Bits and Pieces

  • The American Council on Exercise (ACE) announced that Deirdre Kleske has joined ACE as program director for Operation Fit Kids (OFK), ACE's youth outreach program.

  • Life Time Fitness Inc. has added to its branded nutritional offerings with the launch of a line of new Fast Fuel Trail Bars.

  • With the introduction of Harbinger's new Triceps Rope and Ab Straps, the company has expanded into a new market of accessories for weight machines. The Triceps Rope's suggested retail price is $35 and the Ab Straps retail for $70.

  • Omron Healthcare Inc., a manufacturer of healthcare products, is sponsoring a “Fittest Cities” outreach program with Men's Fitness Magazine. The effort encourages people to become aware of their health and fitness, especially in those places named the “fattest cities.” The company said that the goal of the program is to convert Americans to a standard of body composition-based health management, rather than using scales, body weight and caloric-reduction dieting.

  • Chicago-based Lakeshore Athletic Club Downtown has hired Thomas Braun as its new controller. Braun has been the club's racquetball professional since 2001. As controller, Braun will serve as the club's accountant and will be in charge of the financial reporting. Braun was previously an analyst at Cohen Financial.

  • After more than two years of reengineering, VersaClimber has introduced its “new” 2003 108 CM VersaClimber.

  • Bally Total Fitness Holding Corp. has announced that Paul Toback, Stephen C. Swid and Martin Franklin have joined its Board of Directors. Additionally, Bally and Jive Records recording artist Justin Timberlake have teamed up on a new ad campaign featuring the singer's new hit “Rock Your Body.”

    Perform Better has announced the addition of TurfCordz speed and agility training products to its catalog.

    Hampton Fitness Inc. has extended its Dura-Bel line of fixed dumbbells into the barbell market with Dura-Bar. The company has also has updated its Eclipse dumbbell and barbell line with its new patent-pending ergonomic grip, the Snug-Grip.