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ACE Study Tests Effectiveness of Zumba Fitness, Confirms Focus on Party Can Be Effective Cardio
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
An independent study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) found that Zumba Fitness burns a significant amount of calories due to its level of cardiovascular intensity, making it an effective way to lose weight and improve aerobic efficiency.
The study, conducted by a team of exercise scientists from the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, sought to determine the average exercise intensity and energy expenditure of participants in a typical Zumba class.
The group dance-fitness program, which reports 12 million class participants in 110,000 locations across 125 countries, was identified as one of the most popular workout programs in ACEs 2012 Fitness Trends to Watch.
Exercise physiologists began the study using a test group of 19 healthy females ranging in age from 18 to 22, all of whom had prior experience in a Zumba class. To establish a baseline of fitness, study subjects each performed a maximal treadmill test to measure their heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption. They then completed a single Zumba class all taught by the same instructor while wearing a heart-rate monitor.
All participants reached a heart rate maximum of 80 percent an average of 154 beats per minute - which is well within industry guidelines suggested to improve cardiovascular fitness. Class participants also burned an average of 9.5 calories per minute.
Thats more calories per minute than power yoga, cardio kickboxing, step aerobics and even advanced Pilates group classes, which were all previously tested by University of Wisconsin La-Crosse researchers.
Just like the participants, we were surprised at how effective Zumba is in terms of its calorie-burning potential, said ACE Chief Science Officer Dr. Cedric Bryant. Zumba has built an entire culture around having fun and engaging participants in this party-like atmosphere, but until now, little research has been conducted to test its effectiveness.
Aside from its calorie-burning potential, Bryant said, Zumba is such a fun and engaging activity that many participants dont even realize theyre expending a high amount of energy.
The participants perceived the workout to be much less challenging than it actually was, which we believe is the sign the fun factor of a Zumba workout provides a positive distraction, Bryant said. The number one reason people give for not engaging in physical activity on a regular basis is the perceived lack of time. I would argue that we find time to do things that we deem fun and engaging.
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ACE Study Tests Effectiveness of Zumba Fitness, Confirms Focus on Party Can Be Effective Cardio
Charter Fitness Hosts St. Jude Fitness Challenge to Benefit Critically Ill Children
CHICAGO, Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Fitness is hosting the St. Jude Fitness Challenge from August 6th through September 28th, 2012 at participating club locations. The eight-week event challenges Charter Fitness members to reach their fitness goals while helping raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to find new treatments for children with cancer and other serious illnesses.
Charter Fitness members can set their goals for weight loss, time worked-out, miles ran or walked or weight lifted over the eight-week period. Friends and family can monitor the member's progress on-line and pledge a monetary donation for each fitness milestone reached.
"Charter Fitness' St. Jude Fitness Challenge is a great way to help our community while helping yourself achieve your fitness goals. It's win-win for everyone," said Dan Collins, Director of Sales, Charter Fitness.
Register for the St. Jude Fitness Challenge online at http://www.charterfitness.com/stjude. The total amount of money raised to benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will be revealed on September 29th, 2012.
Charter Fitness Franchising LLC was recently approved to franchise its Charter Fitness Health Club brand nationally. The Company recently converted 38 Cardinal Fitness locations in Chicago, downstate Illinois and Northwest Indiana to the Charter Fitness brand, increasing the number of clubs to over 40 in five states. It is now the largest health club business in the Chicago, IL metropolitan area, and expects to hire 200 employees over the coming months.
About Charter Fitness Franchising LLC
Based in Orland Park, IL, Charter Fitness Franchising LLC is a health club franchise with over 40 locations in five states. Charter Fitness health clubs offer members a clean, comfortable and convenient workout experience with best-in-class fitness equipment for as low as $10 per month. Charter Fitness strongly believes in community involvement and is a member of the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). http://www.CharterFitness.com
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Charter Fitness Hosts St. Jude Fitness Challenge to Benefit Critically Ill Children
Charter Fitness to Open 14,000 Square-Foot Flagship Facility in Crystal Lake, IL
CHICAGO, Aug. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Fitness is excited to announce the opening a 14,000 square-foot flagship facility at 6308 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, IL. The new Charter Fitness of Crystal Lake is a state-of-the-art facility featuring a new, modern design with more equipment, over 80 cardio machines, upgraded, larger locker rooms, private stretching areas, an expanded personal training studio, and a larger parking lot with easy access. The new club is scheduled to open in late August 2012.
The existing Charter Fitness of Crystal Lake and Charter Fitness of Cary, IL will be relocating to the brand-new flagship facility. In addition, Cardinal Fitness of Woodstock, IL is being acquired by Charter Fitness and will also move to the same flagship facility. All current memberships will automatically transfer to the new club.
"The old Charter Fitness of Crystal Lake is almost six years old. Cary is over seven and Cardinal Fitness of Woodstock is over five years old. We are always looking to provide the very best for our members and upgrading the clubs to a centrally-located, state-of-the-art facility is just one more way we can do that," said Dan Collins, Charter Fitness' Director of Sales.
Free Trial Memberships to the new Charter Fitness of Crystal lake are available on-line at http://www.CharterFitness.com.
Charter Fitness Franchising LLC was recently approved to franchise its Charter Fitness Health Club brand nationally. The Company recently converted 38 Cardinal Fitness locations in Chicago, downstate Illinois and Northwest Indiana to the Charter Fitness brand, increasing the number of clubs to over 40 in five states. It is now the largest health club business in the Chicago, IL metropolitan area, and expects to hire 200 employees over the coming months.
About Charter Fitness Franchising LLC
Based in Orland Park, IL, Charter Fitness Franchising LLC is a health club franchise with over 40 locations in five states. Charter Fitness health clubs offer members a clean, comfortable and convenient workout experience with best-in-class fitness equipment for as low as $10 per month. Charter Fitness strongly believes in community involvement and is a member of the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). http://www.CharterFitness.com
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Charter Fitness to Open 14,000 Square-Foot Flagship Facility in Crystal Lake, IL
Cox Communications Adds Mag Rack Fitness Free Video-On-Demand Exercise and Yoga Titles to On DEMAND Offering
NEW YORK and ATLANTA, Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Mag Rack announced today that Mag Rack's fitness and yoga programming is now available for free to Cox Communications Advanced TV subscribers.
Mag Rack fitness programming includes video titles ranging from Pilates and cardio workouts to kick-boxing and dance-based exercises. Available on Cox's On DEMAND platform, customers have the ability to pause, rewind and repeat these programs as often as they like.
"We are proud to enhance the value of our On DEMAND experience with the addition of Mag Rack Fitness. This new content helps Cox customers to better maximize their time, balance their busy schedules, and support their health and wellness life goals," said Bob Nocera, director of new video services, Cox Communications.
"People are so busy that fitness sometimes takes a back seat," said Joe Covey, CEO of Mag Rack. "Mag Rack is committed to providing viewers with quality exercise programming on demand so we can incorporate fitness into our lives whenever we want it."
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.
Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity seven times, including the last six years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at http://www.cox.com and http://www.coxmedia.com.
About Mag Rack
Available in more than 38 million homes, Mag Rack is a free VOD television network dedicated to helping viewers make the most of life with fitness, health and "how to" content that inspires. Mag Rack is owned by Interactivation, a New York City-based media company. More information is available at: http://www.magrack.com.
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Cox Communications Adds Mag Rack Fitness Free Video-On-Demand Exercise and Yoga Titles to On DEMAND Offering
Anytime Fitness Uses the Olympic Medal Count to Send a Message to Americans About Obesity: Fan Perspective
As I was going through my Twitter feed on August 14th, I came across a tweet from Anytime Fitness that asked a very serious question in light of our success at the 2012 Olympics. The question is one that needs to be addressed in the United States
Anytime Fitness tweeted out, "How can the U.S. be first in gold medals AND first in obesity? We can do better." They also included a link to their new YouTube video titled "Olympic Lessons: We Can Do Better."
In watching the video, they talk about how the Olympics inspired us. But they ask how the most athletic country in the world can also be the least active. They point out how the United States leads the world in adult and childhood obesity.
While this video is designed as a promotion and offers you to come in and receive a free training session with Anytime Fitness, the message they are sending out is an important one. As a country, we need to make fitness a priority and get up and get active. Watching the Olympics on the television is not helping the obesity rate here in the U.S. We need to get back to exercise and physical fitness. We need to get physical education back into schools and get our children off of video games.
But we don't need a gym membership to do it. It can be something as simple as getting the family together and taking a walk around the neighborhood each night. Take the kids down to the local park and play a game of basketball or throw a Frisbee around.
First Lady Michelle Obama has been working to promote this idea through the Let's Move program that was launched on February 9, 2010. The focus of this program is to get kids moving and work to battle childhood obesity.
The Olympics, as well as all of our professional sports teams, show us that as a country, America has some of the top athletes. If these athletes can teach us anything, it is that we all need to take a step toward physical fitness and get active. We don't need to become star athletes, but we do need to focus on getting fit. While we spent the last month supporting our Olympic athletes, it is now time to support our own physical activity and health. So let the Olympic Games inspire you and your family and take a step toward becoming more physically active today.
Deborah Braconnier is a former athlete and avid sports and Olympics fan. She now works as a freelance writer and Featured Contributor for the Olympics and NFL and brings her love of sports to her writing. As a former medical professional, she promotes nutrition and fitness for everyone. Follow her on Twitter @fwcdeborah.
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Anytime Fitness Uses the Olympic Medal Count to Send a Message to Americans About Obesity: Fan Perspective
24 Hour Fitness Congratulates Team USA for Outstanding Performance at 2012 Olympic Games
SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
24 Hour Fitness, the Official Fitness Center Sponsor of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams, is pleased to congratulate Team USA for their incredible performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games - securing 104 medals, including 46 gold, the most won by any country to participate in the Games of the XXX Olympiad.
We are proud to celebrate the United States Olympic Team, especially our own Team 24 Hour Fitness partner athletes, on their achievements during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. From earning the most medals and gold medals, to breaking world records, we share Americas pride for the men and women of Team USA, said Carl Liebert, president and chief executive officer, 24 Hour Fitness. The 500 plus athletes who made up the American delegation have trained hard and proven it worthwhile while being an incredible inspiration for all of us over the past 17 days. It's been a real honor to assist, inspire, and get to know many of them in their quest for success.
During the London 2012 Olympics Games, 24 Hour Fitness partnered with four U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls, including Kerri Walsh, who earned a record-breaking third gold medal in U.S. Womens Beach Volleyball; 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist Tony Azevedo of USA Water Polo; 2008 Paralympic Gold Medalist April Holmes of U.S. Paralympic Track & Field; and Rubin Williams, 24 Hour Fitness employee and USA Track & Field athlete. The company is also a partner of USA Basketball, whose mens and womens teams both brought home gold medals and contributed to the incredible accomplishments of Team USA.
For nearly a decade, the U.S. fitness club industry leader has been a proud official sponsor of the United States Olympic Committee, supporting U.S. Olympic athletes and hopefuls since the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. This year, 24 Hour Fitness provided technical insight and consultation to the USOC to help design and outfit the High Performance Training Facility (HPTC) in London a state-of-the-art training facility where Team USAs athletes trained and prepared to compete for the gold and sent 27 of its top-performing fitness professionals to staff the facility in support of the nations best athletes.
At the start of the 2012 Olympics Games, 24 Hour Fitness announced its continued sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams through the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As part of the renewal, 24 Hour Fitness will:
Through its support of the United States Olympic Committee, National Governing Bodies and Paralympic sports, 24 Hour Fitness is one of the largest supporters of amateur athletics in the country.
About 24 Hour Fitness
Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness is a leading health club industry pioneer, serving nearly four million members in more than 400 clubs across the U.S. Since the first club opened in 1979, the company has been dedicated to helping members change their lives and reach their individual fitness goals. With convenient club locations, personal training services, innovative group exercise classes and a variety of strength, cardio and functional training equipment - 24 Hour Fitness offers fitness solutions for everyone.
Through its support of the U.S. Olympic Committee and many U.S. National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport, 24 Hour Fitness is one of the largest supporters of amateur athletics in the country and will serve as the Official Fitness Center Sponsor of the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. The company is committed to being a good neighbor in its communities via charitable and in-kind donations to groups focused on both helping Americans get healthy and improving youth fitness. The companys national accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, which includes A+ ratings for all club locations across the U.S., demonstrates the organizations ongoing commitment to member satisfaction. Please call 1-800-224-0240 or visit 24hourfitness.com for more information and to find the club nearest you.
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24 Hour Fitness Congratulates Team USA for Outstanding Performance at 2012 Olympic Games
Fitness on the Field
August 13, 2012 - New York-Penn League (NYPL) Hudson Valley Renegades (FISHKILL, NY) - The Hudson Valley Renegades will partner with celebrity personal trainer and fitness author Larysa DiDio on Sunday, August 26 to promote the health and well-being of families throughout the Hudson Valley. DiDio will conduct a 30-minute group "feel good" workout for moms, dads and families on the field following the 1 P.M. game at Dutchess Stadium presented by PFX Gym.
"It was a natural partnership," said Didio. "Baseball provides the perfect medium for helping families and kids get healthier, together." During the post-game workout, the Renegades will also conduct an on-field kickball game led by Renegades mascot, Rascal.
"The Renegades are excited to partner with Larysa on this event," expressed Renegades General Manager Eben Yager. "As a family driven organization, we understand the importance of health, fitness and family involvement and believe this a great opportunity to continue fitness education in the ballpark."
DiDio will be available for a book signing as well as answering fans' questions on fitness, diet and family. Book signing and meet and greet will begin at 12 P.M. and continuing throughout the game. DiDio will also take over the Renegades Facebook page on Monday, August 20 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M to expand fitness and health education.
"Fitness on the Field" will take place Sunday, August 26 as the Hudson Valley Renegades take on the Lowell Spinners at Dutchess Stadium. The first 1,000 kids will receive a Renegades backpack courtesy of New York 529 and K104.
Tickets are available by calling the Hudson Valley Renegades Ticket Office at 845-838-0094 or at hvrenegades.com.
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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Fitness on the Field
Gear: The new crop of 'fitness' bikes
If you're ready to ride a bike for fitness but not ready to hunch over like a Tour de France racer or tackle death-defying single-track trails in the mountains, a single-speed, bulbous-tire beach cruiser won't do. You need a "fitness bike," what the industry now calls the broad category that combines the large, fast-rolling 700-C wheels of road bikes, a tough multi-tread tire and the straight handlebars of a mountain bike. Formerly known as hybrids, these lightweight aluminum-frame bikes have become more refined, stylish and specialized; all work for commuting while sporting varying capabilities for pavement and mild dirt paths. Here are four notable, entry-level 2013 models, each outfitted with mounts for racks and water bottles, and priced so they won't break the bank.
Almost do anything
Specialized CrossTrail: A versatile pavement and dirt-path bike with Shimano Altus 24-speed trigger-shifter gearing, light-duty suspension fork with 60 millimeters (2 inches) of travel, tough multi-belt 38-millimeter-wide tires and anti-numbness platform handlebar grips.
Likes: Rugged, fast and comfortable. Perfect if you ride on the street and well-graded dirt paths. Although not designed for it, the CrossTrail even got me through some rocky single-track trails due to its shock and bulletproof knobby tires. Higher-end models add disc brakes, a lock-out on the fork, internally run cables and better components.
Dislikes: Since the fork tempts you to do challenging trails that you probably shouldn't do, I would have preferred a higher, mountain-bike-style bottom bracket (pedal axel) for rock clearance and a wider frame spacing to accommodate wider tires.
Price: $580 ($630 with disc brakes). (408) 779-6229; http://www.specialized.com
Caffeinated cool
Felt Caf 7: A simple, civilized and stylish road or mild trail bike with 7-speed gearing, a coffee cup holder on the handlebar, a kickstand and several fashion and comfort touches.
Likes: It has a rock-solid feel; a comfortable ride, due to tall, swept-back handlebars; and it's loaded with classy touches, including the frame's intricately shaped top tube, stitched synthetic leather grips and matching seat, and, of course, a cup holder. Designed for ease of use by hassle-averse riders, there's just one twist shifter, no front derailleur, a cushy seat, rubber pedals that can be ridden barefoot and a kickstand. The men's model is all black; the silver women's has a step-through frame. Caf models with up to 24 gears range to $669.
Dislikes: Lack of a double or triple front gear and front derailleur limit the bike's top-end speed, granny-gear hill-climbing ability and commuter potential.
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Gear: The new crop of 'fitness' bikes
READER SUBMITTED: Snap Fitness Celebrating Two Years In Business
Boot Camp Class at Snap Fitness. (Josh Livingston / August 10, 2012)
7:10 p.m. EDT, August 10, 2012
The area has seen fitness centers open and quickly close in the last few years, however since day one Snap Fitness has been embraced as an important member of the community. Livingston thinks it is for many reasons "We are family owned and operated, support local charities like Gifts of Love and events like Avon Days. We also offer a great value during tough times. We are looking forward to what the next couple of years bring."
Snap Fitness Avon is located at 260 W. Main St., Avon, and is part of the Snap Fitness franchise of over 1200 fitness centers. Snap Fitness Avon is a fast, convenient and affordable gym that offers members the ability to work out from 5 a.m. to midnight every day. They also offer one on one personal training, boot camps and nutritional seminars. Visit http://www.snapfitness.com/avonct to learn more about Snap Fitness and why they have quickly become the choice for fitness for residents in Avon, Canton, Simsbury and the entire Farmington Valley.
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READER SUBMITTED: Snap Fitness Celebrating Two Years In Business
Affordable fitness programs can mean happier, healthier staff
We've all heard it before: a healthy worker is a happy worker.
According to the Public health Agency of Canada, a fit workforce leads to lower health-care costs and turnover rates, reduced absenteeism and medical claims, and higher productivity and employee moral.
But in the small business world, there are rarely extra funds kicking around to provide workers with an elaborate, in-house fitness program.
But entrepreneurs need fear not, because according to fitness experts from across the country, keeping your workplace fit doesnt require a lot of cash.
It does, however, require you, the boss, to lead by example, says Nathalie Lacombe, membership and certification director for CanFitPro, a organization the represents Canadian fitness professionals.
"It's actually easier to customize a program for fewer employees," said Lacombe. "You can start by organizing a healthy lunch pot-luck, where everyone brings a dish, and takes the opportunity to discuss their goals, needs and likes and dislikes. The buy-in will be much greater if they came up with the activities themselves."
So if the perks that come with healthy workersreduced absenteeism, higher efficiency, and a generally happier work environment appeal to you, follow these tips from Canadian fitness professionals.
Start small
It doesn't take an in-house fitness facility to kick start an office program. It can all start with the placement of simple items like garbage cans or fax machines, says Melissa Millar, owner of Halifax-based MOTIVA Well being and Fitness. It doesnt require an hour of exercise, just an emphasis on making people active.
"For example, make sure the printer is on the other side of the room, away from where you sit, so you have to stand up and get out of your chair, she says. Things like that, that you don't think about as being exercise, actually make a difference." The human touch
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Affordable fitness programs can mean happier, healthier staff