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