Fitness Together Helps Clients Fight Disease With Exercise
When Kerry Westfall was diagnosed at age 16 with the rare genetic disorder Friedreich’s ataxia, which had no treatments or cures, the news was devastating. But 15 years later with the debut of his own exercise DVD, he couldn’t be more optimistic. That’s because, at 31, Westfall did the unexpected when he decided to videotape himself exercising.
With the help of Ed Ferrell, who owns a Fitness Together studio in Temecula, Calif., the two put together a fitness schedule that has helped Westfall maintain maximum control over his body in spite of his medical condition. “At Fitness Together, we work with thousands of clients at studios throughout the country, giving everyone a tailored workout with a personal trainer,” Ferrell said. The DVD, entitled “Commit to Your Health,” has become an inspiration for thousands, and was produced to raise funds for the Westfall Foundation (westfallfoundation.org), which plans to aid research for neuromuscular diseases and assist others with the diagnosis. “I just ask for a donation to help my cause,” Westfall said. “The DVD is free.”
Exercise: A Safe Bet to Prevent Falls Among Older People
Exercise programs that lend strength, flexibility and balance might be one of the best ways to prevent falls among people age 65 and older, according to a Cochrane review of more than 100 studies. While a variety of other measures – from pacemakers to vitamin D supplements – might be useful in preventing certain individuals from falling, exercise appears to be the most widely effective strategy for reducing both the risk of falling and the overall number of falls among older people. Each year, about 30 percent of people over age 65 who live outside of assisted care facilities will experience a fall.
BodyScapes Partners With Patriots Cheerleaders
BodyScapes, the parent company to BodyScapes Fitness full-service fitness centers and One2One BodyScapes personal training studios, announced a one-year partnership with the New England Patriots Cheerleaders to be the official physical fitness training centers for the squad. “This partnership happens at an exciting time for us,” said Rob Shapiro, founder of BodyScapes. “Our company is growing, and working with the Patriots Cheerleaders is another way to introduce ourselves to the New England area as a company that offers the highest quality fitness centers and personal training for fitness enthusiasts.”
EAST SHORE ATHLETIC CLUB in Charleston, SC, was named the fifth-fastest growing company in the entire Charleston region by the Charleston Regional Business Journal. The club opened in 1998 and was purchased by current owner Kent Jordan in 2002. The company has 11 locations, which employ more than 220 people throughout the Charleston region, and has increased revenue from 2006 to 2007 by 43.3 percent.
EQUINOX FITNESS plans to actively pursue real estate and expansion opportunities in 2009 and 2010 in major urban markets despite the economic downturn. The company currently has more than 45 locations nationwide, and plans to open several additional new locations this year, including several Pure Yoga studios in New York and Southern California.
HARBOR FITNESS held a week-long fundraising drive in April to raise money for HeartShare Human Service’s Autism Programs in honor of Autism Awareness Month. Harbor Fitness donated all daily and weekly guest fees to the organization, held benefit classes and also sponsored a 5k run.
RETRO FITNESS announced plans to develop 17 new locations throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area over the next three years. The new clubs will be both franchisee and company owned and are expected to employ more than 250 people.
THE SPORTS CLUB CO. reported slightly higher revenue in both the fourth quarter and full year 2008 as compared to the same periods in 2007. Year end operations revenues from 2008 were $63.4 million, compared to $61.7 million from 2007.
Exercise Benefits Patients with Heart Failure
According to a recent study by the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, N.C., aerobic exercise training appears to be safe for patients with heart failure and was associated with a modest reduction in the risk of death and hospitalization, as well as some improvement in quality of life.
75% The percentage of U.S. adults that are predicted to be overweight or obese by 2015, according to the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Researchers have linked the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to the obesity epidemic, which affects two-thirds of adults and increases the risk for adverse health conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
