YMCA Customizes Fitness Program to Prolong Exercise Habits

ALPHARETTA, GA—As many as 65 percent of new gym members drop out in the first six months, according to a 2003 study published in the European Journal of Sports Science. To keep new members motivated, the YMCA launched a Coach Approach program at 15 Ys nationwide. The scientifically based regimen matches the difficulty of workouts with a participant’s tolerance of exercise pain and his or her self-management ability. The wellness directors set exercise goals that are continually modified based on levels of fatigue, stress and exhaustion.

Three Finalists for Ernst & Young Award Come from Fitness Industry

BALTIMORE—Terry Dezzutti, COO of Merritt Athletic Clubs in Maryland; Geoff Dyer, president and CEO of Lifestyle Family Fitness in Florida; and Michael Cassady, president and CEO of GlobalFit in Pennsylvania, were named regional finalists by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2005 Awards in their respective states.

Equinox Fitness Joins Forces with NSCA

NEW YORK – As of June, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is now the certification of choice for personal trainers at Equinox Fitness Clubs, according to an alliance announced last month by Equinox.

TSI Files IPO, Looks for Buyer

NEW YORK--In the past two weeks, Town Sports International (TSI) has made two moves that position it to be bought and/or go public. On June 30, the company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission stating that it was "exploring strategic alternatives" including a possible sale. Late last week, the company filed to hold an initial public offering, after which it would trade on Nasdaq under the symbol CLUB.

Army Participates in World's Largest 10K From Kuwait

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT--About 2,000 service members and civilians participated in versions of the Peachtree Road Race on July 4 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, and on July 3 at Camp Victory, Iraq, and Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.

Sprint Training Has Its Benefits

HAMILTON, ON--Just six minutes of intense exercise a week could be as effective as an hour of daily moderate activity suggests new research, although due to sprint training's intense nature, most laypeople don't have the discipline to keep it up.

Upward Trends Continue for Health Clubs

BOSTON--Membership numbers have grown throughout the U.S. health club industry, according to IHRSA's annual American Health Club Trend Report, which was released in early July by American Sports Data. As of January 2005, membership at U.S. health clubs had reached 41.3 million, an increase of 4.5 percent over the 39.4 million memberships reported the previous year.

Air Force Tweaks Fitness Test

WASHINGTON--Air Force officials are making a few changes to the physical fitness test used to assess the fitness of airmen, according to a recent Air Force report. Changes are to be in place by early September.

Inactivity Plays Role in Adolescent Girl Weight Gain

BETHESDA, MD -- Girls who were inactive during adolescence gained an average of 10 to 15 pounds more than active girls, according to the results of a 10-year observational study of obesity.

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