercised more, researchers claim. Experts believe more than 14,000 women a year would probably not develop the disease if they had adopted healthier behaviour from an early age. Modern lifestyles which feature regular drinking, lack of exercise and increased obesity are fuelling the rise of the disease, the European Breast Cancer Conference heard yesterday. Around 45,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in Britain. Carlo La Vecchia, of Milan University, told the conference in Barcelona: 'What can..

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1260716/Thirty-cent-breast-cancer-caused-obesity.html

Police Seek Leads In Health Club Thefts

“Police in two states are looking for people who are stealing credit and debit cards to buy expensive items. Deerfield Township and Florence police said they've been dealing with several thefts from Urban Active locations in the last few weeks. The stolen cards are quickly taken to places like Best Buy and Sears to purchase items, often high-end electronics such as LCD TVs. Police released several surveillance photos taken of people who may be involved in the thefts.”

http://www.wlwt.com/news/22952685/detail.html

Better Ways to Help the Public Lose Weight

“It seems like everywhere we turn — whether it’s bans on school bake sales, required calorie counts in fast food chains, or First Lady Michelle Obama toiling in her White House garden — we are being told to watch our weight. There’s even the national Campaign to End Obesity, which is ‘dedicated to reversing America’s costliest medical condition’ and advocates for ‘federal policies that promote healthy weight.’ Encouraging healthy lifestyles is important, but are these campaigns placing more stress and even a stigma on the obese? What sorts of public initiatives can promote good eating habits without possibly resulting in discrimination against overweight people? Insight from:
* Harriet Brown, author, ‘Brave Girl Eating’
* Kelly Brownell, professor of psychology
* Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, professor of epidemiology
* Alwyn T. Cohall, Harlem Health Promotion Center
* Ellyn Satter, registered dietitian”

http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/better-ways-to-help-the-public-lose-weight/

RealRyder Indoor Cycling Is a Hit at 2010 IHRSA Show

“RealRyder International, developers of the RealRyder ABF8 Indoor Cycle, brought fresh and exciting dimension to the health club industry's 2010 IHRSA Show. Show attendees packed into early morning classes eager to experience the world's first unstationary bike. Known for its CoreBalance technology that utilizes an articulating frame to deliver a three-dimensional workout, the RealRyder Indoor Cycle tilts, turns and banks. The result is a more comprehensive functional cycling workout that goes beyond cardio and leg strength by recruiting upper body and core muscle groups while...

http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=359933&Itemid=34

Gold's Gym Continues Its Commitment to 'Stop Diabetes' by Supporting American Diabetes Association 'Alert Day'

“To continue its ongoing commitment of fighting diabetes with fitness, Gold's Gym, the world's leading authority on health and fitness, is proudly supporting the American Diabetes Association "Alert Day®." The company is offering the public a free ‘Getting Fit 101’ guide on starting an exercise program, which is a key lifestyle activity that can assist in the prevention and management of diabetes. In addition, the company is officially kicking off its pre...

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/golds-gym-continues-its-commitment-to-stop-diabetes-by-supporting-american-diabetes-association-alert-day-88912052.html

Crunch Fitness Chapter 11 Plan Goes For Vote

“Creditors of Crunch Fitness, once a chain of 19 high-end fitness clubs, can begin voting on the liquidating Chapter 11 plan that offers $150,000 to unsecured creditors. The bankruptcy judge in New York approved the explanatory disclosure statement at a March 18 hearing. The confirmation hearing for approval of the plan is set for May 20.”

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=367678

Cybex Partners with Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund(R) on 'Miles4Kay' Initiative in the Fight against Women's Cancers

Using custom-made pink CYBEX Treadmills, this national program will raise funds for scientific research focused on women's cancers. Officially launching at the 2010 NCAA(R) Women's Final Four(R) and Women's Basketball Coaches Association National Convention, April 2-6 in San Antonio, TX, Miles4Kay will see CYBEX donate $500 to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund, in partnership with the V Foundation, for each pink treadmill purchased by members of the women's basketball community. The initiative will culminate with the company donating $0.10 for every mile logged on the equipment during February 2011. This coincides with the WBCA Pink Zone(R), a global, unified effort taking place each February through which the WBCA's nation of coaches assist in raising breast cancer awareness. More information is available at www.cybexintl.com/promotions-/KayYow. The CYBEX pink treadmills, which are manufactured in Medway, MA, will be showcased throughout the NCAA Women's Final Four, including the Courtside Expo during the 2010 WBCA National Convention.”


http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cybex-partners-with-kay-yowwbca-cancer-fundr-on-miles4kay-initiative-in-the-fight-against-womens-cancers-2010-03-24?reflink=MW_news_stmp

New Exercise Goal: 60 Minutes a Day

“A new study shows women need 60 minutes of moderate exercise a day to prevent weight gain as they age if they consume a normal diet. The findings suggest women need more exercise than the current federal guidelines of 150 minutes a week, or 30 minutes five days a week, of moderate-to-intense activity. The study is being published in the March 24/31 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association. ‘I don't want people to throw up their hands and say 'I can't do it,’...

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704896104575140011148266470.html?KEYWORDS=gym

Fitness Gurus, Then and Now

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/12/23/fashion/20091223-fitness-slideshow_index.html?ref=nutrition

Franchise Founders Hope They Have A Fit Concept

“The premise behind Koko FitClub LLC, a franchising business based in Rockland, is that the personal trainer is ready to go virtual. While a session with a live personal trainer might cost $50 or more per hour, Koko tries to capture the same benefits — like encouraging proper form and pacing, and mixing up the activities in each session — in silicon and software, for a $59-a-month fee.”

http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2010/03/21/franchise_founders_hope_they_have_a_fit_concept/

Americans Lack Exercise, Sleep and Weight Control

“More Americans are regular drinkers than gym-goers, according to a federal health habits survey that also offers further proof of the country's burgeoning weight problem. Thirty-one percent of Americans are getting adequate amounts of exercise -- that's moderate exercise for 30 minutes, five times a week. Some 40 percent do none at all, according to the CDC's National Health Interview Survey. That leaves another 29 percent who get active, but not often enough. The poll results reconfirmed other studies that found the number of overweight Americans has jumped. The CDC's last survey, released in...

http://www.aolnews.com/health/article/cdc-survey-finds-americans-lack-exercise-sleep-and-weight-control/19403258

90-Day Fitness Challenge Helps Canadians Get Fit

“An Ipsos Reid online poll conducted on behalf of Fitness Town Canada at the beginning of the year revealed that British Columbia and Alberta residents haven’t done a good job at keeping up with their fitness and healthy lifestyle resolutions from last New Year’s. Overall, about one-quarter (24%) of British Columbians and Albertans made a New Year’s resolution last year regarding their fitness or healthy lifestyle. Only one-third (33%) of those who made a fitness or healthy lifestyle resolution said they were still sticking to it. Among those who stopped keeping their resolution, the top reasons cited were a ‘lack of motivation’ (51%) and a ‘lack of time’ (25%). The top motivations for continuing with their resolution would be ‘having a regular schedule/program created for...

http://www.snewsnet.com/cgi-bin/snews/17728.html

Baby Fat or Early Obesity?

“Although most childhood obesity efforts are targeted at schoolchildren, the best time to prevent weight problems may be in early childhood and infancy, reports Roni Rabin in Tuesday’s Science Times. She writes: New research suggests that interventions aimed at school-aged children may be, if not too little, too late. More and more evidence points to pivotal events very early in life — during the toddler years, infancy and even before birth, in the womb — that can set young children on an obesity trajectory that is hard to alter by the time they’re in kindergarten. The evidence is not ironclad, but it suggests that prevention efforts should start very early. To learn more, read the full story, “Baby Fat May Not Be So Cute After All,” and then please join the discussion below.”

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/baby-fat-or-early-obesity

Planet Fitness Expands West, Offers Big Deals for Franchisees

“Planet Fitness, one of the most successful and fastest growing fitness franchises in the country, is looking to continue its westward expansion to the Portland area. News ImageA franchise Discovery Day will be held March 31 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Benson Hotel, 309 Southwest Broadway in Portland. People interested in owning a Planet Fitness club are encouraged to attend and see for themselves the franchise opportunities available in Portland, Salem and Eugene-Springfield, Ore., as well as Vancouver, Wash. The Discovery Day is free and open to the public; however, interested participants must register online at www.DiscoverPlanetFitness.com. ‘This is one-stop shopping for an entrepreneur who can seize a great opportunity and run with it,’ said Mark Christie, Planet Fitness’ vice president of development.”...

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3754384.htm

U.S. Child Obesity Problem Worse Than Thought

“A study of more than 700,000 children and teens in southern California found that more than 6 percent, or 45,000, were extremely obese and more boys than girls were far too heavy, the researchers reported in the Journal of Pediatrics. ‘This study is unique because it is the first time that we've had a large up-to-date snapshot of what's happening with obesity in our children,’ co-author Dr. Amy Porter of Kaiser Permanente health care system said in a video statement. ‘The prevalence of obesity in children is much higher than we ever thought it was’ Porter said. She said the study also showed that extreme obesity was rising in almost every group. It found that 7 percent of boys and 5 percent of girls were extremely obese, as were more than 2 percent of all children under 5 years old...

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62H58020100318

Obama Hails Vote on Health Care as Answering ‘the Call of History’

“House Democrats approved a far-reaching overhaul of the nation’s health system on Sunday, voting over unanimous Republican opposition to provide medical coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans after an epic political battle that could define the differences between the parties for years. With the 219-to-212 vote, the House gave final approval to legislation passed by the Senate on Christmas Eve. Thirty-four Democrats joined Republicans in voting against the bill. The vote sent the measure to President Obama, whose yearlong push for the legislation has been the centerpiece of his agenda and a test of his political power. After approving the bill, the House adopted a package of changes to it by a vote of 220 to 211. That package — agreed to in negotiations among House and Senate Democrats and the White House — now goes to the Senate for action as soon as this week. It would be the final step in a bitter legislative fight that has highlighted the nation’s deep partisan and ideological divisions.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/health/policy/22health.html?ref=health

Technogym Offers Physiotherapy And Rehabilitation Solutions In UAE

“Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Industry, UAE, the Third International Emirates Physiotherapy Conference will take place from 28th until 30th March, 2010 at Emirates Towers, Dubai. At the event, Technogym will display a range of equipment that can offer physiotherapy and medical rehabilitation solutions. Visitors to the event, will have the opportunity to speak one on one with Technogym's Medical Rehab Consultants and get the right feedback and advice. Mr. Christian Dietrich, Managing Director, Technogym Emirates LLC...

http://www.ameinfo.com/227406.html

‘I Understand the Challenges People Face Every Day’ - Regina Benjamin, America's Surgeon General, discusses the difficulty of tackling childhood obesi

Q You issued the report "The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation" in January. How is it related to first lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative?
A They're very much related. I am looking at building a healthy and fit nation for all ages. The First Lady very smartly decided to focus on childhood obesity, and the two come together because we certainly need to focus on our future, our kids. But we also need to make sure the rest of the family is healthy and fit, as well. I want the whole nation—everybody—to start to look at health and wellness as something they want to do, not somethin...

http://www.newsweek.com/id/234991?from=rss

Cybex International Inc. (CYBI) CEO John Aglialoro buys 39,700 Shares

“Chairman and CEO, 10% Owner of Cybex International Inc. (CYBI) John Aglialoro buys 39,700 shares of CYBI on 03/17/2010 at an average price of $1.4 a share. Cybex International Inc. has a market cap of $25.6 million; its shares were traded at around $1.49 with and P/S ratio of 0.2.”

http://www.gurufocus.com/news.php?id=88107

Good Health Habits the Norm in Slimmest U.S. Metro Areas [charts]

“America's 10 least obese metro areas boast an average obesity rate of 18.7% -- 15.1 percentage points lower than that of the nation's 10 most obese places and significantly better than the national average. Fort Collins/Loveland, Colo., has the lowest obesity rate of any metropolitan area in the country, at 16.0%, followed closely by Boulder, Colo., at 16.6%. Four Colorado metro areas rank among the 10 least obese places, as do four areas in California. Gallup calculates Body Mass Index (BMI) results using respondents' self-reported height and weight. Americans with a BMI of 30 or above are...

http://www.gallup.com/poll/126362/Good-Health-Habits-Norm-Slimmest-Metro-Areas.aspx#1

Duncan Bannatyne Attacks 'Non-Dom' Rival James Caan

“They are the best of friends; they holiday together; they invest together; and they even both write for The Daily Telegraph. But now Dragons' Den stars Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan have fallen out over Mr Caan's tax status. Mr Bannatyne has accused the Pakistan-born millionaire of having an ‘unfair’ advantage in business because he is a non-domiciled resident. Mr Caan, worth £65m, has launched a health club chain called 'nuyuu' in competition to Mr Bannatyne's eponymous chain and the move has riled the Scottish entrepreneur. Writing in his Daily Telegraph column, Mr Bannatyne, 60, said:...


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/7467361/Duncan-Bannatyne-attacks-non-dom-rival-James-Caan.html

Town Sports Shares Fly on Narrowed Loss

“Town Sports International Holdings (CLUB: 4.0918, 0.1918, 4.92%) shares jumped 8% Tuesday, a day after the company announced it had narrowed its fourth-quarter loss. The health-club operator's loss dropped to 33 cents per share, down from 51 cents in the fourth quarter last year. The improvement came mainly because the company did not book a goodwill impairment charge as it did in 2009. Revenue for the quarter fell to $114.3 million from $122.9 million a year ago. As part of its earnings announcement, the company, which operates the New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington Sports Clubs chains, said it plans a $34 million to $37 million capital investment in the coming year. Shares jumped 27 cents to $3.90, though the company's loss was well more than analysts' estimates of 10 cents per share.”

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/entertainment/town-sports-shares-fly-narrowed-loss/

The Results Are In: Users of BodyMedia's Wearable Body-Monitoring Technology Lose 3 Times More Weight

“With obesity in America reaching alarming levels – across our adult and youth populations - results from a clinical trial unveiled by BodyMedia today confirm that participants who used BodyMedia’s wearable body-monitoring technology either in conjunction with a group weight loss program or as part of their own self-directed program lost up to three times more weight than individuals who attempted to battle the bulge solo. BodyMedia Inc., the pioneer in developing wearable body monitoring systems, shared results from the first 4-months of a clinical trial evaluating the impact of its wearable body-monitoring system on weight loss at the 29th Annual International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) Trade Show and Convention today. ‘The outcomes...

http://www.prweb.com/releases/BodyMedia/body-monitoring/prweb3719284.htm

Power Plate Unveils the First Cable-Based Upper-Body Vibration Training Device

“Power Plate International (PPI), the global leader in Acceleration Training(TM) fitness equipment, today unveiled pro6, the first-ever combination of proven Power Plate® exercise with upper body cable-resistance training to give users the ultimate, total-body workout in a half hour. Debuting at the International Health & Racquet Sport Association (IHRSA) show, Power Plate pro6 features an all-new fitness system called proMOTION(TM), which uses high-strength Vectran® cables to transfer vibration to the upper body at high-speed frequency rates between 20 and 40 times per second, dramatically expanding the benefits of Acceleration Training.”


http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/power-plate-unveils-the-first-cable-based-upper-body-vibration-training-device,1200643.shtml

Angeion Corporation Partners With Team Garmin-Transitions

“Angeion Corporation today announced that it has entered into an agreement to serve as the official supplier of metabolic and endurance training systems for Team Garmin-Transitions, the American professional cycling team dedicated to ethical sporting and developing the next generation of cycling champions. Through the partnership, Angeion will provide Team Garmin-Transitions with New Leaf metabolic assessment and training equipment. The New Leaf Active Metabolic Training System(TM) is available in premier fitness clubs, corporate wellness programs, and sports training centers to measure human performance and how efficiently a person's body burns calories. Team Garmin-Transitions is a 28-man cycling squad of professional riders from 11 countries around the...

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100311005919&newsLang=en

Craig Williams Acquires Body Bar Inc.

“Body Bar® Inc. a premier fitness company specializing in products and educational tools for fitness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, today announced that Craig Williams has acquired Body Bar Inc., and will join the company as president, effective immediately. All of the current employees will remain with the company. ‘My primary goal is to honor the reputation and loyal following that Body Bar Inc. has gained from Arno Niemand’s...


http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=113886

The Stigma of Being ‘Fat’

“In Tuesday’s Science Times, Harriet Brown discusses how, in a time of public acceptance and tolerance of differences, the stigma of being obese may be at an all-time high: ‘Public attitudes about fat have never been more judgmental; stigmatizing fat people has become not just acceptable but, in some circles, de rigueur. I’ve sat in meetings with colleagues who wouldn’t dream of disparaging anyone’s color, sex, economic status or general attractiveness, yet feel free to comment witheringly on a person’s weight.’”

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/15/the-stigma-of-being-fat

Doctors and Patients, Not Talking About Weight

“Doctors recognize obesity as a health problem. So why is it so hard for them to talk to their patients about it? A new report released on Tuesday by the STOP Obesity Alliance, a collaboration of consumer, provider, government, labor and business groups, suggests both doctors and patients are frustrated with the conversations they’re having about weight. The results of two surveys, one of primary care physicians and the other of patients, found that while most doctors want to help patients lose weight and think it is their responsibility to do so, they often don’t know what to say. The vast majority of doctors have little or no training in weight management and nutrition and, they say, they’re not likely to have anyone else in their practice who can be of help.”

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/16/doctors-and-patients-not-talking-about-weight/

Hooping Already Has Its Own Jane Fonda

“Like millions of Americans, Marisa Tomei used to play with a Hula-Hoop as a child. And like most of those same Americans, she hadn’t hooped since. That is, not until two and a half years ago, when a friend asked her to come to a hooping class in Los Angeles. The class wasn’t about the familiar plastic hoops that Wham-O popularized in the 1950s and 1960s and are spun around the waist — rather, it was about heavier, wildly adorned, adult-size hoops that are spun around practically every part of the body. Ms. Tomei, the Academy Award-winning actress, was instantly hooked. Last year Ms. Tomei started working with Gaiam, the company that helped bring yoga to the masses, on a ‘Core & Curves’ workout video that will be released March 30. And when Gaiam asked her to work on another vide...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/11/fashion/11FITNESS.html?ref=nutrition

NuStep Sponsors Spokesperson Kristina Ripatti as a Featured Presenter at IHRSA 2010

“NuStep, Inc. is the proud sponsor of LAPD veteran Kristina Ripatti’s featured presentation at this year’s IHRSA conference, being held in San Diego, California March 11-13. Ripatti’s focus is encouraging health and fitness clubs to provide inclusive and handicap-accessible products and programming for its members. ‘We are honored to be able to support Kristina in her mission to not only advocate, but also educate the health club owners and operators of this growing market and...

http://www.pr.com/press-release/218220

Performance Food Centers to Showcase Smoothies at IHRSA Tradeshow

“Performance Food Centers is proud to announce that they will be offering samples of their signature healthy fitness smoothies and whole food snacks at IHRSA’s 29th Annual Convention and Tradeshow. The tradeshow is drawing thousands of fitness industry professionals for four days of education, networking and the opportunity to try the new products available to the industry.”

http://www.bignews.biz/?id=849662&keys=performancefoodcenters-fitnesssmoothies-healthy-juicebar

24/7 Workout Beverly Fitness Club Offers Around-The-Clock Access

“When Luke Deschamps woke up at 3 in the morning recently and couldn't fall back to sleep, he didn't count sheep, watch TV or read a book. Instead, he packed his gym bag and headed for the Beverly Athletic Club. ‘It was definitely weird because I'd never done that before," said Deschamps, a 24-year-old Beverly resident. "But it was great. I love the fact that I can go there anytime.’ The Beverly Athletic Club is...

http://www.salemnews.com/pubiz/local_story_076002540.html?keyword=topstory

In America’s Gyms, More Than a Touch of Gray

“Island Fitness, with about 200 members, is a relatively small gym housed in what was once a machine shop. But the 8:30 women’s class and the 9:30 stretching class for older men that follows it are emblematic of a changing dynamic at fitness clubs coast to coast. Call it the graying of the gym: membership among adults 55 and older rose to 10.5 million in 2008, from 1.5 million in 1987, making this group the fastest-growing segment of the health club population, according to annual surveys by the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, an organization based in Boston that represents many of the nation...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/business/retirementspecial/04GYM.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1267712788-mAmYFho36pSyyC/GrFIisw

Nautilus, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2009 Results

“Fitness company Nautilus, Inc. today announced unaudited results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2009. Continuing results include the Company's direct and retail businesses but exclude the Company's commercial business which is considered a discontinued operation. For the quarter ended December 31, 2009 the Company reported net sales from continuing operations of $53.7 million, compared to net sales from continuing operations of $63.9 million for the fourth quarter 2008.”

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nautilus-inc-reports-fourth-quarter-and-year-end-2009-results-2010-03-01?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Exercise Counters Negative Effects Of Weight Regain, MU Researchers Find

Now, University of Missouri researchers have found that exercising during weight regain can maintain improvements in metabolic health and disease risk. In the study, individuals who didn't exercise during weight regain experienced significant deterioration in metabolic health, while those who exercised maintained improvements in almost all areas. The MU study, led by Tom R. Thomas, professor in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology in the College of Human Environmental...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181097.php

Getting Hooked on Kicks and Punches

“Jason Yim is in the business of grabbing people's attention. He is the founder and executive creative director of Trigger, a digital marketing agency that designs Web sites and games for Hollywood movies. But when it came to fitness, for years Mr. Yim tried to find a workout that could hook him. Then, two years ago, Mr. Yim started taking kickboxing classes at his gym. He liked the intense cardio workout but was frustrated by his lack of technique. He took lessons from a kickboxing trainer for eight months until he felt he had achieved a strong fitness level. He then began exploring various kickboxing styles and found...

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704454304575081741447532132.html?KEYWORDS=gym

Fitness fashion: Legwarmers to Racerbacks in 30 Years

“There has been a resurgence in '80s fashion, but at the gym, a more modest look seems popular. How did we go from a body-conscious gym style to today's simple look of black pants and a tank top? In 1966 Adrienne Stone opened Total Woman Gym, which now has four locations in Orange County. At that time, ‘there wasn't really a lot of formal workout wear. It was whatever anybody threw on,’ she said...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35694368/ns/local_news-orange_county_ca

IHRSA Works with InTouch Technology to Educate Health Club Owners on Stopping Leads from Falling Through The Cracks

“Come see InTouch Technology's webinar at IHRSA’s Annual International Convention & Trade Show on Thursday, March 11 at 11am to hear how customers have used 21st century technology to communicate more frequently with their leads and gain a better understanding of their sales team. The talk, ‘Don’t Let Costly Leads Fall Through The Cracks; Let Technology Improve Your Win Rate’, delivered by Scott Johnston, InTouch CEO, is directed at forward-thinking Health Club Owners and Managers who want to dramatically improve their membership sales through better communication. InTouch Technology will be at booth 3546, so drop by and learn more.”

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3573814.htm

Push The Limits In A Future Of Fitness - Boost Revenue By Diversifying Into Farm Bootcamps

“When a farmer is looking for a business idea, I usually tell them to start by writing out all the resources at their disposal. This includes their land, buildings, and natural resources, if present, such as water, woodland, habitats, archaeological features and so on. I also tell them to look at all their skills, hobbies and passions. With this sort of approach I find it surprising that very few farmers have taken on the challenge of starting a fitness-related business, such as outdoor fitness bootcamps. During the past decade, with increasing health awareness and the need for an active lifestyle, the fitness club industry has really taken off...

http://www.independent.ie/farming/news-features/push-the-limits-in--a-future-of-fitness-2085170.html

Netpulse Launches Interactive Entertainment Platform at New York Sports Clubs

Today, Netpulse announced the launch of its new interactive media platform for fitness centers and active lifestyle consumers at the New York Sports Clubs' flagship Wall Street location. In addition to the platform launch, Netpulse announced its exclusive partnership with Town Sports International Holdings Inc. the largest owner and operator of fitness clubs in the Northeastern United States. The Netpulse platform provides exercisers with a customized entertainment experience that offers live HDTV, multiple channels of on-demand programs and music videos, iPod/iPhone connectivity, personalized workout data and access to social media. Netpulse, available...

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Netpulse-Launches-Interactive-Entertainment-Platform-at-New-York-Sports-Clubs-1124780.htm

Bally Total Fitness Launches Music-Focused Marketing Platform

“Bally Total Fitness is launching a multi-faceted approach to support its members' connection between music and workout motivation, including a new partnership with Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company, and a music-centric advertising campaign. ‘Bally is leveraging the critical link between music and exercise through our advertising campaign and our collaboration with Universal Music Group,’ said Dennis Cary, Bally Chief Marketing Officer. ‘Our new marketing approach is designed to actively support and encourage our members to achieve their fitness goals by providing music as motivation.’ The company has committed to...


http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bally-total-fitness-launches-music-focused-marketing-platform-85956337.html

Southwest Florida Fitness Centers Use Themes To Attract Consumers

he local economy may be bad, but new gyms and smaller boutique-style fitness centers continue to open across Southwest Florida. It’s a business that remains seemingly fit, while so many others are suffering because Americans have tightened up so much on their wallets in this recession. For many, fitness remains a top priority and health club memberships are one of the last things they’ll cut when times are tough. ‘If you have to cut something from your budget, it perhaps would not be something that is going to make you physically healthy,’ said Francesca Vanegas, director of the Florida Yoga Institute in Estero, which recently opened its studio to the public. She’s not surprised to see growth in the industry. ‘Health and fitness...

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/mar/01/business-mondaysouthwest-florida-fitness-centers-u/

Gladwell to Speak at IHRSA - Check Out Video on Outliers

“One of the most accomplished contemporary writers of recent times, Malcolm Gladwell, will keynote at IHRSA's annual convention in San Diego this year. The fitness industry trade group did well by its membership in having Malcolm speak. I am happy to be speaking at the upcoming event and even more delighted that Mr. Gladwell will be there sharing some of his unique views. Watch his interviews on CNN and CBS below as he explains some of his findings related to the book...

http://www.bryankorourke.com/journal/2010/2/26/gladwell-to-speak-at-ihrsa-check-out-video-on-outliers.html

Go For A Virtual Run In Yosemite, Hear Your Own Footsteps

“Have you ever thought how cool it would be if your treadmill could take you on a virtual jog through nature so you could watch something more scenic than the gym wall while you run? Well, your day is coming. Virtual Active, which lets you access a library of running, hiking, and biking workouts filmed live in beautiful outdoor locations, is releasing a free half hour sample of its virtual exercise experience for download on iTunes on March 1. Virtual Active is also working...

http://venturebeat.com/2010/02/26/go-for-a-virtual-run-in-yosemite-hear-your-own-footsteps/

U.S. Preventive Medicine and Washington Regional Medical Center Launch Broad Prevention Initiative for Northwest Arkansas

“U.S. Preventive Medicine® and Washington Regional Medical Center, together with Arkansas Occupational Health Clinic and Kids for Health, today introduced an initiative to deliver preventive health care services to northwest Arkansas. This community-wide wellness initiative aims to save lives and money by keeping Arkansans healthy and treating chronic illnesses before they progress. Five diseases cause 70 percent of all U.S. deaths annually -- heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes. Arkansans suffer from chronic diseases at a rate higher than the national average...

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-preventive-medicine-and-washington-regional-medical-center-launch-broad-prevention-initiative-for-northwest-arkansas-85337792.html

Health Club Donates To Food Bank Program

“Members of a local health club are donating $3,000 to Food Bank of Northern Nevada's Back Pack Kids program. The recent donation from Double Diamond Athletic Club will help fund 40 bags per week needed through the remainder of the school year for students designated at one elementary school. Each bag provides up to four simple meals, shampoo, hairbrush, soap, toothpaste and a toothbrush...

http://www.rgj.com/article/20100226/NEWS/2260402/1321/news