In Honor of International Day of Older Persons, 24 Hour Fitness Proudly Announces Alignment with the International Council on Active Aging

“24 Hour Fitness, the largest U.S. fitness chain and a leading health club industry pioneer, proudly joins the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), an organization committed to changing society’s perceptions of aging and improving the quality of life for aging Baby Boomers and older adults. ‘Like the ICAA, 24 Hour Fitness believes that physical activity changes lives and can make a dramatic impact on the quality of life for older adults and people of all ages – especially older adults.’ As part of the alliance, 24 Hour Fitness will review ways to make its portfolio of clubs more relevant and accessible to older active adults. By assessing club amenities, group exercise class programming, marketing and operations, the company hopes to support the ICAA’s mission of improving the quality of life for aging Baby Boomers through fitness so they can achieve longer and healthier lives. Currently, 24 Hour Fitness proudly hosts amenities and classes that are suitable for people of all ages. In addition to state-of-the art equipment, 24 Hour Fitness offers Silver&Fit® programming and Healthways’ SilverSneakers® Fitness Program to over 500,000 eligible Medicare, Medicare Advantage and group retirees. Additionally, 24 Hour Fitness offers a series of Group X® cardio, strength, aquatic and specialty classes that are geared towards people of all ages and suitable for older adults.”

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100930006439/en/Honor-International-Day-Older-Persons-24-Hour

Expresso Bikes Now Support Facebook and Twitter

“Interactive Fitness Holdings® (“IFH”), announced that today it had completed the rollout of yet another industry first — software to directly support social networks, including Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, on Expresso bikes worldwide. The social networking software is included in the Expresso Live package at no additional cost and is available to any Expresso station ever purchased. Called the Fall Release, the new software allows riders to share milestones, such as a specific ride or an award for cumulative mileage, on their social network. Expresso summarizes the individual’s exploits actually recorded on the bike, leaving room for the rider to describe what it means to him or her. Riders may also choose to let Expresso automatically share their top performances, like a personal best time, best score or lifetime mileage award.”

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100929006374/en/Expresso-Bikes-Support-Facebook-Twitter

Health and Weight in America

Thought leaders in the field of health care, obesity, and nutrition met Thursday morning at the Washington Ideas Forum to discuss issues underlying America's obesity epidemic.

The Conversation: The session began with a discussion over the recently failed reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act--a product of budget cuts. Participants identified societal factors influencing America's weight problem, focusing on health education, lifestyle choices, and availability of quality food. The group consensus was that some Americans are so lacking in basic knowledge of nutrition and health that they often do not know that they are unhealthy...

http://www.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2010/10/health-and-weight-in-america/63801/

GE Capital is Agent for a $40 Million Revolving Credit Facility to Planet Fitness

“GE Capital, Corporate Finance today announced it is agent for a $40 million cash flow revolving credit facility to Planet Fitness, a leading fitness center owner, operator and franchisor. The financing will be used for working and growth capital and the facility may be increased to $50 million under certain conditions. GE Capital Markets served as sole lead arranger.”

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ge-capital-is-agent-for-a-40-million-revolving-credit-facility-to-planet-fitness-2010-10-01?reflink=MW_news_stmp