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21 June 2012 Last updated at 15:32 ET

A television fitness trainer fell to her death at Beachy Head in Sussex after battling drink, drug and personal problems, an inquest heard.

The body of Angie Dowds, of ITV's weight-loss show The Biggest Loser, was discovered at the bottom of the 535ft (163m) cliff in November 2011.

The Eastbourne inquest was told the 42-year-old sent her girlfriend a phone text saying she was "broken hearted".

Assistant deputy coroner Catherine Palmer recorded a verdict of suicide.

She said she was satisfied that although Ms Dowds, of north London, had alcohol and diazepam in her system, her intention to kill herself was clear.

The inquest heard the trainer, who worked on the programme hosted by Davina McCall from 2005, had previously talked about ending her life.

Her brother, Kevin Dowds, saw her the weekend before her death and said he was shocked by the toll drinking had taken on her health.

He added: "I could see the effect of her drinking but at the same time I felt a sense of optimism that she was going to let go of her career and just get well."

Mr Dowds also said she told him she had "had enough" and "I want to go to God" during a phone call two days before she died.

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TV fitness trainer took own life

DALLAS, TX--(Marketwire -06/21/12)- Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas, a Cooper Aerobics company, today announced a $6.5 million renovation to its facility. Cooper Fitness Center helps Dallas-area residents Get Cooperized! by making good health a habit to live better, both sooner and later. The facility will remain open throughout the renovation, which is expected to be complete in March 2013.

"It has been an incredible 40 years since we first opened Cooper Fitness Center," said Kenneth H. Cooper, MD, MPH, Founder and Chairman of Cooper Aerobics. "We have proven the health benefits of physical activity and at Cooper Fitness Center we help people live a long and healthy life to the fullest."

The new facility will expand to 54,000 square feet and include a new main entrance, cycle studio, two mind/body studios for Yoga and Pilates, men's, women's and family locker rooms, retail boutique and a new restaurant. The facility also offers cardio and strength equipment, a three-lane indoor track, a basketball court, a heated 25-yard, six-lane pool and a full day spa. The entire building will offer free high-speed Wi-Fi to members.

"My father changed the face of fitness, and today we are revolutionizing the industry again with a significant renovation to Cooper Fitness Center," said Tyler Cooper, MD, MPH, CEO of Cooper Aerobics Enterprises. "Our expertise, service and programs are unmatched, and this investment to provide an exceptional facility will give members the ultimate fitness experience for the future. Cooper Fitness Center is going to be in the best shape of its life."

The Aerobics Activity Center opened in 1972, helping the public achieve the recommended aerobics points for health. In 1981, a fire sparked overnight and destroyed the original building. The Coopers rebuilt the facility in 1982, opening what is today known as Cooper Fitness Center.

"I am honored to have been a part of the Cooper Aerobics team for more than 40 years," said Roger Staubach, The Cooper Institute Board Member and former NFL Dallas Cowboys quarterback. "I can't imagine Dallas without Dr. Cooper and this exceptional facility. The 'Father of Aerobics' revolutionized fitness and has developed the ultimate health and wellness resource right here in Dallas, Texas."

In addition to a new fitness facility, Dallas residents will also be able to enjoy a new restaurant: Cedars Woodfire Grill. The fast-casual restaurant serves freshly grilled food in a warm, family-friendly setting. Carefully chosen ingredients lead to inspired flavors in the salads, bowls, sandwiches and soups that cost under $10 each.

"There couldn't be a more natural partnership than Cedars and the Cooper organization. We share a mission of wellness, which is why we are opening our first Dallas location at Cooper Fitness Center," said Randy Gier, Founder and CEO of Cedars Woodfire Grill. "At Cedars, we are committed to not only supporting active lifestyles, but fueling them with great tasting, healthy food. You won't find any freezers, fryers or microwaves at Cedars. We cook everything from scratch, using high quality, fresh, natural ingredients."

Cooper Fitness Center's renovation partners include Beck Group as the general contractor, Hudson Lockett as the architect and lauckgroup as the interior designer.

Get the latest updates on the Cooper Fitness Center renovation on the Cooper Aerobics Facebook page. To learn more about Cooper Fitness Center, visit cooperfitnesscenter.com or call 972.233.4832.

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Cooper Fitness Center Begins $6.5 Million Renovation, Giving Dallas the Ultimate Fitness Experience

LONDON, June 20 (Reuters) - UK gym chain Fitness First has avoided administration after creditors backed plans to restructure its lease agreements, the company said, prompting the sale of around half of its UK gyms and a 600 million pound ($942.80 million) debt write off.

Creditors at a meeting on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) - which lets a company with debt problems reach a voluntary agreement with its business creditors over the repayment of that debt.

The CVA enables a rent renegotiation on some of the 79 gyms it is set to keep as prior rent commitments were unsustainable.

Fitness First will now seek to sell 67 of its UK gyms. The sale should happen in the next few weeks and a number of rival gym operators have expressed interest.

The company's wider financial restructuring can also kick in now the CVA has been approved. Lenders which include distressed investment funds Marathon and Oaktree Capital, agreed to wipe out 600 million pounds of debt in return for a 75 percent equity stake. Marathon and Oaktree will acquire the remaining 25 percent by providing a new 100 million pound credit facility.

Fitness First had been struggling to service its debts and breached first-quarter covenants after BC Partners failed to sell parts of the business last year to repay its debt.

Distressed investors were attracted to Fitness First as traditional lenders decided to sell out of the company at a discount after losing confidence in the health club sector, which is suffering in the economic downturn as consumers cut discretionary spending.

KPMG, which is administering the CVA, said it was a vital lifeline to avoid administration and should always offer a better return to creditors. It is estimated around 25 to 35 pence in the pound will be given to compromised landlords via the CVA compared to less than 1 pence if an administration went ahead.

BC Partners bought Fitness First in 2005 for 1.2 billion euros. It tried to float its Australian and Asian operations in Singapore in 2011 but pulled the process due to market volatility. BC Partners will also receive a small upside in the company's equity by receiving warrants to buy shares. ($1 = 0.6364 British pounds) (Reporting by Claire Ruckin; Editing by Jon Loades-Carter)

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RLPC-Fitness First escapes administration

Apps that let friends keep tabs on your health could help you stick to a fitness regimen. But don't overshare.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Editor's note: Brenna Ehrlich and Andrea Bartz are the sarcastic brains behind humor blog and book "Stuff Hipsters Hate." Got a question about etiquette in the digital world? Contact them at netiquette@cnn.com.

(CNN) -- It's summer, and months after you made that vow to finally get fit, healthy and bikini-ready, you're actually going at it, sweating it up at the gym or jogging around your 'hood before work.

After all, your annual Fourth of July my-in-laws-will-judge-how-I-look-in-a-bathing-suit-a-thon is approaching. We support your attempts to live healthily -- really, we do.

But here's the thing: We don't care about your personal mission nearly as much as you do.

Anyone who's seen those peppy late-night infomercials, while fumbling around the bottom of a Lay's bag for the last greasy crumbs, knows that myriad technologies exist to help you get in shape. And there's nothing wrong with tapping into tech's social power to gain support and encouragement as you go from couch potato to stud.

But care must be employed when mixing fitness and social media. Read on for three web/workout Fails, plus better approaches for staying connected as you get there.

Seven tech-behavior faults that aren't so bad

Fit Flop No. 1: Posting the following on Facebook: "The plan: 3-mile run/walk splits on Monday, 45-minute swim on Tuesday, Zumba class plus 20 minutes on the Erg machine on Wednesday, 8-mile bike ride on Thursday, rest on Saturday, Hatha yoga on Sunday. PUMPED for this week!!!"

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Fitness and social media: Don't overdo it

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire -06/20/12)- Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

This July, learn to train like Mo Farah, Phillips Idowu and Louis Smith with the NEW "Athletic Fitness" class at Fitness First. Powered by Lucozade, it is the first class of its kind that brings expertise from iconic athletes to the workout studio. Fitness First have worked with the experts in their respective fields to bring insights from triple jumper Idowu, long distance runner Farah and gymnast Smith, to life. Reflecting the athlete's areas of expertise, the class comprises of three components; endurance, speed and power.

The forty-five minute class is available to all Fitness First members in selected clubs across the UK. Check out the gym membership deals and get signed up - members can expect the following style of class;

Step One: Warm-up A general five minute functional warm up using big moves such as squats, lunges and jumping jacks.

Step Two: Endurance Training & Endurance Competition The instructor will guide on four endurance exercises for eight minutes. All participants in the class take part with muscular endurance exercises. The class is then split into two groups with these groups battling it out for two minutes.

Exercises include: Squat/Lunge combos, side plank into planks, staggered press ups and buddying up for the competitions.

Step Three: Speed training & Speed competition Four speed exercises will be outlined by the instructor which will help the participants be prepared for the speed competition session. As before, the room is split into two, and going head to head the two groups battle it out for another two minutes using the speed exercises.

Exercises include: High knee skips, single leg squat thrusts, sprinter crunches, and buddying up and whole group competitions.

Step Four: Power training & Power Competition Power exercises are key for core and stability training, so these are worked into the final part of the class. Once again, all participants get involved and the groups battle against each other.

Exercises include: Burpee pikes, speed skater jumps, tuck jumps, push press into squats, and whole group competitions.

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World Class Athletes Help to Create New Athletic Fitness Class for Lucozade

ATLANTA, GA and SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire -06/20/12)- With nearly 150 million people in the United States aged 20 and older either overweight or obese, SharecareNow, powered by WCG, today announced the "SharecareNow 10 - Fitness" to recognize the most influential individuals that drive exercise and fitness conversation online, with a goal of creating a healthier nation.

The comprehensive list includes some of the top names in exercise and fitness today, from Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper -- celebrity personal trainers and television personalities known for their role on the show "The Biggest Loser" -- to experts from popular health magazines like Fitness Magazine and Shape, to bloggers sharing their personal fitness stories.

"Learning about the most effective and beneficial physical training activities is essential when developing a personalized fitness program to improve one's lifestyle," said Dr. Mike Clark, chief science officer for Sharecare and chief executive officer of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). "Our hope is that people searching for fitness information online can rely on Sharecare experts and the SharecareNow 10 - Fitness list to determine which fitness solutions are right for them, and how to optimize their fitness goals in order to live healthy and active lives."

Experts agree that adults should spend at least 2.5 hours each week doing moderate-intensity aerobic activities or at least 1.25 hours per week doing vigorous-intensity activities. It is also recommended that children participate in moderate to vigorous activities for at least one hour each day.(1) However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 20.4 percent of American adults aged 18 years and older met the Physical Activity Guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity.(2)

To be included in the SharecareNow 10 - Fitness list, influencers must have demonstrated a consistent impact on fitness-specific conversations online over the past year. An individual's influence is measured and quantified through a proprietary algorithm based on more than 40 individual metrics, including fitness relevance, syndication, presence and reach. These influencers are then ranked from most to least influential based on a unique scoring structure.

The following top influencers make up the SharecareNow 10 - Fitness list:

1. Jillian Michaels - http://www.everydayhealth.com 2. Cassey Ho - http://blogilates.com 3. Sarah Klein - http://www.huffingtonpost.com 4. Karla Walsh - http://www.fitnessmagazine.com 5. Paige Waehner - http://exercise.about.com 6. Adam Bornstein - http://www.livestrong.com 7. Jessica Smith - http://www.shape.com 8. Gina Harney - http://fitnessista.com 9. Bob Harper - http://www.mytrainerbob.com 10. Chris Freytag - http://chrisfreytag.com

A downloadable version of the SharecareNow 10 - Fitness list can be found here: http://www.sharecare.com/static/sharecare-now-fitness-top-ten-infographic. Additional information, including bios and the methodology behind the influencer list, is available at http://now.sharecare.com.

In support of raising awareness around fitness, @SharecareNow will host a Twitter Chat on Friday, June 22nd from 12-2 pm EDT. Participants must use #SCFFheat to participate in the conversation, where fitness experts will answer questions related to physical activities and how to exercise safely in the summer heat.

About SharecareNow, powered by WCGSharecareNow, powered by WCG was developed in partnership with Sharecare, an interactive social Q&A platform, and WCG, a market-leading digital communications agency. Sharecare Now, powered by WCG is an online platform developed to access real-time analytics on various health topics, conversations and influencers, and to use these insights to meaningfully impact the conversation through strategic engagement. The platform allows health and wellness professionals, organizations and brands to leverage the most accurate data, solutions and best practices to participate in the social service of expert health and wellness content and communities.

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SharecareNow Names the Top 10 Influencers of Online Fitness Conversation

The latest generation of high-tech personal fitness devices can help motivate you and improve your athletic performance. "Some of the new gadgets encourage sedentary people to get moving," says Carol Torgan, PhD, a physiologist who consults for the American College of Sports Medicine. "Others boost athletic performance by providing real-time information about target heart rate, running speed, and other parameters."

But with so many gadgets crowding the market, choosing the right one for your workout and style isn't easy. Here are eight types of fitness tools that may help improve your workout.

1. Basic Step Counters (Pedometers)

If you need a little extra motivation to get moving, pedometers that count each step can help. "People are often surprised when they strap on a step counter to see how inactive they are during the day," says Ruth Ann Carpenter, MS, an exercise consultant and co-author of Active Living Every Day. "With a step counter, you can set a goal of how many steps to take every day and track your progress. If you're falling short, you may be motivated to take a walk after dinner instead of watching TV."

Step counters are valuable for people who get their exercise by walking or running. It won't accurately register other exercise, such as bicycling or weight lifting. About 5,000 steps is the minimum you should log in a day. But 10,000 steps is ideal if you want to be active.

The most basic and inexpensive pedometers measure steps only when worn or held in an upright position. More expensive models use tri-axis or 3D technology to record steps no matter how they are positioned, so they tend to be easier to use and more reliable.

2. GPS-Based Fitness Monitors

Some of the latest fitness devices use GPS signals to monitor your exact location. GPS-equipped devices can record how far and how fast you walk or run. You can also use them to chart a path when you're running or walking in an unfamiliar place.

In general, GPS devices are more accurate than basic step counters at estimating the distance you've walked or run.

3. Calorie Counters

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Fitness Tools for Every Athlete

PRESS RELEASE Monday 18 June 2012

Prepare for fitness fever at NZ Fitness Expo

With less than 6-weeks until the launch event NZ Fitness Expo opens its doors to thousands of fitness enthusiasts, professionals and other interested parties, organizers are proud to say theyre thrilled with the response and support from the New Zealand fitness industry.

What started out as an idea on paper a little under a year ago has grown into something huge that will hold its own in the fitness world come July 28-29. Its so exciting to be a part of this industry event and to work with such big fitness brands, says Michael Richardson, Event Director.

We have some of the biggest names in the business actively supporting this event. Les Mills, Zumba and Life Fitness are the Presenting Sponsors and another 70 leading brands will be there to showcase the latest and most innovative products and fitness trends from around the world.

Fitness sectors represented are: consumer and commercial gym equipment, gym facilities, personal and group fitness programs, training aids and accessories, performance sports apparel, workout wear, sports supplementation, professional services, career opportunities and more.

There is an impressive line up of exciting stage demonstrations, live performances, industry competitions, workshops, free fitness classes, educational seminars and workshops over two exhilarating days.

And to top it off, we can now officially announce some of the international fitness celebrities that will be at there. Forrest Griffin one of the most popular UFC fighters of all time, and fresh from his UFC trilogy bout with Tito Ortiz in Las Vegas on July 7 will be at the NZ Fitness Expo for autograph signings with sponsor BSN. International Fitness Model, Laura Prestin, will also be appearing throughout the Show with sponsor Gaspari. Recently winning First Place at the Quebec Championships and earning her pro card, Laura has the fitness competitive world well in her stride. International Fitness Model and IFBB Professional Figure competitor, Raechelle Chase, is hosting the Raechelle Chase Fitness Model Search with 45 of the fittest female fitness enthusiasts from across New Zealand and Australia. All competing to become New Zealands next top fitness model the ultimate celebration of female fitness. The NZ Fitness Expo will be held at the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland from Saturday 28th Sunday 29th July, just as the world awakens to the 2012 London Olympics. Key Features and Highlights:

Forrest Griffin popular UFC Fighter and overall winner of the 2005 TV Reality programme, Ultimate Fighter, will be signing autographs at the Show with sponsor BSN.

International Fitness Model Laura Prestin in attendance throughout the Show for autographs with sponsor Gaspari.

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Prepare for fitness fever at NZ Fitness Expo

One of the nation's largest fitness chains is about to gobble up one of Tampa Bay's most popular gyms: LA Fitness has reached a deal to acquire St. Petersburg-based Lifestyle Family Fitness.

The terms of the deal for the 33 Lifestyles locations in Florida were not disclosed, according to Club Industry, the trade publication that first reported the deal on Monday.

"The transaction is subject to various closing conditions," LA Fitness said in a statement to the magazine. "While the parties are hopeful that the transaction will be completed within the next several weeks, there can be no assurance as to when or whether a closing will occur."

Neither officials from LA Fitness nor Lifestyle returned repeated calls for comment from the Tampa Bay Times. Nor did the companies make any announcements on their respective websites or through social media.

That left Lifestyle's employees and patrons in Tampa Bay with plenty of questions and no answers: What will happen to their jobs, their memberships, their gyms?

"My wife is not happy," said retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Potridge, 46, who hoped to find an open treadmill late Monday. He and his wife work out at the St. Petersburg Lifestyle at 5900 Fourth St. N.

"Her main reason for coming is the classes," Potridge said. "She's heard that LA Fitness doesn't have the same ones."

Indeed, Stuart Goldman, an industry analyst and managing editor of Club Industry, said that the two fitness chains are dissimilar: Lifestyle is known for bigger facilities that hold more fitness classes; LA Fitness is known for having smaller buildings with fewer offerings.

There's also bound to be confusion ahead for Lifestyle members. That's what happened to Bally Total Fitness members when LA Fitness acquired the chain last year. Bally members even filed suit in federal court claiming that LA Fitness would not honor their lifetime memberships.

"You have a lot of members wondering, 'Am I being transferred to the nearest LA Fitness? How are my rates going to change?' " Goldman said. "It's going to be a long process. I can see where a lot of members won't be happy."

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Lifestyle Family Fitness members left without answers as LA Fitness prepares to buy chain

SHERWOOD, Ark., June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Viewers of ABC's "Secret Millionaire" Sunday night were undoubtedly moved as they watched the co-founders of Anytime Fitness pour their hearts out, and open up their wallets, after learning about economic and other challenges faced by countless children in Oklahoma City, OK. What viewers may not have realized is that more than a dozen of Anytime Fitness' preferred vendors, including ABC Financial, teamed with the world's fastest-growing fitness club chain to provide opportunities and enrich the lives of children for many years to come.

"The young children we met in Oklahoma City are dealing with unbelievable hardships," said Chuck Runyon, Anytime Fitness co-founder and CEO. "Many of them are essentially homeless. Others have educational and nutritional needs that aren't being met. The generosity of companies like ABC Financial will go a long way towards giving these children a better chance to enjoy happy, healthy and productive lives."

Among other things, Runyon and Dave Mortensen, Anytime Fitness co-founder and president, donated an entire Anytime Fitness club to benefit the OKC Youth Wrestling Foundation an organization which mentors underprivileged children with a focus on teaching positive character traits. Twenty percent of the proceeds of the club will go directly to the Foundation, which assists hundreds of children in Oklahoma City each year.

ABC Financial supported Anytime Fitness' efforts by providing a free year of payment processing services to the club. "We are truly honored to have the opportunity to partner with Anytime Fitness in their efforts to empower youth through positive extracurricular activities like those performed at OKC Youth Wrestling Foundation," stated Paul Schaller, ABC Financial President. "By investing in our children, we invest in our future."

"The week we spent with the kids in OKC changed our lives forever," said Mortensen. "As anyone who watched the show could tell, it's tough not to get emotional when you see the challenges that these kids face every day. At the same time, it's incredibly heart-warming to know that there are organizations out there, like OKC Youth Wrestling, that are so dedicated to making a real difference in young people's lives."

The new Anytime Fitness club benefiting the Foundation is located at 7140 NW 23rd Street in Bethany, OK. For more information about how the club and the Foundation are assisting children, or about how you can get involved, contact Tyler Williams at tylerjoewilliams@live.com.

About Anytime Fitness

Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness is now the fastest-growing fitness club franchise in the world, with nearly 1,600,000 members and 2,000+ clubs worldwide. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness prides itself on providing its members with convenient and affordable fitness options in friendly, well-maintained facilities which feature top-quality exercise equipment. Clubs are now open in 49 states, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Grand Cayman, Poland, the Netherlands, Qatar and Japan. Join one club and use them all. Members also enjoy free access to AnytimeHealth.com, the most comprehensive wellness website available.

About ABC Financial

Launched in 1981, ABC Financial has revolutionized software and payment processing for the health and fitness industry. Headquartered in the Little Rock, Ark. area, ABC Financial serves approximately 3,800 health clubs with approximately two million members throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The company's innovative club management software, DataTrak, is the most complete web-based software in the health and fitness industry.

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ABC Financial Teams With Anytime Fitness On ABC's "Secret Millionaire"

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