• Michael J. Gerend is the new president of Life Time Fitness, Eden Prairie, MN, according to an announcement from the company. Gerend had been chief operating officer with the company since March 2003. He will continue in that role in addition to serving as president. Prior to Gerend's appointment as president, Bahram Akradi had served in that role as well as in the chairman and chief executive officer positions. Akradi will continue in those two positions.In a statement, Akradi said that Gerend had enhanced the company's operations performance measurement systems and successfully implemented many critical strategies and improvements in key areas of member experience and operational excellence.

  “With his much deserved appointment, I will now be able to sharpen my focus on leading our overall, long-term company vision, strategy and development,” Akradi says.

  Beyond Gerend's COO responsibilities, he will also oversee Life Time Fitness club operations and club leadership. He will also directly manage Life Time University.

• Florida-based CSX railroad has opened an employee fitness center at its offices in downtown Indianapolis, according to The Indianapolis Star. The 4,861-square-foot facility will serve the building's 90 employees and their families and will be staffed by a nutritionist and a trainer. CSX spokesperson Garrick Francis tells the newspaper that the company is building similar fitness centers at its other facilities across the nation as part of a health and wellness push for its workforce.

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