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GOLD'S GYM OFFERS FREE EXERCISE GUIDE TO SUPPORT AMERICAN DIABETES ALERT DAY

Company Joins Forces with The American Diabetes Association to Raise Awareness for the Role Exercise Plays in Fighting the Disease

03.16.2009

Dallas, TX (March 16, 2009) - In observance of American Diabetes Alert Day, Gold's Gym, the world's leading authority on health and fitness, is reaffirming its commitment to "Fighting Diabetes with Fitness." The company has teamed up with the American Diabetes Association to offer the public a free guide to starting an exercise program, which is a key lifestyle activity that can assist in the prevention and management of the disease.

Diabetes now affects nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States and one in four Americans living with diabetes is unaware that they even have the disease. In addition, 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes, placing them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Most staggering of all, one in three children born today will develop diabetes in their lifetime if present trends continue.

"Studies show that weight management through a program of regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight is the number one lifestyle change people can make to help delay or prevent type 2 diabetes," said Robert Ferguson, Gold's Gym Fitness Institute expert." For those who already have diabetes, the benefits of exercise are just as powerful. In some cases, many people are even able to reduce or eliminate their need for certain medications."

Gold's Gym is encouraging everyone to take a step towards preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes with a free "Getting Fit 101" guide. In addition to providing consumers with the fundamentals to start an exercise program - including setting goals, choosing what to wear, utilizing cardiovascular and strength training techniques and tips on staying motivated - the guide also offers ways to "exercise without exercising." The "Getting Fit 101" guide can be downloaded for free at www.goldsgym.com/healthy/diabetes.php.

"Diabetes is serious and we need to help people understand that ignoring diabetes is risky business," said George Huntley, CPA, Chair, American Diabetes Association. "We appreciate Gold's Gym for joining the American Diabetes Association in the fight against diabetes and for their efforts to help people understand their risk factors for diabetes and the importance of lifestyle behaviors that can help in the prevention and management of diabetes."

The American Diabetes Association's American Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day wake-up call to the nation that encourages all Americans to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are in danger of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk test shows individuals whether they are at low, moderate, or high risk for type 2 diabetes by asking questions about age, family history and other potential risk factors. The test is free and is available online at www.diabetes.org/risk or by calling 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) in both English and Spanish.

About Gold's Gym
Established in Venice, Calif. in 1965, Gold's Gym is the largest full service gym chain in the world with over 675 locations in 43 states and 30 countries. Gold's Gym offers the latest equipment and services, including group exercise, personal training, cardiovascular equipment, group cycling, Pilates and yoga. With nearly 3.5 million members worldwide, Gold's Gym helps all kinds of people achieve their individual potential through fitness.