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

Genesis Health Clubs Celebrates 25 years

“The fitness industry is constantly changing, Rodney Steven II says, but health clubs are here to stay. Count his Genesis Health Clubs among them. From a single location, the business — now in its 25th year — has grown to seven four clubs in Wichita and one each in Hutchinson, Salina and Emporia. Nationally, the number of health clubs has nearly tripled from the mid-1980s, from about 10,000 to 29,750 at the beginning of 2009, the most recent year for which numbers are available from the International Health , Racquet & Sportsclub Association. Industry revenue has grown from $6.5 billion in 1993 to $19.5 billion in 2009, according to the association. Genesis will keep growing as long as the staff is willing to provide the personalized, passionate service that has made it a success, he said. That's been his emphasis from the start. The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association said in a statement that Genesis, one of its members, has been successful because of "its ability to meet member needs and continually offer diverse programming that keeps them engaged and interested in exercise’ and has stayed ahead of the curve by adding corporate wellness and rehabilitation services.”

Michelle Obama Promotes Health In Disney Campaign

“World famous for her White House vegetable garden, first lady Michelle Obama is sharing her expertise in a Walt Disney Co. ad campaign designed to show parents and children that eating well and exercising can be fun, too. ‘Eating better and getting more active is easier than you think,’ Mrs. Obama says in the first of eight public service spots she's starring in as part of Disney's ‘Magic of Healthy Living’ campaign. The entertainment company planned to announce the campaign Thursday. The first lady appears with various Disney stars, including Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers and Brenda Song, of the Disney Channel's ‘The Suite Life on Deck. In another of the ads, she helps other Disney stars who want to plant a garden. ‘You don't need a big backyard or even pots to start your own garden,’ Mrs. Obama says. ‘All you need is sunlight, water and a little imagination. So let's get moving and get planting because a great way to get fresh, healthy produce is to grow it yourself.’”

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j8a2KHdviOYR_b7BsLVq7u1O-61gD9II0NKO1?docId=D9II0NKO1

Elderly Exercising Can Reduce Falls And Injury

“Elderly women are at high risk of hip fractures and costly hip replacement procedures. However, a new September 27th JAMA journal article appearing in Archives of Internal Medicine, states that improvements in gait strength and balance, achieved in the comfort of home can aid in prevention for these high risk patients.”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/202999.php

Gym Culture Not Working Out For The French

“The French may love to look good but few are willing to work up a sweat over it. Despite increasing awareness of the benefits of healthy eating and physical exercise, going to the gym in France is still a niche activity that has yet to capture the mainstream. France's generous healthcare system, its cultural preference for outdoor sports and its lack of affordable good-quality clubs are seen as reasons behind the country's low rate of gym goers, even relative to laid-back neighbors Spain or Italy. ‘It appears to me that more people are sitting in cafes smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee than working out ... the French don't see fitness as a lifestyle,’ says American-born fitness consultant Fred Hoffman, who has lived in Paris for 21 years. Only 5.4 percent of French people belonged to a health club in 2008, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, compared with 9.5 percent for Italy, 11.9 percent for the United Kingdom and 16.6 percent for Spain.”

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68Q20520100927?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2Flifestyle+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Lifestyle%29

New CV Kit for Technogym

“Technogym has introduced the Crossover, a new cardio machine enabling a combination of lateral and elliptical movement. The Crossover provides upper and lower body training, with complete muscle activation allowing optimal calorie burning and ensuring maximum glutes activation. It offers a fixed-stride cyclical exercise and completes the Technogym Excite+ line with the ‘Lateral Today Body’ concept. According to the manufacturer, the machine is suitable for varying fitness levels and all types of workout. Meanwhile, Technogym was recently appointed as the official supplier for the first Youth Olympic Games, which took place in Singapore from August 14-26. The company will also be the official supplier for the upcoming Olympic Games, which will be held in London in 2012.”

http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/9504-new-cv-kit-for-technogym

First Santa Cruz Business Goes Solar Thermal with New California Solar Initiative Rebate

"Toadal Fitness is the first Santa Cruz business to take advantage of the new California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Program for commercial businesses. Toadal Fitness will be among the first commercial applications of the CSI thermal program in California, and the first commercial application in the City of Santa Cruz, according to Paul Burrowes, COO of Free Hot Water. To mark the occasion, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place on the roof at Toadal Fitness’ downtown location with Santa Cruz’s Vice-Mayor, Ryan Coonerty, who was on hand to recognize Toadal Fitness’ commitment to the environment and sustainable business practices. ‘I think it is great that local businesses, like Toadal Fitness, are taking the lead in responding to climate change. I expect that this is only the first of...

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/partner/free-hot-water/news/article/2010/09/first-santa-cruz-business-goes-solar-thermal-with-new-california-solar-initiative-rebate

For Gym, Fitness For Entire Family

“William White, of Anytime Fitness, said childhood obesity isn't a children's epidemic. ‘It's a family epidemic,’ he said. One out of three children are overweight or obese, according to national health campaigns. And if a parent is overweight, the child is 50 percent more likely to be overweight. That's why it's time for parents to start taking charge, White said. ‘Parents as well as children should do healthy things together,’ he said. Anytime Fitness will be participating in a promotion to help parents get fit and guide their children. The program, which has been running through this month, gives the person a 30-day membership for free from the date they come in for their first visit. It also provides 30 minutes with a trainer...

http://www.ocala.com/article/20100926/ARTICLES/100929732/1001/NEWS01?Title=For-gym-fitness-for-entire-family&tc=ar

Twists And Turns That Make A Difference

“It has the latest fitness equipment, from a Cybex training circuit to stationary Expresso Cycles with video screens that let you bike virtually through a bucolic countryside. It holds classes in yoga, Pilates, boot camp and the hottest exercise trend, Zumba. And it offers personal training, massage therapy and a variety of health screenings. Yet it's not a glitzy mirror-wall health club aimed at fitness-minded singles. In fact, its business has nothing to do with fitness. It's Cisco, worldwide provider of networking systems for business. And Cisco, with its state-of-the-art workout center, is hardly alone among its contemporaries in...

http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/09/26/701199/twists-and-turns-that-make-a-difference.html

U.S. Children Will Exercise From Coast To Coast

“US children will exercise for 10 continuous hours on October 7, 2010 to promote healthy lifestyle and combat childhood obesity. In a unique attempt toward the fight against childhood obesity, children in the United States are going to exercise for ten continuous hours on Thursday, October 7, 2010 in the second annual Exercise US, or Exercise United States day. As stated in US News & World Report referring to the Exercise US program - - ‘In a unique attempt to fight childhood obesity and cuts being made to school physical education programs, elementary, middle, and high schools from New York...

http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=494991&Itemid=31

Balance and the Elderly [Joe Moore Letter to the Editor]

“To the Editor: Re “Staying on Balance, With the Help of Exercises” (Retirement section, Sept. 16): Not only does loss of balance make us susceptible to life-threatening falls, but it also threatens our independence. Loss of balance and mobility is the main reason many adults go into assisted living facilities. And once people lose their independence, declines in health and fitness levels tend to become more rapid. As we’ve become an increasingly mechanized, sedentary society, people have lost their full range of body movements. But many health clubs offer programs that are intended to help people reawaken the sensory responses that keep them on their feet. And basic balance work can be incorporated into most resistance training and cardio routines. Balance is just one example of how exercise plays a critical role in healthy aging. Be sure to ask for instructors certified to teach balance, and always ask why an exercise is being done.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/24/opinion/lweb24balance.html?_r=1&partner=MOREOVERFEATURES&ei=5040

Fitness First and Marks & Spencer Help East of England 'Get Back Into Fitness'

“As part of its Plan A strategy to help its customers live a healthy lifestyle, Marks & Spencer has teamed up with Fitness First and Sport England to shape up the East of England and offer staff and customers the opportunity to Get back into Fitness. The Get back into Fitness campaign is taking place across the eastern counties of the UK and sees 14 of Fitness First's health clubs offer an exclusive package to M&S staff and customers within the region. A special eight week gym membership is on offer which includes three personal training sessions all for the just GBP 59.95 giving staff and customers a really good reason to Get back into Fitness. As an added incentive Marks & Spencer is offering money off vouchers for use in store for those who make a certain number of visits. As the government cuts spending on it's successful Change4Life Campaign, it is up to large companies like Marks & Spencer to support the health and fitness industry by spreading the healthy lifestyle message. The scheme involves many sport and activity providers who are opening up their doors to people who may not have been exercising for some time and are nervous about getting back into it again.”

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fitness-first-and-marks-spencer-help-east-of-england-get-back-into-fitness-2010-09-24?reflink=MW_news_stmp

USA and Mexico Are The Fattest Countries In The World

“Thirty percent of Mexican adults are obese as are 28% of Americans, the two fattest nations in the world, according to a book just published by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). OECD obesity rates have risen from well below 10% before 1980 to at least double that amount in most countries, and triple in others. Obesity has climbed up to the top of the public health policy agenda globally, says the OECD. In nearly half of all OECD countries over half the population is overweight or obese.”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/202313.php

Health Clubs Amp Up Their Perks To Win Members

“State-of-the-art equipment. Knowledgeable trainers. Convenient class schedules. Ostensibly, it's the essentials we seek in choosing a gym. But let's face it: It's the nonessentials, the amenities, that can make all the difference to our motivation levels. So we cased area health clubs in search of the coolest perks. (Although we've singled out a fair number, keep in mind that several of the clubs — especially the posh Denver Athletic Club, Colorado Athletic Club-Tabor Center, Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club, and Pura Vida — make showings in just about every category.)…”

http://www.denverpost.com/fitness/ci_16118798#ixzz105EonOmi

Historic Glasgow Health Club To Hold Open Day For First Time

“The Arlington Baths, Britain's oldest members' swimming complex, opens its doors at the weekend to the public for the first time in its 140-year history. Established in 1870, this weekend’s event is just one of a series of projects which will celebrate this landmark. The original membership of the club was rooted in the affluent mercantile class who built the neighbouring park and Woodlands district in the mid-19th century.

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/west-central/198060-historic-glasgow-health-club-to-hold-open-day-for-first-time/

Fitness Obstacle Course Competition To Take Place At Local Health Club

“Naples-based health club Florida Fitness Coaches is holding the final timed competition of its fitness obstacle course challenge on Saturday, September 25. The competition begins at 9:00am at the gym, located on Tamiami Trail in north Naples. The challenge started on August 16, when all of the participants were given the details of the obstacle course. For the past six weeks, they have been practicing the events, which include push ups, pull ups, mountain climbers, medicine ball throws, a rope climb, running, and much more! Portion of proceeds to benefit Naples charity ‘Bikes for Tykes.’ Founded in Naples in 1987, Bikes for Tykes is dedicated to providing a pre-loved bicycle to every deserving child in America...

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/sep/17/fitness-obstacle-course-competition-to-take-place-/

Big Up Your Health Club Workout with MTV and Virgin Active

“Virgin Active Health Clubs (http://www.virginactive.co.uk) have teamed up with MTV UK & Ireland, combining modern music and dance with health club fitness to bring the UK the ultimate urban exercise class. MTV Urban Workout is based on the hit US show, Randy Jackson presents America’s Best Dance Crew and is a pulsating mix of break dancing, hip-hop and free running. Taking place at 71 Virgin Active health clubs nationwide, MTV Urban Workout challenges the entire body with emphasis on the kind of core fitness, cardio exercise and upper body work normally associated with a hardcore gym workout. The fitness centre class is made up of four elements starting with a full stretching warm up, followed by the main section of the class where health club members will learn and practice a number of hip-hop, free running and floor-based break dancing moves. The third part of the workout sees the health club class separated into two ‘crews’ for a dance-off before a thorough cool down.”

http://www.prweb.com/releases/healthclub/healthclubclasses/prweb4527684.htm