Gulf Oil CFO Jumps to Planet Fitness

“Jayne Conway, a longtime Dunkin’ Brands executive and most recently the chief financial officer at Gulf Oil LP, has been named chief financial officer at Planet Fitness. At Planet Fitness, Conway, 43, joins a company that’s on track to become the largest health club franchise in the United States in 2011. Known for its Judgement Free Zone® atmosphere and friendly prices, Planet Fitness boasts almost 2.3 million members nationwide, and for two straight years has been ranked by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest-growing private businesses in America. ‘Planet Fitness has a brand personality that I’ve never seen in a gym before,’ Conway said. ‘It’s a tremendous economic business model for potential franchisees, and the company is intensely passionate about what it does and what it stands for...

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gulf-oil-cfo-jumps-to-planet-fitness-92309004.html

Lakeshore Athletic Clubs Could Lose East Loop Location

Lakeshore Athletic Clubs risks losing its prime location near Millennium Park in the wake of a nearly $26.9-million foreclosure lawsuit, a serious blow to a company that was a 1970s pioneer of the fitness craze. A venture owned by Lakeshore’s founders, Walter and Jordon Kaiser, hasn’t made the monthly mortgage payment of $135,300 since September on the club at 211 N. Stetson Ave., a block north of the prominent park, according to a complaint filed last week in Cook County Circuit Court. The 120,000-square-foot building, one of the largest health clubs in the city, features squash courts, a climbing wall and a basketball court in addition to the typical exercise equipment. The foreclosure suit is just the latest sign of trouble for the company, which has closed two of its five gyms in recent years. Last summer, another Kaiser venture started falling behind on the payments on a $33.5-million loan on Lakeshore's flagship Lincoln Park location, 1320 W. Fullerton Ave....

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=38003

Biotonix Concludes an Agreement With Movaxion, the Leading Group of Independent Gyms in Quebec

“Biotonix (2010) Inc., a leader in postural health and fitness, announced today an agreement with Movaxion, the leading group of independent gyms in Quebec. Under the agreement, the FitPrint(TM) software solution developed by Biotonix to assess posture and fitness will be tailored to meet the specific needs of the Movaxion network. The first implementation phase will kick-off this week in eastern Quebec followed shortly by western Quebec. Movaxion already boasts 26 affiliated branches across the province. ‘This agreement is in line with our fitness market penetration strategy and will promote the growth of Biotonix's business segment based on its transactional health web platform,’ declared Louise St-Onge, CEO of Biotonix. ‘We are very pleased to join forces with Movaxion...

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/biotonix-concludes-an-agreement-with-movaxion-the-leading-group-of-independent-gyms-in-quebec-2010-04-29?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Total Fitness Clubs Expands Local Health Club Network to N. Dartmouth, MA

“Total Fitness Clubs, a local, employee-owned, RI & MA health club chain, recently acquired Pinnacle Health & Fitness in Dartmouth, MA and has renamed the club Dartmouth Total Fitness. Dartmouth Total Fitness is TFC’s fourth location.”


http://www.pr.com/press-release/230467

Tips To Keep Kids Healthy, Prevent Obesity [video]

“ABC7 is taking part in the Kid Healthy campaign to help educate children and parents about the importance of healthy eating and exercise. As part of the campaign, Eyewitness News teamed up with pediatricians from across Southern California to answer questions about childhood obesity, immunizations, and tips for keeping your kids healthy. Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels across the U.S. An estimated 17 percent of children ages 2 to 17 are obese. The Center for Disease Control defines obesity as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile. According to Kaiser Permanente, one out of 10 minority kids are obese, with the highest rates among Latino girls and African American boys. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and genetics are the three leading...

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/health/your_health&id=7412281

Planet Fitness Lands Pittsburgh Locations

“Planet Fitness, the value-priced health club, is ready to gravitate into the Pittsburgh area with its first locations here. The company reports on its website that it will soon open two Planet Fitness locations in the city's eastern suburbs: Edgewood Towne Centre and in West Mifflin, in the Century Square shopping center. While no opening date is provided, the Planet Fitness website says that it will begin a pre-grand opening sale for memberships on May 3. The Pittsburgh Business Times reported in October 2009...

http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2010/04/26/daily43.html

Exercise Best Prescription For Longevity, Healthy Life

“Prevention of chronic disease has a not-so-magic pill. It is exercise. ‘The life expectancy of someone in their 80s who exercises is the same as someone in their 60s who doesn’t,’ said Adrian Hutber, vice president of ‘Exercise is Medicine.’ Hutber spoke at the monthly meeting of the Dougherty County Medical Society Tuesday night in the Albany Art Museum’s auditorium. There are four health-risk behaviors that can be changed that could prevent chronic diseases that are the leading causes of death in the country, said Hutber, also a member of the American College of Sports medicine. ‘Ranked number one in risk factors is physical inactivity,’ Hutber said. Hutber spoke to about 25 members of the society in an effort to bring their attention to the efforts of his organization to educate physicians and other health-care provides to make prescriptions of exercise a routine part of their practice. Merely telling a patient to go out and exercise was not really the way to go, Hutber said. Exercise must be prescribed in the right amount for the patient much like a vaccination, he added. A typical prescription that studies have shown improve the health of patients is moderate exercise for 150 minutes a week, he said. Moderate means...

http://www.albanyherald.com/news/headlines/92278979.html?ref=979

Tennessee's First Lady Helps Battle Childhood Obesity

“Obesity in Tennessee and many other states is a rising problem. On Monday, Tennessee First Lady Andrea Conte was trying to raise awareness about the problem and convince parents and their children to eat better foods. Conte hosted a nationally recognized nutritionist to speak to school children at the Governor's mansion. ‘Obviously, it's very important. We spend a lot of time talking about fitness, but fitness and nutrition go hand in hand,’ said Conte. Her guests included several middle school students. In line with an American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation Foco recommends five fruits or vegetables each day. Only two hours of television or video games and one hour of exercise.”

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=12379466

Regular Aerobic Exercise Is Good For The Brain

“Regular exercise speeds learning and improves blood flow to the brain, according to a new study led by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine that is the first to examine these relationships in a non-human primate model. The findings are available in the journal Neuroscience. While there is ample evidence of the beneficial effects of exercise on cognition in other animal models, such as the rat, it has been unclear whether the same holds true for people, said senior author Judy L. Cameron, Ph.D., a psychiatry professor at Pitt School of Medicine and a senior scientist at the Oregon National Primate Research Center at Oregon Health and Science University...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/186790.php

Worrying Number Of Canadian Kids Not Physically Active Enough

"Only 36% of 2 to 3 year old Canadian kids regularly engage in unorganized sport and physical activity each week, says a report issued by Active Healthy Kids Canada. The 2010 Report Card adds that only 44% of 4 and 5 year old kids regularly take part in unorganized sport and physical activity each week. Early childhood is a critical period for growth and development, the authors explain. Parents, health care professionals, educators and caregivers (UK: carers) should work together to guarantee the foundation needed to sustain physical activity throughout life...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/186823.php

Training On A Power Plate® Machine Could Offer New Method In The Fight Against Obesity

“A study published in the latest edition of Obesity Facts, The European Journal of Obesity, which compares different methods of weight loss may offer a fresh way to help address the obesity crisis that is draining health reserves. The results of this independent study, led by Dr Dirk Vissers in Belgium, show that Power Plate® exercise, combined with a calorie-controlled diet, has the potential both to help overweight people lose weight and to maintain this weight loss. It concluded that combining whole body vibration (WBV) training with caloric restriction can help to achieve a sustained long-term weight...

http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=55893

Wisconsin Athletic Club, Milwaukee Athletic Club Announce Alliance

“Members of the Milwaukee Athletic Club, a longtime downtown athletic and social club, and Wisconsin Athletic Club, which operates six fitness centers in the Milwaukee area, will now have reciprocal access to fitness facilities at either organization, under a new alliance. Wisconsin Athletic Club has more than 15,000 members, including around 2,000 members who use its downtown facility at 411 E. Wisconsin Ave. The downtown facility doesn't have a pool or courts, and most of the Wisconsin Athletic Club members taking advantage of the new agreement will likely be those who regularly use the downtown facility. Milwaukee Athletic Club's 1,200 members and their spouses now will have access to fitness facilities at Wisconsin Athletic Club centers, including locations in Glendale, Greenfield, Wauwatosa, West Allis and Waukesha, said Lorenzo Vicini, Milwaukee Athletic Club general manager. It may be more convenient at times...

http://www.jsonline.com/business/92103384.html

New Jersey Fitness Facility Donates to Nearly 25 Charities Since January

“THE GYM of Montvale, a premier fitness center and health club in Bergen County, has devoted a portion of its facilities funding to supporting local charities in the county since opening their doors in 2003. In 2010 alone, the fitness club has contributed to nearly 25 New Jersey charities, including numerous schools, sports programs and religious programs, as well as non-profit organizations. The fitness club is also planning a charity SPIN-A-THON open to the public on June 5th to raise money for Autism Awareness. All proceed from the half-day event will be donated to Garden Academy, which provides Autism schooling, services, and treatment. THE GYM is also planning a Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October filled with various activities and events for the community, a Veteran’s Day special in November, a ‘Toys for Tots’ drive in December, and a food donation drive for the holidays. ‘We are so thankful for the unconditional support that THE GYM has offered our organization...


http://www.onlineprnews.com/news/32800-1272297890-new-jersey-fitness-facility-donates-to-nearly-25-charities-since-january.html

Although Women Are More Likely To Practice It, Pole Dancing Is Good For Men, Too

“Once upon a time, when men went out for a night of pole dancing, it was their eyes that got a workout. But in the past few years for some, it's been their entire bodies. Like women, guys are discovering that pole dancing can be an athletic and artistic pursuit that feels more Cirque du Soleil than strip club.”



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/26/AR2010042603094.html

A Yoga Manifesto

Zen is expensive. The flattering Groove pants, Lululemon’s answer to Spanx, may set Luluheads, the devoted followers of the yoga-apparel brand, back $108. Manduka yoga mats, favored for their slip resistance and thickness, can reach $100 for a limited-edition version. Drop-in classes at yoga studios in New York are edging beyond $20 a session, which quickly adds up, and the high-end Pure Yoga, a chain with two outposts in Manhattan, requires a $40 initiation fee, and costs $125 to $185 a month. And is it surprising that yoga, like so much else in this age of celebrity, now has something of a star system, with yoga teachers now almost as recognizable as Oscar winners? The flowing locks of Rodney Yee. The do-rag bandanna worn by Baron Baptiste. The hyper perpetual calm exhibited by David Life and Sharon Gannon, who taught Sting, Madonna and Russell Simmons. The contortions (and Rolls-Royces) of Bikram Choudhury. Yoga is definitely big business these days. A 2008 poll, commissioned by Yoga Journal, concluded that the number of people doing yoga had declined from 16.5 million in 2004 to 15.8 million almost four years later. But the poll also estimated that the actual spending on yoga classes and products had almost doubled in that same period, from $2.95...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/fashion/25yoga.html

Town Sports International Holdings, Inc. Announces First Quarter Fiscal 2010 Earnings Conference Call

“Town Sports International Holdings, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!club/quotes/nls/club (CLUB 4.15, -0.05, -1.19%) , a leading owner and operator of health clubs, will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss first quarter fiscal 2010 financial results on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The conference call will be broadcast on the Company's website at http://www.mysportsclubs.com, in the ‘investor relations’ section. An online archive of the webcast will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and will remain available through April 28, 2011.”

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/town-sports-international-holdings-inc-announces-first-quarter-fiscal-2010-earnings-conference-call-2010-04-23?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Forecasting Rates Of Overweight

“Obesity rates for American adults have stabilized while the rate of childhood and minority obesity is rising, according to a study in the journal Medical Decision Making, published by SAGE. Using a novel simulation approach based on national data from 2000-2004 and validated against 2005-2006 data, the study looked at future projections for the distribution of body mass index in the United States. The research explored statistics for many categories of Americans based on gender, age and race, seeking to discover which overweight groups were the most likely to have stable, rising or lower rates of weight. Projections reveal that obesity rates across all age categories for the adult US population will remain stable for the next 10 years. That positive report, however, is contrasted to less positive projections indicating that the following groups of Americans may have rising rates of overweight:

* Black young adults (age 18-39 years)
* Children - mainly boys - (ages 6-9)
* Black children (10 and over)

‘The unprecedented rise in obesity among U.S. adults over the past two decades appears to have stabilized and will continue to remain stable over the next 10 years,’ said author Anirban Basu PhD, University of Chicago School of Medicine. ‘Levels of obesity, however, remain very high and we're particularly concerned with the increase in rates of overweight among 6-9 year-old children - especially boys. As they age they could contribute again to the rise of adult obesity, so addressing these risks in early childhood is of utmost importance.’”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/186595.php

USA Track & Field Unites With American College Of Sports Medicine To Make America Healthier

“USA Track & Field (USATF) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) announced today they will mutually support USATF's Win With Integrity program and ACSM's Exercise is MedicineÔ (EIM) initiative. The two Indianapolis-based organizations are promoting a healthier America and combating childhood obesity, which has tripled in the past 30 years. ‘Exercise is such a powerful tool that it can actually help prevent illness and mitigate problems like childhood obesity,’ said James R. Whitehead, executive vice president and CEO of the American College of Sports Medicine. ‘It is important that physicians make physical activity part of each patient's health plan and that patients ask their doctors how to take advantage of the physical, mental and emotional benefits of exercise.’ A study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine found that nearly two-thirds of patients (65%) would be more interested in exercising to stay healthy if advised by their doctor and given additional resources. Accordingly, the American College of Sports Medicine celebrates May as the third annual Exercise is Medicine Month. EIM promotes empowering physicians to prescribe exercise to their patients. Nationwide and internationally, the program promotes exercise to improve public health and reduce long-term health care costs.”

http://www.usatf.org/news/view.aspx?DUID=USATF_2010_04_23_12_54_50

Fat Chance in a Wired World

Having authored a book on obesity and another more recent book that touches on the high cost of cheap food I read with interest ‘Beating Obesity,’ Marc Ambinder's article in this month's issue. The piece, built around his own battle with weight, was enlightening and balanced, but dealt mostly with the supply side of the issue -- the easy availability of palatable food. No question that food plays a critical role, but there's another equally important side to the obesity pandemic that is sometimes obscured in the furor over school lunches, soda, and bake sales: personal computers. The food system hasn't changed all that much over the past decade as the obesity problem has soared. What has changed is how much and how often most Americans move. The scientific literature linking computer use with obesity and adioposity (fat levels) is enormous...and should be no surprise to anyone who considers how little need most of us have to actually get up from our chairs these days. Some argue that walking and other low level exertions expend relatively few calories, but this is misleading. To begin, low level exercise -- walking and even standing rather than sitting -- can burn hundreds of extra calories over a day, thousands over a week. Equally important, calorie "burn" is just part of the picture -- exercise also helps modulate hormonal levels that influence eating behavior. Individuals vary, of course, but most of us are not wired biologically to live sedentary lives. And when we do, we are more likely to overshoot -- that is, to overeat relative to our calorie Inexpenditure. This explains why exercise is so critical in preventing weight gain...

http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2010/04/fat-chance-in-a-wired-world/39447/

Is All That Sitting Really Killing Us?

“Yes, we all sit too much, but will our sedentary ways reduce our lifespans? Olivia Judson, in a recent online Op-Ed column in The Times, told readers to ‘Stand Up While You Read This,’ and an article in The Times’s business section reviewed different models of standing desks. Are our sedentary life styles so pernicious that we need to rethink the current office culture — for example, switch to standing desks or exercise stations or change our work schedules? Or are there ways to stay in the chair 10 or 12 hours a day?

* Galen Cranz, author, ‘The Chair’

* Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Pennington Biomedical Research Center

* Josh Camson, Legal Geekery

* James A. Levine, professor of medicine, Mayo Clinic

* Jack Dennerlein, professor of ergonomics, Harvard”


http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/23/is-all-that-sitting-really-killing-us/

Baby Boomers Put More Boogey In Their Step, Beware ‘Boomeritis’

“Boomers are hardly slowing down; most are fighting the sands of time to remain fit and, as Rod Stewart sings, stay ‘forever young.’ Maureen Hamilton — who is 61-years-old and a Welsh native who relocated to San Diego 13 years ago — saw it coming. It kept creeping up on her year after year, and eventually she knew she had to put an end to it. For Hamilton, her boomer years brought weight gain as a result of inactivity that she knew she had to nip in the bud sooner rather than later. ‘You get to this age and people around you are getting sick with heart problems and other serious illnesses,’ Hamilton said. ‘I figured the best way to combat it was to lose some weight and get moving to feel more energetic. I know my joints won’t last much longer with extra weight on them.’ With the skyrocketing costs of health care, baby boomers are not only turning to a healthier diet, but looking to exercise as a way to stay fit and battle the debilitating – even deadly – illnesses that come with age. Take a look around the gym, on the bike path or at the local pool. Boomers are out and about – they are being active. According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)...

http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2010-04-23/health-fitness/baby-boomers-put-more-boogey-in-their-step-beware-boomeritis#ixzz0lvfJD3Az

Town Sports International: The Trend Continues Up

“SmarTrend identified an Uptrend for Town Sports International (NASDAQ:CLUB) on February 12, 2010 at $2.74. In approximately 2 months, Town Sports International has returned 52.9% as of today's recent price of $4.19. Town Sports International is currently above its 50-day moving average of $3.36 and above its 200-day moving average of $2.94. Look for these moving averages to climb to confirm the company's upward momentum.”

http://www.mysmartrend.com/news-briefs/technical-analysis/town-sports-international-trend-continues-club

The Best Gyms in America for Every Workout

“We polled fitness pros and active readers across the country to find the hottest body shops around. Whether you're looking for the perfect place to drop pounds or lift weights, make like a pretzel, or save dough, check out our top 20 list.”

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/motivation/get-started/the-best-gyms-in-america/?sssdmh=dm17.441930&esrc=nwfpicks&email=1673332066

Obesity Standards May Miss Millions Of Women

Millions of obese women may be falling through the cracks of current weight guidelines, US doctors say. In a new study of women aged 20 to 33 years, they found that more than a quarter weren't labeled as obese according to widely used standards, even though more accurate measurements put them in that category. Hispanic women stood out in particular, with more than two-thirds landing in the obese range when doctors measured their body fat. If confirmed, that number would place them ahead of African American women, who have the highest obesity rates according to current US standards. ‘We are missing a lot of the women who need assistance,’ Dr. Abbey Berenson, who worked on the study, told Reuters Health. ‘We're not counseling them accurately.’ Obesity is a risk factor for high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. ‘There are probably effects on almost any organ in the body,’ said Berenson, an expert in women's health at the University of Texas...

http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2010/04/22/eline/links/20100422elin017.html

Mexico Faces Soaring Childhood Obesity Rate

“Mexican health officials say overeating and poor dietary habits have contributed to a fast-rising childhood obesity rate, behind only the United States for highest in the world. One-quarter of all school-age Mexicans, and more than one-third of adolescents, are overweight or obese. (More than two-thirds of grownups are too heavy.) Mexico, whose biggest food worry used to be hunger, finds itself in a quandary over how to get its children to lay off the chicharrones and exercise more. It turns out that those two goals are more complicated than they sound. The lower house of Mexico's Congress ignited debate last week when it passed legislation aimed at reducing the amount of nonnutritious food sold in schools. A related measure would require schools to ensure that pupils get 30 minutes of exercise each day. Complicating matters, federal education officials said it would be next to impossible to provide Mexico's 25 million schoolchildren with 30 minutes of daily exercise because space at most public schools is tight and the day is already short. Public elementary schools are in session just 4 1/2 hours a day, and 30 minutes of that is already taken up by recess. ‘If we devote another half hour solely to physical activity, then we have 3 1/2 hours,’ Education Secretary Alonso Lujambio said in a recent radio interview. ‘We won't be able to complete the curriculum.’ Then too, the politically powerful national teachers union blasted the exercise requirement as ‘authoritarian.’”

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/latinamerica/la-fg-mexico-obesity-20100423,0,493204.story

Master P and Romeo To Launch Childhood Obesity School Tour

Rapper Master P and his son Romeo will launch their school tour to end childhood obesity in LA today. The father and son were named as ambassadors for It's Time Kids – an organization that is dedicated to getting inner-city youth on the right track mentally and physically – earlier this month. ‘Making Romeo Miller our national spokesperson is the perfect fit,” said Lisa Stewart, a representative for It’s Time Kids. “He’s a superstar entertainer, college student and athlete who loves education and kids. With all of this going on, Romeo takes time out of his busy schedule to exercise regularly and eat right, so that he can maintain his healthy and fit physique. He’s a great example of hard work pays off.’

http://www.looktothestars.org/news/4265-master-p-and-romeo-to-launch-childhood-obesity-school-tour#ixzz0lvl0483R

17 Ways Exercise Sends Health Soaring

Besides Losing Weight, Being Active Makes You Healthier, Happier, And Sharper

http://online.prevention.com/17waysexercisesoars/index.shtml

Remarks by The First Lady at Take Your Child to Work Day Event

“Q What do you think are the leading causes of obesity in America?

MRS. OBAMA: That’s a very astute question. (Laughter.) And you definitely read my bio and you know what my issues are. (Laughter.) It’s a good thing. It’s a good thing. You know, I think there are a lot of things that cause obesity. I think it’s the lifestyle we live. I think a lot of kids these days spend a lot of time in front of the TV set and on the computer. And when we were young we didn’t have 120 channels that were on 24 hours a day and we didn’t have the Internet and computer games. So when we were little, we had to -- when you were bored, you had to go outside and play. A lot of kids don’t -- are driving to school or they take a bus to school. So I think that we’re just getting less exercise. And people say that we snack way too much, right, that there are a lot of snacks out there, especially for kids. You guys -- they say the average kid has about five snacks a day or something like that. And if you – […] And I think that we have to make sure that we eat in a balanced way. It’s, like, you can’t live life without vegetables, right? You got to have vegetables, right, Bo? Yes, you do! So I think there are a lot of things. And we have to make sure that our parents have -- parents have good information about what foods are good for kids, what snacks are healthy and how much -- how large of a portion size we should have. So I think it’s a lot of stuff. That’s why with the initiative we’ve got -- we’re asking everybody to be involved in figuring out what we can do to make things better. But thank you for that question.”

http://www.articleant.com/p/gov/75374-remarks-by-the-first-lady-at-take-your-child-to-work-day-event.html

North County Residents 'Lose It At The Club' At Kennedy Club Fitness

During January, Kennedy Club Fitness offered the Sixth annual I Lost it At the Club! event coordinated by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association [IHRSA]. ‘This program was a great way to start off the New Year right,’ said Kennedy Club Fitness Manager of Marketing & Sales Debra Leonard Albert in a media release. ‘Our members loved it and are asking when we're going to offer it again...

http://www.pasoroblespress.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=73&story_id=4415

Cybex Confirms Actions to Defend Intellectual Property

“Cybex International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYBI), a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment, announced today that it has decisively responded to infringements of its intellectual property rights related to its patented Plate Loaded Leg Press and the company’s pending patent applications for the Bravo Functional Trainer. CYBEX conducted investigations during the recent International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) trade show in San Diego, CA, which uncovered four separate violations of its intellectual property. CYBEX immediately responded by demanding that the offending parties cease and desist from manufacturing, selling or importing into the US products which incorporate CYBEX intellectual property, and each party has agreed to comply with this demand. ‘CYBEX devotes a tremendous amount of time, energy and resources to research and development,’ says Ray Giannelli, CYBEX Senior Vice President, Research and Development. ‘This has resulted in dozens of patents for our industry-leading strength and cardio training equipment. Some of our competitors may be looking for short cuts and find it easier to copy than to innovate. We will always strive to protect the intellectual property we’ve worked so hard to create.’

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100421005173/en/Cybex-Confirms-Actions-Defend-Intellectual-Property

Life Fitness Names Tim McCarthy Vice President For The Americas

“Life Fitness has named Tim McCarthy vice president for the Americas, responsible for performance in the United States, Canada and Latin America. Most recently, McCarthy was vice president of Life Fitness’ international business unit overseeing sales for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. Since joining the company in 1991, McCarthy has held sales and management positions of increasing responsibility in the athletic, consumer, education, government, hospitality and commercial dealer segments of the business. Frank van de Ven will assume responsibility for the international business, having previously served as the vice president of sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa. ‘Tim has 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, and has successfully overseen our international business during the last year,’ said Peter B. Hamilton, who is currently leading Life Fitness. “He understands our industry and the business challenges faced today, and I am confident that he will be a welcomed leader and will grow the strong partnerships we have made with customers throughout the Americas. ‘Frank has been a driving force behind the success of Life Fitness in Europe, Middle East and Africa and will now add Asia to his focus on our global customer base,’ Hamilton said.”

Pedal Power Is Fueling Green Awareness

From Detroit to Denmark, the power of the pedal is generating electricity and energy conservation awareness. But this concept of human-powered exercise equipment has not become mainstream. The idea is there, but implementation is going slowly, said Adam Boesel, the owner of a human-powered gym in Portland, Oregon. ‘Nobody is coming out with the Prius of exercise equipment,’ he said. ‘I think it's because big companies move slow. I liken it to the hybrid car. Five years ago, there were only a couple electric cars, now everyone wants to do it.’ All the elliptical trainers and bicycles at his Green Microgym convert human energy. The human and solar power at the gym generated 36 percent of its electricity, saving about 37,000 kilowatt-hours in 2009, Boesel said. The average annual electricity consumption for a U.S. residential utility customer is about 11,000 kilowatt-hours. ‘The way we look at it, you can waste energy or not waste energy,’ Boesel said. ‘Anytime people exercise, that exercise is being wasted in terms of heat. We're trying to save...

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/22/green.gym.conservation/index.html?iref=allsearch

If You Don't Lose Weight Your Finances Will

“You have to admire Michelle Obama for taking on an issue that can turn off millions of Americans, who themselves are overweight. From better food labels to more money for healthier foods in schools, the First Lady is taking on the issue with a vengeance, tackling the problem from many corners. But there's another, big reason that each and every parent should get rid of excess weight and teach their kids good eating habits: our financial futures. Now, mind you, I love good things. People call me a foodie. But I try to battle the bulge with modifications here and there and a lot of exercise. As a friend once said, echoing my thoughts, ‘I exercise so that I can have dessert.’ So if you're wondering if you should put your kids on a diet -- even if you can't seem to tighten your own belt -- then consider these costs that will add to their financial security - or lack of it - over time:
Illness: According to a Rand study, obese people spend 36% more on health services than people who are normal weight -- everything from co-pays to prescription drugs. That's no surprise. Overweight and obese people tend to suffer from a higher incidence of chronic disease, including musculoskeletal disorders. The result? "Recovery from any given injury or illness is likely to be more difficult and more expensive than for normal-weight individuals," says Claire Wilkinson, director of global insurance issues for the Insurance Information Institute. That means more physical therapy, more time off the job and higher medical bills overall.
Life insurance; Looking to protect your kid if something happens to you? It'll cost you more if you're heavy. The longer you're likely to live, the lower the chance that an insurance company will have to make a payout on a claim. Obese people live on average 7 years less, so life insurers have to account for such differences in their underwriting. "For this reason, life insurance for overweight and obese people generally costs more than for normal-weight people," says Wilkinson. "Insurance companies take into account a lot of different factors when they're quoting you with a rate," she adds. "Things like family history, healthy weight, and whether you exercise regularly may enable you to qualify for a more favorable rate class." In group life insurance plans, while age, smoking and even gender can impact rates to individuals, obesity isn't used as a factor, at least not yet.”

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/if-you-dont-lose-weight-your-finances-will-2010-04-21

Toddler Boot Camp: Fighting Obesity [video]

“Parents are signing up their children as young as 3 and a half years old to join an exercise program. The preschool boot camp owners say they hope to develop healthy lifestyle habits before it's too late. Amazing Athletes is a sports and fitness class offered to kids between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. The class offers instruction in a variety of sports including golf, soccer, baseball, football, basketball, hockey and volleyball. In addition to sports instruction, the class learns the basics and importance of physical fitness and healthy lifestyle...


http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Toddler-Boot-Camp-Fighting-Obesity/liRtz2za_Ui-lJ4tpniySg.cspx

Physical Activity Guidelines For Americans Interpreted For Practical Use

“The first formal U.S. government recommendations on physical activity, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, were published in 2008. Now, those guidelines have been interpreted for practical use by health care professionals in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, published by SAGE. In the future, federal health policy will likely place more of an emphasis on preventing chronic...

http://ajl.sagepub.com/cgi/rapidpdf/1559827609353300v1

Cybex Announces First Quarter Results

“Cybex International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYBI), a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment, today reported results for its first quarter ended March 27, 2010. Net sales for the first quarter of 2010 decreased by 10% to $26.1 million compared to $28.9 million for the corresponding 2009 period. The Company reported a net loss for the first quarter of 2010 of $0.8 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, compared to a net loss for the first quarter of 2009 of $1.4 million or $0.08 per diluted share. John Aglialoro, CYBEX Chairman and CEO stated, ‘We have worked hard to increase gross profit margins and were pleased with the margin results achieved in Q1. Although purchases by the fitness club market continue to be slow, our sales and marketing efforts directed to new markets should generate incremental revenue in future quarters.’ Arthur Hicks, CYBEX President and COO stated, ‘CYBEX has continued to invest in R&D during these challenging economic times. That is our future and we are excited with our new product pipeline. As an example, a strength line for professional and college varsity sports teams will be introduced during the second half of 2010, which we will package with our other products to meet the needs of those customers.’ The Company will hold a conference call today at 11:30 a.m. ET. If you cannot participate in the call but wish to listen to it, you may login at CYBEX’s website at www.cybexintl.com. Under the category Company, click on Press, scroll to bottom and select Q1 Earnings Release Conference Call.”

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100420005272&newsLang=en

Get Active America! Local Gyms Open Their Doors To The Public

“Nearly 34 percent of adults are obese, more than double the percentage 30 years ago. The health threats from obesity have reached alarming levels which has led the government to intervene. Michelle Obama considers childhood obesity an epidemic and one of the greatest threats to America’s health and economy, and is heading the campaign to combat obesity in children. Few people know that the recent healthcare reform bill, which has stirred widespread debate, deals not only with health insurance, but includes measures for obesity prevention and treatment. For instance, the bill mandates that restaurant chains with 20 or more stores display calorie information on their menus. The bill will also provide grants to community based organizations that develop programs that increase healthy food options and physical education at schools. The Get Active America program organized by IHRSA, is an effort to encourage people who don’t typically exercise, to get physically active and incorporate healthy lifestyle changes into their lives...

http://www.i-newswire.com/get-active-america-local-gyms-open/32271

Weighing the Evidence on Exercise

“‘Anecdotally, all of us have been cornered by people claiming to have spent hours each week walking, running, stair-stepping, etc., and are displeased with the results on the scale or in the mirror,’ wrote Barry Braun, an associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, in the American College of Sports Medicine’s February newsletter. But a growing body of science suggests that exercise does have an important role in weight loss. That role, however, is different from what many people expect and probably wish. The newest science suggests that exercise alone will not make you thin, but it may determine whether you stay thin, if you can achieve that state. ‘In general, exercise by itself is pretty useless for weight loss,’ says Eric Ravussin, a professor at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La., and an expert on weight loss. It’s especially useless because people often end up consuming more calories when they exercise. The mathematics of weight loss is, in fact, quite simple, involving only subtraction. ‘Take in fewer calories than you burn, put yourself in negative energy balance, lose weight,’ says Braun, who has been studying exercise and weight loss for years. On the other hand, if you can somehow pry off the pounds, exercise may be the most important element in keeping the weight off. ‘When you look at the results in the National Weight Control Registry,’ Braun says, ‘you see over and over that exercise is one constant among people who’ve maintained their weight loss.’ Scientists are ‘not really sure yet’ just how and why exercise is so important in maintaining weight loss in people, Braun says. But in animal experiments, exercise seems to remodel the metabolic pathways that determine how the body stores and utilizes food.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/magazine/18exercise-t.html

Fitness First Hosts Annual PT Conference and Crowns Personal Trainer of the Year 2010

“Fitness First's annual UK PT conference in partnership with Premier Global Ltd, has become a prime spot in its calendar bringing together over 1,000 personal trainers from across the UK for inspirational speakers to further motivate them. Derek Crawford, Fitness First UK National Fitness Manager said: ‘It's important to keep all our personal trainers inspired and motivated within our business so this in turn motivates our members. Our annual PT conference is the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate the team with both education and rewards.’ Facing tough competition from Fitness First personal trainers throughout the UK, 33-year-old Kevin Hubble from the Bournemouth club was awarded the coveted PT of the Year title after the judges considered a number of factors including client testimonials, representation of Fitness First through the company's mission and values, personal and client development and growth of business. UK Managing Director John Gamble said: ‘Kevin is a deserving winner...

http://www.emediaworld.com/press_release/release_detail.php?id=882708

Sacramento Mayor Makes Sure He Finds Time To Stay Fit

Don't ask Sacramento, Calif., Mayor Kevin Johnson to dunk, because he won't, and can't. He was about six years removed from the National Basketball Association, where he had starred as a point guard for the Phoenix Suns, and his slam over Hakeem Olajuwon in the 1994 playoffs still has a life of its own. That play still makes sports fans' lists of most memorable dunks. So he tried again to defy gravity - and age. ‘I couldn't,’ he said. Fitness, though, remains part of Johnson's lifestyle. As a former professional athlete, he knows the importance of staying in shape and the perils of inactivity. So, no more basketball - but how does the mayor keep fit? Here's how: About three times a week he hits the gym. He usually works out at 5:30 a.m., but sometimes he'll go at 11 p.m. Getting up that early is no problem. Johnson is one of those people who don't need much sleep. He's up at 4:15 a.m. One recent morning, he ran about a mile from his apartment to the 24 Hour Fitness in downtown Sacramento. ‘It's a lifestyle,’ he said. ‘Working out makes me feel good...

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/03/14/2601048/no-more-basketball-but-sacramento.html

Women: Walk Your Way To Life-Long Fitness

“Ladies, go take a hike. Or at least a brisk walk. Seriously. It may lower your risk of stroke and prevent the dreaded middle-age weight gain, new research shows. These findings join a long list of reasons why you should remain physically active. And almost no one knows those reasons better than Miriam Nelson, 49, director of the John Hancock Research Center on Physical Activity, Nutrition and Obesity Prevention at Tufts University in Boston and co-author of a new book, The Strong Women's Guide to Total Health, with Jennifer Ackerman. Nelson is one of the country's leading researchers on exercise for women, and she co-chaired the committee that created the government's 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans...

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2010-04-19-womenstepitup19_ST_N.htm

Weakness In Wall Closes Club

A longtime Ocean City health club has closed after building inspectors found major structural problems. The bank that owns the club chose to padlock the doors rather than pay for repairs. ‘After 26 years at this location, we have no choice but to close,’ wrote Ocean City Health & Racquet Club owner Gerald Furst in a letter to members. ‘Our intentions were to give everyone adequate notice. However, the bank has come and closed our doors with minimal notice. My family and I are truly sorry for what has happened to our club.’ Furst said memberships will be frozen without further payment while he and his family decide whether they can continue the business...

http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20100420/BUSINESS/4200415/-1/newsfront2/Weakness-in-wall-closes-club

Why Is The Gym So Crowded?

“I bumped arms with a woman over the weekend in a yoga class where mats were covering every inch of floor space. I thought the New Year’s Resolutions were supposed to have been postponed to 2011 by now. One instructor mentioned that she attended a training where participants were told that classes are staying crowded because of the high unemployment rate. In other words, more members have time to work out. Turns out, despite the recession, last year was a strong year for the gym industry and this year is looking even better. A report released this month by the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association found that total gym revenue increased by 3.8 percent...

http://healthyliving.freedomblogging.com/2010/04/16/why-is-the-gym-so-crowded/18817

Beating Obesity [video]

"By 2015, four out of 10 Americans may be obese. Until last year, the author was one of them. The way he lost one-third of his weight isn’t for everyone. But unless America stops cheering The Biggest Loser and starts getting serious about preventing obesity, the country risks being overwhelmed by chronic disease and ballooning health costs. Will first lady Michelle Obama’s new plan to fight childhood obesity work, or is it just another false start in the country’s long and so far unsuccessful war against fat?...

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/04/beating-obesity/8017/#disqus_thread

Brunswick Announces Leadership Change at Life Fitness

“Brunswick Corporation announced today that John E. Stransky, president of Life Fitness, has resigned effective immediately. Peter B. Hamilton, Brunswick senior vice president and chief financial officer, will assume Stransky's responsibilities on an interim basis. Hamilton previously had led Life Fitness in 2005 and 2006. ‘Until a permanent successor is named, Peter will be responsible for the Life Fitness business in addition to his responsibilities as chief financial officer. He will lead a team of very capable managers who have many years of experience in the fitness industry,’ explained Dustan E. McCoy, chairman and chief executive officer of Brunswick Corporation...

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/brunswick-announces-leadership-change-at-life-fitness-2010-04-13?reflink=MW_news_stmp

A Caveman Workout? 'It's Not For Everybody'

“‘Caveman Training’ is the brainchild of Scott Ramsdell, a Minneapolis police officer who moonlights as an athletic trainer. About three years ago, he set up a gym called Athletic Performance Inc. in a warehouse space in Brooklyn Center and focused on a high-intensity, nontraditional workout program that's gained a reputation in the mixed martial arts and muscle and fitness communities as one of the toughest workouts around. Caveman trainers don't wear fur jumpers and wrestle with saber-toothed tigers. But they do swing sledgehammers, flip jumbo-size tires, pull trucks around the parking lot, yank on heavy ropes, schlep rocks, tote sandbags, heave medicine balls, hoist around something called a ‘slosh tube’ and huff and puff on exercise machines while wearing blacked-out gas masks to make their lungs stronger...

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_14885625

Annual Quality and Disparities Reports Include Data on Rates of Health Care-Associated Infections, Obesity and Health Insurance

"The 2009 reports include a new section on lifestyle modifications, because preventing or reducing obesity is a crucial goal for many Americans and an important task for health care providers.

The reports found:

· One-third of obese adults have never received advice from their doctor about exercise.

· Obese adults who are black, Hispanic, poor or have less than a high school education are less likely to receive diet advice from their doctor.

· Most overweight children and one-third of obese adults report that they have not been told by their doctor that they are overweight.

· Most American children have never received counseling from their health care provider about exercise, and almost half have never received counseling about healthy eating.

The reports indicate that the lack of health insurance slows improvement in health care quality and reduction of disparities. For many services, not having insurance is the single strongest predictor of poor quality care, exceeding the effects of race, ethnicity, income or education. Americans with no insurance are much less likely than those with private insurance to obtain recommended care, especially preventive services and management for diabetes. While differences between blacks and whites in the rates of lack of insurance have narrowed in the past decade, disparities related to ethnicity, income and education remain large."

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/annual-quality-and-disparities-reports-include-data-on-rates-of-health-care-associated-infections-obesity-and-health-insurance-90744584.html

Strengthening Ties, Austin Gyms Prove Conducive To Productive Networking

“Jason Edwards’ intention when he joined a downtown Austin gym was to build his biceps. He ended up also building his business network. Edwards, a member of Pure Austin Fitness’s downtown location for 10 years, has learned that it is good place to meet other upwardly mobile professionals. Frequent encounters at the treadmill led to business referrals when he was selling real estate. As a trainer for Keller Williams Realty, he doesn’t rely on referral business any longer, but he still notices such networking...

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/04/12/focus1.html?b=1271044800^3170291

Organic Multivitamin Supplements Manufacturer Mogo Organics Partners with New Retailers at the IHRSA Expo in San Diego

“Interest was high at the Mogo Organics booth during the March IHRSA Expo in San Diego, California for the introduction of the superior nutritional product line. All organic, the products were well-received by health experts and retailers alike for the complete, nutritionally balanced system of supplements that aid in weight loss while improving overall health. Mogo Organics was pleased with the results...

http://www.pr.com/press-release/226745

Cybex International is Among the Companies With the Highest Upside Potential in the Leisure Products Industry

“Cybex International (NASDAQ:CYBI) has a potential upside of 54.9% based on a current price of $1.61 and an average consensus analyst price target of $2.5.”

http://www.mysmartrend.com/news-briefs/news-watch/cybex-international-among-companies-highest-upside-potential-leisure-products

Fit Club Moves into Matchbox [UK]

“Urban Splash has let the entire 20,000 sq ft Matchbox building in Garston to health club operator Fit Club. The building, which was completed in December 2007 and has remained empty since, will be home to a new gym and will open later in the year. Chris Metcalf, Fit Club's director, said: ‘The Matchbox is the perfect location for us and we're really pleased to have confirmed the deal. We were originally progressing with a 10,000 sq ft space in...

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/5858-fit-club-moves-into-matchbox.html

Phoenix Health Club [UK]

“A State of the art health club in Okehampton held a wine and cheese night to celebrate opening to the public last week. Over 100 people attended the opening evening of Phoenix Health Club, which is based on Exeter Road. The new health club, which already has 70 members, took five months to set up. Owners, Ali Mason and Lee Carey, who both work as plumbers during the day, will run...


http://www.tavistock-today.co.uk/tn/featuresdetail.cfm?id=2654

Cybex Announces ‘Eat, Drink and Drive with Greg Norman’ Promotion

“Cybex International, Inc. a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment, announced today its “Eat, Drink and Drive with Greg Norman” promotion, providing country clubs, resorts and other facilities that purchase the CYBEX Golf Fitness Sweet Spot solution prior to July 31 with an exclusive trip to tee off with one of history’s most legendary golfers. Limited to 72 spots, this unique experience will be hosted by Norman on Dec. 12-14 at Tiburon Golf Club and the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, FL. Festivities begin with a four-star meal complete with Greg Norman Estates wines and premium steaks from Greg Norman Australian Prime. The following day, Norman will join guests...

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100413006131&newsLang=en

Treadmill Canines A Trend Catching On At Placer County Gym

“It may be another step up the evolutionary ladder for dogs. Or just a high-tech way for canines to burn off some energy in a club-like atmosphere. But Phyllis Mathews had to laugh — and marvel at the sight — when she spotted 2-year-old miniature schnauzer Shea padding along nonchalantly on the treadmill at Auburn’s Total Fitness health club. ‘She was just doing her thing and I just broke up,’ Mathews said. Shea has been keeping fit on the gym’s treadmill and is sometimes joined by Raider, a 4-year-old redbone hound and Howie, a 3-year-old hound-boxer-lab. While Shea keeps a rather leisurely pace of about 2.2 mph, Raider can chug along at 10-minute miles — doggone good for even human runners. Shea started hitting the gym about two months ago. It wasn’t that it was inconvenient. She’s Total Fitness owner Linda Dixon’s dog and she keeps the pooch with her during the day. With winter weather...

http://auburnjournal.com/detail/147043.html?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=&user_id=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&event_ts_to=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=&town_id=

Routine "Recess" A Hit At White House Obesity Summit

“A doctor's endorsement of frequent recess breaks - and not just for kids - drew an appreciative response from experts meeting at a White House summit on childhood obesity on Friday. Dozens of child advocates, public policy experts and doctors gathered to brainstorm ideas for first lady Michelle Obama's campaign to wipe out childhood obesity in a generation. An interagency task force reviewing U.S. programs and policies on child nutrition and physical activity is due to report to President Barack Obama within the next month. The summit participants were asked to come up with three to five recommendations for the task force to consider taking to the president. Healthier foods in corporate cafeterias and linking public transportation to grocery store access were among the early suggestions. But the audience especially appeared to appreciate a California doctor's call for a drive to integrate short bursts of physical activity into the regular workplace and school routine. ‘We have great meetings with lots of healthy refreshments now, compared to 20 years ago when we would only have unhealthy refreshments, or 30 years ago when people would have been smoking in this room,’ said Dr. Toni Yancey of University of California Los Angeles...

http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2010/04/12/eline/links/20100412elin010.html

The Claim: For Better Muscle Tone, Go Lighter and Repeat

“Producing bulky muscles requires not just heavy weights but heavy calorie consumption as well, typically far above the 2,000 daily calories recommended for many adults. For people who lift weights to tone up and slim down, experts say, a regimen that includes a combination of challenging weights and fewer repetitions can help significantly. In a 2002 study, for example, scientists looked at...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/06/health/06real.html?src=sch

Focus On Fitness To Limit Lifetime Health Care Expenses

“With health-care reform now a reality, some of us are relieved and some of us are worried about how it will change not only the medical landscape but our expenses. We often feel we're not in control when it comes to health care. But in reality, we are in control of how much we will spend on medical treatment in the future. How? By how healthy we are now and in the future. Healthier people have lower medical expenses, so taking action to improve health is a step toward creating a better financial picture. The average total medical expenses in retirement are $250,000 per couple, according to the National Business Group on Health, a nonprofit agency. Being in better than average health can lower that expense. Staying in shape can lower our...

http://www.modbee.com/2010/04/05/1115353/focus-on-fitness-to-limit-lifetime.html

An Exercise In Love And Devotion

“When Mallary McClintock entered Maximum Health and Fitness Center Sunday morning, the benefit fundraiser on her behalf became a homecoming. The 21-year-old from Kingston, who was diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer in February, reunited with former college classmates as well as fitness center members, who had worked out with her and her mother. A benefit in which exercisers paid $20 to participate in one or all four classes offered...

http://www.timesleader.com/news/An_exercise_in_love_and_devotion_04-11-2010.html

Lee Westwood Places High on the Masters Leaderboard; Attributes Power and Stability to Training on Power Plate(R) Machines

“Lee Westwood, 2009 European Tour Player of the Year and number 4 ranked player in the world used more than his strong driving, superb iron play and targeted short gain to finish second at this weekend's 2010 Masters Tournament. Like many of the sport's elite, Westwood has turned to Acceleration Training on a Power Plate machine to give him the extra edge. ‘I was introduced to the Power Plate machine in 2005 and was immediately impressed with the versatility and applications specific to golf conditioning including hamstring stretch, massage (for recovery/relaxation) and for developing my core stability,’ said Westwood. ‘I have now progressed to the Power Plate pro5Air™ to further develop stability and power in my golf swing.’”

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lee-westwood-places-high-on-the-masters-leaderboard-attributes-power-and-stability-to-training-on-power-plater-machines-90604004.html

Obese Children Affected By Negative Attitudes, Bias

“Children suffering from obesity are often victims of societal judgment and assumptions, according to experts presenting today at the American College of Sports Medicine's 14th-annual Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition. Although negative attitudes toward obese children are often unintentional, they can hinder young people's emotional and physical growth. ‘These children can experience a...


http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184859.php

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: Launch Of Europe-Wide Recommendations

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/185091.php

24 Hour Fitness Opens New Southglenn Club in Centennial

“24 Hour Fitness®, the largest privately owned U.S. fitness center chain and a leading health club industry pioneer, announced today the opening of the Southglenn Super Sport club - its newest fitness center in Centennial, Colo. The new club offers state-of-the-art amenities, including innovative group exercise classes, an indoor pool, a racquetball court, a full-sized basketball court, towel service...


http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100409005152&newsLang=en

Medical Spa Society Announces New President

“On April 5, 2010 Francis Acunzo, CEO of Acara was appointed as the new president of the Medical Spa Society, an organization dedicated to raising and upholding the level of professionalism practiced within the cosmetic practice and medical spa industry through professional and consumer education. As President, Mr. Acunzo will first focus on the revitalization of the organization, which has been impacted by the recession. Acunzo’s plan includes a repositioning of the organization to broaden the membership base. In order to reposition effectively, there will be a more comprehensive inclusion of...

http://www.prweb.com/releases/medspa/04/prweb3845454.htm

Exercise Trumps Gene In Teen Obesity

“Sure, genes may be a factor in some cases of obesity, but it just got a little harder to blame your parents. It turns out that one hour of moderate to vigorous exercise a day can help adolescents overcome a particular genetic predisposition to weight gain. One of our pals at the Two-Way blog took a look at some new work on genes vs. exercise a few days ago, which got us wanting to know more. European researchers looked at one gene in particular -- it's called FTO rs9939609 polymorphism, or 'fatso' for short -- in a population of 752 teenagers, and they found that physical activity can mitigate its effects. The study appears in the April edition of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. ‘In the study, the [FTO gene] was found to be associated with higher BMI and waist...

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/04/exercise_trumps_gene_in_teen_o.html

Life Time Fitness Announces Date for Release of First Quarter 2010 Financial Results and Annual Meeting of Shareholders

“Life Time Fitness, Inc. today announced that its first quarter 2010 financial results announcement and annual meeting of shareholders will occur on Thursday, April 22, 2010. First Quarter 2010 Financial Results -- 9:00 a.m. CT (10:00 am ET) A conference call will be hosted by Bahram Akradi, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Michael Robinson, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Kenneth Cooper, vice president of finance. The call will be Web cast live and may be accessed via the Company's Investor Relations section of its Web site at lifetimefitness.com...

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/life-time-fitness-announces-date-for-release-of-first-quarter-2010-financial-results-and-annual-meeting-of-shareholders-2010-04-08?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Obesity May Boost Pneumonia Risk In Men

“Men who carry excess pounds may also carry an excess risk of pneumonia, a new study hints. However, researchers note that the effect appears to be indirect. "This risk is driven by the development of chronic diseases related to obesity, rather than by obesity itself," Dr. Jette Brommann Kornum of Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, who led the study, told Reuters Health in an email. Rates of hospital admission for pneumonia have been on the rise over the last decade -- up 20 to 50 percent in Western countries. At the same time, more and more people worldwide are putting on unhealthy...


http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2010/04/08/eline/links/20100408elin001.html

Owners Of Shuttered Health Club Plead Guilty To Tax, Mail Fraud

“The husband and wife owners of a defunct Kingston health club have agreed to plead guilty to charges in a tax and mail fraud conspiracy that federal prosecutors said cheated the government out of $167,402 and investors out of at least $347,000. Frank Rocco Peperno, of Old Forge, faces up to 35 years in prison and a $1.25 million fine on tax and mail fraud charges but, under federal sentencing guidelines and the terms of his plea agreement, will likely be sentenced to 33 to 41 months in prison. His wife, Salli Ann Peperno, faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on a tax fraud charge, but will likely be sentenced to six to 12 months in prison under the terms of her deal. The Pepernos have also agreed to pay $51,012 in restitution to the Internal...


http://citizensvoice.com/news/owners-of-shuttered-health-club-plead-guilty-to-tax-mail-fraud-1.724234

Anti-Gravity Treadmill Wins Medical Design Excellence Award

“AlterG today announced that the AlterG M300 Anti-Gravity Treadmill has received the 2010 Medical Design Excellence Award. The AlterG M300 delivers revolutionary anti-gravity technology originally developed at NASA in a sleek new design. The AlterG M300, the world's only anti-gravity treadmill, is optimized in form, function and price for physical therapy clinics, athletic training and leading fitness facilities. Whether a weekend warrior recovering from surgery or a hardcore athlete training through an injury, the AlterG M300 enables people to rehab faster, train like a pro, and even accelerate weight loss. Allowing people to run and walk at a fraction of their body weight (reducing up to 80% of a person's weight)...

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anti-gravity-treadmill-wins-medical-design-excellence-award-90208682.html

24 Hour Fitness Launches bodybugg Mobile Web Site

“24 Hour Fitness, the largest privately owned U.S. fitness chain and a leading health club industry pioneer, has released 'bodybugg mobile,' a mobile-enabled Web site that allows bodybugg calorie management system users who have iPhone or iPod® touch devices a more convenient way to log their daily food intake and check their progress towards reaching their fitness goals. Subscribers to the bodybugg, which includes an armband and an optional digital display that keeps users informed of calories consumed and burned, now have the option of logging into their account on my.apexfitness.com or bodybugg.com...

http://newsblaze.com/story/2010040508001600002.bw/topstory.html

Working Out in Luxury [India]

The fitness conscious community in the city has a reason to rejoice with the opening of Zela, a luxury health club. Designed and built on over 30,000 square feet space on Residency Road, Zela is the brainchild of Shriram Ramdas, founder and CEO and Dr Adithya Shetty, co-founder and head (exercise and sports medicine). Facilities here include a 6,000 square feet gymnasium armed with rows of internationally benchmarked cardiovascular and strength training machines complete with body-friendly bio mechanics...

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/bangalore/working-out-in-luxury/163003.html

24 Hour Fitness Named Official Training Center of the Utah Blaze

“The Utah Blaze is proud to announce the support of their newest corporate sponsor, 24 Hour Fitness who will provide access to their clubs for players on the team to prepare and train for competition. The 24 Hour Fitness - Sport Club, located at 5766 South 1900 West in Taylorsville, has been named ‘the official training center’ for the Blaze as they enter their fourth season of Arena Football...

http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3986677

Life Time Fitness Upward Momentum Looks to Continue (LTM)

“SmarTrend identified an Uptrend for Life Time Fitness (NYSE:LTM) on February 12, 2010 at $26.82. In approximately 2 months, Life Time Fitness has returned 13.1% as of today's recent price of $30.34. Life Time Fitness is currently above its 50-day moving average of $26.53 and above its 200-day moving average of $25.70. Look for these moving averages to climb to confirm the company's upward momentum.”

http://www.mysmartrend.com/news-briefs/technical-analysis/life-time-fitness-upward-momentum-looks-continue-ltm

AFAA Launches Personal Trainer Certification Online Course

“The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) announced today the launch of the industry's first fully secure and monitored online Personal Trainer Certification course available through www.afaa.com. Personal Trainer Certification Online is AFAA's premiere eAFAA course, combining AFAA's industry leading personal trainer certification standards with the convenience of independent self study, and the security of third-party monitoring and authenticating systems. The launch comes days after AFAA was accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). This fulfills IHRSA's 2005 recommendation on accreditation. The Accrediting Commission of DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency...

http://www.fit-pro.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=FF207CE2F19B4BB581AF246515B1B81D&nm=03+-+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=6D43382AF20A4E2898E97426264234D8

Physically Active Americans Want ‘Better Return’ From Their ‘Exercise Investment’

“When it comes to fitness and exercise, what motivates people to choose one physical activity over another? According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association’s Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Participation Overview (2010 edition), the decision to play and participate in many activities is largely motivated by consumers who want more ‘value’ from their workouts, athletic endeavors, and recreational sports experiences. ‘Feeling more pressure from diminished disposable income and leisure time, people looked in 2009 to get the best workout and most enjoyment possible from the money, time and physical exertion they put into their sports and fitness activities,’ said Tom Cove, SGMA president and CEO. “Active Americans favored easily accessible, low cost-to-participate...

http://www.sgma.com/press/220_-Physically-Active-Americans-Want-%91Better-Return%92-From-Their-%91Exercise-Investment%92

3PL Provider LeSaint Logistics Partners With Life Fitness Taking Their Parts Business to the Next Level

“Helping to keep treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, exercise bikes and other fitness systems up and running – both literally and figuratively – LeSaint Logistics, a 3PL provider headquartered near Chicago, has contracted with exercise equipment manufacturer Life Fitness to manage the company's parts business on a global level, from warehousing to fulfillment to transportation. By teaming with LeSaint Logistics, Life Fitness is able to ensure the constant and timely delivery of parts to repair professionals who service fitness facilities as well as those repair professionals who work directly for fitness facilities and retailers that sell Life Fitness equipment. "LeSaint has the right locations, is a good size fit with our organization, has the technology component in place to run our inventory – backed by its industry leading, overall logistics knowledge," said Michael Cusack, vice president of customer support for Life Fitness.”


http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3pl-provider-lesaint-logistics-partners-with-life-fitness-taking-their-parts-business-to-the-next-level-90081907.html

Comprehensive Obesity Legislation Announced to Target America’s Costliest Disease

Bill Presented Today at Five Simulcast Events through the University of Wisconsin Health System and the Campaign to End Obesity

“Today, the Campaign to End Obesity, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Health System, unveiled Congressman Ron Kind’s (D-WI) recently authored, bipartisan legislation to comprehensively fight obesity. The event, which connected five locations throughout Wisconsin via live videoconferencing, detailed the bill’s first-of-a-kind approach to tackling the country’s costliest medical condition. The Healthy CHOICES Act brings together the leadership of the Campaign to End Obesity with the food industry, the health care industry and government to comprehensively fight the obesity epidemic. The bill is also significant in that it takes a comprehensive approach to combating obesity with provisions that address various sources contributing to unhealthy lifestyles. ‘This legislation reflects thoughtful and effective policies that can help Americans reach and sustain a healthy weight, and we are eager to partner with Congress to advance this much-needed measure,’ said Lee Kaplan, MD, Harvard University School of Medicine and Chairman of the Board, the Campaign to End Obesity. ‘Obesity contributes to the prevalence of more than 60 chronic diseases, and taxpayers, governments and businesses spend billions on obesity-related conditions each year, including an estimated $147 billion in medical costs.’”

Cory Booker, Bill Frist To Lead FLOTUS Obesity Initiative

“First Lady Michelle Obama announced today that former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, MD, Republican, and Newark wunderkind mayor Cory Booker, a Democrat (who, by the way, is celebrating his city's first murder-free month in ages), will be vice chairs of the government's new Partnership for a Healthy America, her anti-child obesity program. Both are inspired choices; Frist is a heart surgeon and knows the medical issues cold. Booker is a mayor who likes to experiment and has a sophisticated understanding of the linkages between the environment, public health and childhood obesity.”

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/04/cory-booker-bill-frist-to-lead-flotus-obesity-initiative/38307/

Perfect Fitness Unveils Perfect Situp - First of Its Kind Device to Engage All Four Sets of Abdominal Muscles

erfect Fitness, manufacturers of innovative fitness solutions, launches the Perfect Situp, the industry’s first exercise product of its kind that engages all four sets of abdominals including the deep lower abs. Proprietary design positions the body in a perfect pelvic tilt, enabling users to target lower ab muscles long overlooked by other...

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/perfect-fitness-unveils-perfect-situp,1235360.shtml

Doctors Seem To Treat Obese Just As Well As Others

“Despite surveys that show doctors have negative attitudes about heavier people, older obese patients don't get short shrift at the doctor's office, according to a new study. The new study, of nearly 70,000 patients, found that obese and overweight patients were just as likely to be offered quality medical care as normal weight patients. The findings, published in the April 7, 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association contradict earlier work that suggested the obese might get substandard care because many doctors don't like treating them. The findings of this study surprised the researchers...

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63550L20100406

Equipment Adds Muscle To Cross-Training Workouts

“Being fit requires establishing a sound exercise habit. However, it’s important that your regular routine doesn’t become a boring workout rut. According to fitness experts, in order to maintain maximum calorie burn, muscle strength and motivation, you need to mix it up with a variety of activities and exercise equipment — exactly the kind of stuff displayed at the recent International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) convention here. Not only do new innovative gym tools give you a better burn for your workout buck, but they also make getting in shape more interesting — sometimes, even fun. The latest equipment gives a twist to core workouts, takes full-body movement to new heights and boosts group exercise energy by leaps and bounds. Because most of the gear carries a price tag that’s too fat for the standard home gym, you’ll need to look for these at your fitness center. Here’s a preview of some of the newest gym artillery that you’ll want to add to your cross-training repertoire: Jacobs Ladder, CoreAlign, Skywall, NuStep, and Core-Tex...

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/06/gearing/

Midstate Fitness Workers See Greater Commitment From Gym Clients

“Gym-goers can usually count on a busy workspace the first two months of the year as they are joined by those who have made New Year’s resolutions to get fit. This year, it is taking a bit longer for the gyms to return to normal. Click here to find out more! ‘We’re glad to see it,’ said Kevin Carter, the director of wellness services at The Wellness Center at 3797 Northside Drive in Macon, which is owned by The Medical Center of Central Georgia. Carter said he believes numbers in health clubs are holding steady in part because people are forgoing family vacations, choosing to stay closer to home when they would normally travel. It is among the reasons contributing to a 15-percent jump in clients normally seen at The Wellness Center and The Macon Health Club, also run by the Medical Center. Carter also says he has seen a larger number of older adults becoming clients. Brett Moore, community benefit coordinator for Houston Healthcare, said more people with health issues are ste..

http://www.macon.com/2010/04/06/1084159/midstate-fitness-workers-see-greater.html

CYBEX Fitness Equipment Installed at Prestigious Las Vegas Resorts

“Cybex International, Inc., a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment, announced today that the luxurious Aria Resort & Casino and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV, have installed a broad range of the company's cardio and strength-training equipment. ‘Today more than ever, hotel and resort guests have extremely sophisticated tastes in health and wellness services,’ says John Aglialoro, CYBEX Chairman and CEO. ‘When visitors see the CYBEX brand, it shows the property they've chosen refuses to gamble on providing the ultimate fitness experience.’”

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cybex-fitness-equipment-installed-at-prestigious-las-vegas-resorts-2010-04-06?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Technogym Educates Women On Benefits Of Living Healthier Lifestyle

“Technogym will join the Women's Healthcare from 7-10 April 2010. Women visiting the Technogym stand will get a free one on one personal training session for 20 minutes with the Technogym fitness instructors. Mr. Christian Dietrich, Managing Director, Technogym Emirates, said: ‘Exercise is Medicine and Technogym is the leader in offering total wellness design solutions to consumers to address health issues especially in the UAE. Technogym is happy to participate in the Women's Healthcare to educate women to focus on Healthy living and a wellness lifestyle. We want to address those women who always wanted to get answers to all their health, wellbeing and Fitness questions but never had the time to meet the specialists and get the right advice and solution.’”

http://www.ameinfo.com/228845.html

Anytime Fitness Opens 1,300th Club

“Anytime Fitness, the #1 co-ed fitness club franchise in the world, recently reached an impressive milestone by opening its 1,300th gym. The record-setting achievement occurred as Anytime Fitness prepares to open additional clubs in India, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. What's behind the meteoric growth of Anytime Fitness' small, neighborhood health clubs? Industry experts say members like the gym's 24-hour access, affordable monthly fees and friendly atmosphere -- while Anytime Fitness franchisees praise corporate staffers for their support. ‘The tremendous growth of Anytime Fitness demonstrates that the public will respond if you make it easy for them,’ said Joe Moore, President and CEO of the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association...

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/anytime-fitness-opens-1300th-club-89896697.html

Power Plate Signs MLB MVP's Justin Morneau and Dustin Pedroia to Extoll Benefits of Acceleration Training(TM) to Provide Competitive Edge

“As MLB's elite players turn to more advanced methods of getting and staying on top of their game, more and more players are turning to Power Plate® and Acceleration Training to give them the competitive edge. Justin Morneau and Dustin Pedroia, the 2006 and 2008 American League MVP's, have attributed their success in part to Power Plate workouts. ‘Using the Power Plate has really improved my overall strength and conditioning. I use it to help stretch and get loose before games so I can make use of my maximum reach,’ says Justin Morneau, first baseman for the Minnesota Twins and 2006 American League Most Valuable Player. ‘I've found that it has significantly helped my core balance and stability which is critical for my batting and it was a big part of back rehab in the offseason.’ Added Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox, ‘The Power Plate is a huge part of my workout. I do a lot of stretching on it and it's terrific for improving core strength...

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/power-plate-signs-mlb-mvps-justin-morneau-and-dustin-pedroia-to-extoll-benefits-of-acceleration-trainingtm-to-provide-competitive-edge-89903432.html

Fitness Management & Consulting Announces All-New Health Clubs Sales Training Format

“With over 25 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, Mr. Thomas lectures and delivers customized health club sales seminars and to independent health clubs across the country. Fitness Management & Consulting (www.fmconsulting.net) will provide customized training programs to health clubs across the USA to help independently owned health clubs become more productive in their communication with club guests. ‘Through the implementation of our customized approach we will help health club sales staff to increase membership sales while lowering costs and increasing margins,’ says Thomas...

http://www.onlineprnews.com/news/29072-1270407868-fitness-management-consulting-announces-allnew-health-clubs-sales-training-format.html

Being Overweight Ups Stroke Risk, Study Confirms

“Excess weight increases stroke risk, a new study including nearly 2.3 million people confirms. And the heavier a person is, the greater their risk. ‘Being obese (but indeed even just overweight) puts an individual at significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke, with a serious possibility of permanent disability and reduced life expectancy,’ Dr. Pasquale Strazzullo of Frederico II University of Naples Medical School in Naples, Italy, one of the study's authors, told Reuters Health. Given the difficulty of treating obesity, the researcher said, the best approach to preventing related complications like stroke is for people to avoid packing on the pounds in the first place. ‘All of us should keep tight control of our weight and take immediate action in case of weight gain, reducing calories and increasing physical exercise,’ he advised...


http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63426Z20100405

Yoga Meets Nature For Ultimate Stress Relief [video]

“’You're looking into the blueness of the sky, through a canopy of trees,’ explained Nicole Payseur. And, you are doing yoga! That Eden-esque fantasy is actually a reality for some yogis. Many fans have taken their calming practice to the soothing scenes of nature, to participate in what's called 'tree yoga.' ‘This is different from your typical yoga class because, number one, we're outside and you're not having to worry about finding your balance, because you're using straps to support you,’ said Laura King, a 'tree yoga' instructor. Hal Pruessner created 'tree yoga' in 2007...

http://cbs11tv.com/local/Tree.Yoga.Exercise.2.1607421.html

Fitter Firefighters Saving Taxpayers Money

“Raging flames, deadly black smoke, collapsing floors and falling debris are known risks for firefighters. But few think of the physical toll saving lives and battling blazes takes on these men and women every day, said Craig Oldershaw, president of the Anne Arundel County Professional Firefighters Union. Thanks to a Health and Wellness Program, pushed by the union and implemented in the county in 2006, firefighters today are more fit than ever, he said. Since the program began, there has been a 29 percent reduction in firefighter sprains and strains, said Donna Goins, safety and insurance manager for the county's Risk Management Office...

http://www.hometownglenburnie.com/news/Top_Stories/2010/03/31-01/Fitter+firefighters+saving+taxpayers+money%0A.html

Fitness “Geek” Uses Social Media to Build Big Brand for His Small Business

“Being a tech geek paid the bills, but fitness was his hobby. That’s how Clinton Helget describes his life until the economy tanked and he was let go from his job at a well-known communications company. Then he stumbled onto Fitness Together where he says, ‘my hobby became my career.’ Helget became a certified personal trainer with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He first worked for another fitness chain but found he needed more control to produce real results for satisfied clients. That’s when he opened his own one-on-one personal training franchise, Fitness Together of Apple Valley, Minn., in 2006. Today he employs two personal trainers and he gets to be the boss. But his nerdy side hasn’t gone away either. Thanks to the social media revolution, Helget not only owns a successful business. He has also become one of the leaders for Fitness Together’s 357 fitness studios on how to use Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and blogs to market his company’s services...


http://www.mediasyndicate.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15392

Minnesotans “Weigh-In” on Obesity Issue [audio]

“Fewer calories and more exercise generally are the combined prescription when combating obesity, but the new Minnesota Idea Open also is prescribing creativity to help cure the problem. Some consider it a ‘Facebook approach,’ through which people can brainstorm solutions in online discussion groups, make comments, and submit their own ideas. Carleen Rhodes, CEO of the Minnesota Community Foundation, project sponsor, says the Minnesota Idea Open is also a competition. ‘The real charm of this project isn't that there will be one winner who will implement an idea; it's a way of saying we may not solve it with one strategy, but we might with hundreds of people coming up with multiple strategies.’”

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/13309-1

IronWorks Gym hosts 2010 Open Bench Press Competition

“For hundreds of years warriors and athletes have competed in events that put their strength and endurance to the test. They competed against themselves and each other, pushing their bodies and will to the limit. In the same spirit as those competitors hundreds of years before them, local community members gathered to compete in the 2010 Open Bench Press Competition held at the IronWorks Gym here March 20. Sixteen Japanese and American athletes came out to the gym ready to display their strength...

http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcasiwakuni/Pages/2010/04/IronWorksGymhosts2010OpenBenchPressCompetition.aspx

Short Bursts of Physical Activity May Reduce Fibromyalgia Symptoms

“Short bursts of physical activity in a lifestyle physical activity (LPA) intervention may reduce fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms and improve physical function, according to the results of a randomized trial reported online in the March 29 issue of Arthritis Research & Therapy. ‘Fibromyalgia is estimated to occur in 2% of the U.S. general population, affecting about eight times more women than men,’ said lead author Kevin R. Fontaine, PhD, from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in Baltimore, Maryland, in a news release. ‘Although exercise has been shown to be benef...

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/719540

Attitude Toward Everyday Activity Important For Healthy Lifestyle

“Efforts to increase physical activity are at the forefront of public health research because the benefits of a healthy lifestyle go far beyond physical and mental well-being. However, the majority of these efforts focus on explicit motivation -- external factors that lead to a change in behavior. Explicit motivation can include following the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' recommendation for 150 minutes of aerobic activity throughout the week, or making plans with a friend...

http://live.psu.edu/story/45685

Fitness Startup Owner Among Top Achievers

"A young man who put all his sweat into opening up a fitness and rehab centre has been named the 2009 Young Entrepreneur by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Tim Battaglia, 33, said he felt ‘fantastic’ after his name was announced at last night's Outstanding Business Achievement Awards. The graduate of kinesiology from Brock University (2003) opened Activ8 and Wellness Studio on Amanda Street. He was one of five businesses honoured by the chamber for their work in the community...


http://www.thespec.com/News/Business/article/746130

Overweight Babies May Have Delayed Motor Skills

“Pudgy babies may be adorable, but being overweight may delay a baby's ability to roll over, crawl, or conquer other important physical skills, researchers report. Meghan Slining, a doctoral student in nutrition epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and colleagues evaluated 215 infants at various times up to 18 months. Of the 152 infants found to be overweight during any of these evaluations, 20 percent - 31 infants -- had delayed motor skills...

http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2010/03/31/eline/links/20100331elin001.html

Big Help Award to First Lady Michelle Obama at Nickelodeon's 23rd Annual Kids' Choice Awards

“The first ever Big Help award was awarded to First Lady Michelle Obama at Nickelodeon's 23rd Annual Kids' Choice Awards. In a special honor, The First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama accepted the first-ever Nickelodeon Big Help Award for inspiring families to be healthy and active through her recently launched Let's Move! initiative. The award recognizes those who seek to better the world, and whose significant impact on their community...

http://www.examiner.com/x-19673-Michelle-Obama-Examiner~y2010m3d30-Big-Help-award-to-First-Lady-Michelle-Obama-at-Nickelodeons-23rd-annual-kids-choice-awards

Health Club Raising Money For Seacoast Teen's Greatest Wish

“Local health club Fitness Revolution is doing a fundraiser to help a Seacoast teen, age 17, who has a life-threatening illness, to get his greatest wish fulfilled — a professional golf simulator. This would be granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire. Fundraising toward this wish is being done by members of the fitness club. A free 'Spring for a Wish' event...

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100331/GJCOMMUNITY_01/100339942