Cybex International, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter Results CYBI +22.37%

Click here for full story:Cybex International, Inc. CYBI +22.37% , a leading U.S. manufacturer of premium exercise equipment, today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2011. Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2011 were $43.1 million compared to $39.9 million for the corresponding 2010 period, an 8% increase. The Company reported net income of $34.7 million, or $2.03 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($57.1) million or ($3.34) per diluted share, reported for the corresponding 2010 period. The 2011 and 2010 results include a 2010 litigation charge pertaining to the jury verdict in the product liability suit, Barnhard v. Cybex International, Inc., and the 2011 adjustments to the charge relating to the settlement of the suit. Net income for the quarter excluding these charges and adjustments was $2.7 million or $0.16 per fully diluted share for 2011 and $1.5 million or $0.09 per fully diluted share for 2010. For the year ended December 31, 2011, net sales were $140.1 million compared to $123.0 million for 2010, a 14% increase. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $34.3 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($58.2) million, or ($3.40) per diluted share, for 2010.

     The 2011 and 2010 results include the litigation charge, and adjustments related to the charge, which increase (decrease) the 2011 and 2010 full year results by $1.76 and ($3.43) per diluted share, respectively. Net income excluding these charges and adjustments were $4.1 million or $0.24 per fully diluted share for 2011 and $0.4 million or $0.03 per fully diluted share for 2010. Cybex also announced that it has increased the limits of its product liability insurance coverage to $25,000,000 for claims brought after December 1, 2011. "We are pleased to report strong sales growth in all market segments in Q4," said John Aglialoro, Cybex Chairman and CEO. "Sales in North America increased 3% and sales outside North America increased 20% for the fourth quarter. Importantly, we accomplished these results during a time of global economic uncertainty while confronting an unfair and excessive jury verdict which is now behind us. Our growth is a testament to the health of the company and the value customers have for our innovative and superior products." Art Hicks, Cybex President and COO stated, "Operating income, excluding the impact of litigation charges, increased 40% in Q4 2011 compared to Q4 2010. We are excited to introduce our new Arc Trainer models and new entertainment displays at the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) trade show in March." The Company will hold a conference call today, February 15, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. ET.

    Those who wish to participate in the conference call may telephone (888) 401-4685 from the U.S. or (719) 325-2122 for international callers. A live webcast of the conference call will be available at www.cybexintl.com or www.viavid.net . On Cybex's website under the category Company, click on Press, scroll to the bottom and select Q4 Earnings Release Conference Call. Please visit the website at least 15 minutes early to register for the teleconference webcast and download any necessary software. Real Player or Windows Media Player is required to listen to the webcast. A replay of the call will be available through Saturday, February 25, 2012 by dialing (877) 870-5176 or (858) 384-5517 for international callers. The access code for the replay is 9476085.

    About Cybex Cybex International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment primarily for commercial use. The Cybex product line, including a full range of strength and cardio training machines, is designed using exercise science to reflect the natural movement of the human body. Led by the Cybex Research Institute, Cybex fitness equipment is engineered to produce optimal results for users from the first-time exerciser to the professional athlete. Cybex products, designed and built in the USA, are available for a wide range of facilities, from commercial health clubs to home gyms, and are sold in more than 85 countries worldwide. For more information on Cybex and its product lines, visit the Company's website at www.cybexintl.com . This news release may contain forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the statements made above.

      These include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company to comply with the terms of its credit facilities, competitive factors, technological and product developments, market demand, economic conditions, and the resolution of litigation involving the Company. Further information on these and other factors which could affect the Company's financial results can be found in the Company's previously filed Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, its Reports on Form 10-Q, its Current Reports on Form 8-K, and its proxy statement dated April 14, 2011.

Now, she said she's aggravated she can't start her workouts at Powerhouse!

BATON ROUGE, LA - Signs promoting a $1 enrollment fee and $20 per month membership plans at Powerhouse Gym have been up for months on South Sherwood Forest Boulevard.The brand new gym was set to have a Jan. 13 grand opening. One member, who asked not to be identified, signed up in October. "We thought, 'Okay, three months it'll be ready,'" the woman said. "New Year's resolution, you know, get in shape. Well, New Year's came around. They didn't open." She said she paid $59 up front and some of her friends paid up to $700 for a full year's membership. Now, she said she's aggravated she can't start her workouts at Powerhouse. The woman is not alone. Dozens of people are taking their frustrations to the gym's Facebook page.Randy Young, the gym's general manager, said delays like this are normal."This will be my 109th gym," he said. "The original day was January 13th. The average gym in America opens between three months and six months late." The construction was on target for the January opening, according to Young, but problems with contractors slowed things down."When we first started the project we started with a contractor that was going to be a partner. [We] had problems with that contractor. He was building without permits," Young explained.City records show the department does not currently have permits on file to continue building Powerhouse Gym and in December, a stop-work order was issued.Young said he will have permits in the next couple of days and the gym should open in 30 days. That's two months after paid members planned to break a sweat in the gym. "You have other gyms in the area that have opened up in less time than this one has," one member said. "It was supposed to be a state-of-the-art place. I ain't seen it."Powerhouse insists the gym will be worth the wait and invited the news crew to tour the facility in the next couple of weeks to show progress. Young said members will not be billed until the gym open http://www.wafb.com/story/16929444/contact-9-powerhouse-gym?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6738801

Gold’s Gym Opens Valencia Presale Office

Gold’s Gym is opening a 5,000-square-foot preview center in Valencia today as it readies its new 35,000-square-foot location at Westfield Valencia Town Center to open later this summer. The preview center is open for the local community to stop by and sign up for a special membership rate and workout. Scheduled to open in August 2012, the new Gold’s Gym will be home to the cardio and weight equipment that includes individual LCD screens, iPod docking stations and a cardio movie theater, where members can watch films while working up a sweat. Members can also take advantage of strength-training equipment, a heavy-bags area, 25-meter outdoor pool, tanning center, jacuzzi and whirlpool, as well as personal training, men and women’s eucalyptus steam and sauna areas, a supplement store, kid’s club, pro shop and a selection of group-exercise classes. “We encourage everyone to stop by and check out our preview center to take advantage of our exceptional promotional rates and get a good feel for what’s to come,” said Rich Drengberg, vice president of sales and marketing for the Los Angeles’ Gold’s Gyms. Gold’s Gym preview center is located in the Westfield Valencia Town Center at 24201 W. Valencia Blvd., Suite 2065.

Gold's Gym International Acquires 11 Spectrum Athletic Club Locations in San Antonio

Gold's Gym International Gold's Gym International (GGI), the world's leading authority on health and fitness, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire all 11 Spectrum Athletic Club locations in the San Antonio area. The deal is officially slated to close by the end of February 2012. With 9 clubs already serving residents throughout the market, Gold's Gym will now have a total of 20 locations in the Alamo City. "We are thrilled to bring these 11 Spectrum Athletic Clubs into the Gold's Gym family and feel this acquisition was a natural fit," said Jim Snow, president of Gold's Gym International. "Both of our organizations are built around a strong culture of service and a brand promise of delivering an outstanding fitness experience to our members. With 20 locations to choose from, it will now be more convenient than ever for San Antonio residents to stay in shape and reach their fitness goals. No matter where you live, chances are there's now a Gold's Gym right around the corner." As part of the deal, the 11 Spectrum Athletic Clubs will rebrand under the Gold's Gym name. All current Spectrum memberships will be honored. In addition to having future access to current Gold's Gyms in San Antonio, Spectrum members will gain travel privileges to Gold's Gym's network of 700 gyms in 43 states and 30 countries. For Gold's Gym members, plans are being developed for a tiered membership option that would allow access to former Spectrum locations. "We're confident that our members and our employees will be in good hands and will continue to enjoy the high level of service they've come to expect from us," said Bud Rockhill, chief executive officer of Spectrum. "We think it's a great fit and that the transition will be seamless. This deal will allow us to strategically invest in our twelve Spectrum locations in Southern California, a business that we will continue to operate going forward." Spectrum members will now be serviced by a strong ownership group with years of award-winning customer service experience. GGI is one of the largest and most respected companies in the fitness industry. Founded in 1965, the company has more than 47 years experience delivering life-changing results for its members and is universally perceived as the authority in fitness. In addition, GGI has invested heavily in club enhancements and development in recent months. This includes investing more than $20 million in club improvements, new gym development, franchise growth and acquisitions, all of which demonstrate the momentum behind the company. The company plans to build additional gyms in San Antonio. "We are very bullish on San Antonio. It has truly become a fitness-conscious city in recent years and the demand for health and fitness services has grown rapidly," continued Snow. "This acquisition is a testament to our enthusiasm about the city and its potential. San Antonio is now the biggest market in our corporate portfolio and the second biggest Gold's Gym market in the country, right behind Washington, D.C. We look forward to growing with the San Antonio community for years to come." Spectrum was advised by Integrity Square LLC, with legal advice from Burr & Forman LLP. About Gold's GymEstablished in Venice, Calif. in 1965, Gold's Gym is the largest full service gym chain in the world with more than 700 locations in 43 states and 30 countries. Gold's Gym offers the latest equipment and services, including group exercise, personal training, cardiovascular equipment, group cycle, Pilates and yoga. With nearly 3 million members worldwide, Gold's Gym helps all kinds of people achieve their individual potential through fitness. For more information please visit www.goldsgym.com or www.facebook.com/goldsgym. About Spectrum Spectrum Clubs, Inc. is one of the most respected fitness companies in the United States, with twelve premium locations in Southern California. With roots that trace back to 1979, Spectrum offers spacious, modern facilities, highly trained staff, the latest in fitness equipment, high-end amenities and a full range of fitness programming. Spectrum prides itself in providing a fitness experience designed to help its members achieve their individual goals. www.spectrumclubs.com SOURCE Gold's Gym International

World Gym Announces Plans to Expand to China

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World Fitness Asia Limited (WFAL), the largest fitness operator in Taiwan has announced it will launch its first mainland China club this year, with plans to open an additional 100 stores within five years. “We have obtained a dominant position in our market (Taiwan) making it relatively easy to expand rapidly in greater China,” said John Caraccio, WFAL founder and President. WFAL currently operates 24 fitness clubs in Taiwan, and plans to double that number within the next two years, said Michael Sanciprian, CEO and partner of WFAL. WFAL plans to target 16 cities in China in which to expand, with per capita middle class incomes of $16,425 — such as Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen. Citing the lack of a dominant competitor in China and high consumer growth rates as the motivation for expansion, Sanciprian speculated that today’s Asian consumers were slowly becoming American-style consumers. “Today’s Asian consumer spends just as much on monthly dues, personal training and retail items as their counterparts in the U.S.,” said Sanciprian. WFAL opened its second “World Gym Elite,” — a more exclusive club than regular WFAL centers — in Taipei, Taiwan in February 2012, following the success of the first location in Taipei’s 101 Building, the world’s second tallest building. “The Taipei 101 club put us on the map in Asia, since so many Asian tourists pass through there every day, especially from mainland China,” said Sanciprian. “It’s become a natural extension that we go into China, given the language and cultural similarities with Taiwan.”  WFAL memberships cost between $45 and $65 per month depending on the location, and average about $97,000 in monthly revenue for personal training per club.


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Family may sue in Gold's Gym death

COLONIE, NY - The family of the man who died after he was tased by Colonie police has indicated they may sue the city. Their attorney confirms to NEWS10 that the family of Chad Brothers has filed a notice of claim, a necessary step before a lawsuit can be filed. The town and the Colonie Police Department are named.

NEWS10 was first to show you the surveillance video from October, of 32-year-old Brothers on what police call a "drug-fueled tirade," at Gold's Gym in Latham.

Brothers was tased multiple times and later died. A toxicology report shows he had steroids and PCP, in his system. The Colonie Town Attorney says the town is prepared to defend itself against any lawsuits.

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Anytime Fitness CEO’s Book: “Working Out Sucks”

Chuck Runyon’s new book acknowledges that “working out may suck,” but it cites alternatives like heart disease, diabetes, and less sex as much worse. Health Club News: .... Brought to you by courtesy of http://fitnesslifemarketing.com/


A new book by Chuck Runyon, CEO and co-founder of Hastings-based Anytime Fitness, LLC, hit bookstore shelves Tuesday—and it poses some provocative questions about staying fit. The book’s title starts out with a statement that one might not expect from the chief executive of a fast-growing fitness center franchise, but the complete title offers more insight into the book’s content: It’s called Working Out Sucks! (And Why It Doesn’t Have To): The Only 21-Day Kick-Start Plan for Total Health and Fitness You’ll Ever Need.According to a company press release, Runyon’s philosophy acknowledges that “working out may suck,” but he cites alternatives like heart disease, diabetes, and less sex as much worse. He also asks readers to ponder provocative questions such as, “Should parents of fat kids go to jail?” and “Is money allergic to fat people?” All proceeds from the book go to Limbs for Life, an Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based nonprofit that provides prosthetic care to individuals who are unable to afford it. Watch the video trailer below to learn more about the book. Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness now has more than 1,700 clubs and 1.3 million members worldwide. The company was featured as one of Twin Cities Business’ “Small Business Success Stories” in 2009, and it has recently been expanding rapidly. The franchise announced earlier this week that it has expanded to the Middle East.

IHRSA Announces Annual List of Health Club Trends for 2012

Click Here For Full Story By working with its global membership base of over 10,000 club and fitness businesses, examining industry research, and monitoring consumer fitness behaviors, IHRSA has identified the most significant trends health club goers will see over the next 12 months.A quick listing of the trends is below or read the complete explanation of each trend.


#1: More People Working Out in Clubs Club membership has increased more than 10% over the past three years despite the poor economy...


#2: Specific Programming and Certifications for Baby Boomers


As people age, strength, balance and functional training become even more important...


#3: Youth Programming


Health club members under the age of 18 grew from 3.8 million in 2007 to 6.1 million in 2010...


#4: Social Exercise


People want to have fun, experience great music, share the group "high"...


#5: Small Group Personal Training


Over 91% of the IHRSA clubs surveyed offer personal training, however the growth in training has not come from one-on-one training...


#6: Technology


Whether you want to track your mileage, speed, number of workouts, calorie burn, or strength level, there is an app for that...


#7: Convenient Fitness Options


A gym visit is not the only to-do on most people's calendars...


#8: Corporate Wellness Benefits


Employers are increasingly aware that a fitness benefit creates a happier, more productive work force, reduces employee health care expenses...


#9: Body Weight Exercise


Body-weight leverage equipment has become a must-have in many gyms...


#10: Physician Prescribed Exercise


Physicians are just beginning to prescribe the real wonder drug...

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LA Fitness Grants National Access, Bally Members Drop Lawsuit Threat

It appears that lifetime Bally Total Fitness members, who originally appeared to have been left out in the cold after their clubs were purchased by LA Fitness earlier this month, will have a place to work off the holiday pounds after all. According to a statement posted on the LA Fitness website late last week and follow-ups from Patch to previously unhappy customers, the company has doubled down on its decision to honor lifetime agreements, now to the satisfaction of almost all those affected.

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Arrested at the health club after groping an employee's genitals in a nearby parking lot one day earlier.

A 67-year-old Chicago male and regular patron of LA Fitness, 1618 Sherman Ave., was arrested Tuesday at the health club after groping an employee's genitals in a nearby parking lot one day earlier. The employee, a 23-year-old Chicago resident who works at LA Fitness, said the suspect approached him in the nearby parking lot late Monday night, Evanston Police Department spokesman Cmdr. Jay Parrott said.

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L.A. Fitness buys old Malio's block for $4.8 million

One of Tampa's most coveted pieces of property will go from selling steaks and cocktails to helping people burn off calories. The former Malio's Steakhouse at 301 S. Dale Mabry Highway has officially been sold to L.A. Fitness of Irvine, Calif., which plans a multi-story fitness complex. Sales price: $4.8 million, according to county records.Health Club News: .... Brought to you by courtesy of http://fitnesslifemarketing.com/

Gold's Gym Grand Opening Another Brand New Location

RICHLAND, Wash.—After a few delays, the grand opening of the Gold's Gym in Richland is only a week and a half away. They plan to open their doors January 24th. The new facility is off Duportail Street and Queensgate in Richland. It will be 13,000 square feet bigger than the Kennewick gym and have a few more amenities."We're offering a new hot yoga studio in there which is fantastic. I'm very excited for it. We're offering additional acquetball courts, a different style of cardio pieces with additional technologies, just a few more up grades," say Jon Evans, Director of Fitness. The official opening date is January 24th. 

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1 dead, 1 wounded outside Texas fitness center

SAN ANTONIO   - San Antonio police have detained a suspect in the fatal shooting of a fitness center worker and the critical wounding of the victim's girlfriend outside the club. Police Chief William McManus says investigators believe a Planet Fitness member, who allegedly opened fire Sunday night in a parking lot, wanted to date the woman but she wasn't interested. She also works at the center. Police obtained club records to help locate the suspect early Monday at an apartment complex. Further details on him were not immediately released.McManus says the woman was shot multiple times and has been taken to a hospital. Her name and more details on her condition were not immediately available Monday. Her boyfriend was dead at the scene of the shootings, around 7:15 p.m. Sunday.

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L.A. Fitness Buys Out Bally In Michigan

DETROIT (WWJ) – You won’t see any more Bally Total Fitness Clubs in Michigan. The 12 Bally locations in Metro Detroit are being converted to L.A. Fitness clubs under a deal announced Thursday. California-based L.A. Fitness acquired 171 clubs from Bally, which will no longer have any locations in Michigan. L.A. Fitness already has six clubs in Southeast Michigan — in Bloomfield Hills, Livonia, Royal Oak, Southfield, Troy and Warren. Bally will continue to operate 100 clubs in other states

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Covering Gym Fees Might Be Money Saver for Medicare

Paying the gym-membership fees of seniors joining private Medicare supplemental insurance plans -- which by law cannot deny coverage based on illness -- attracts healthier adults, potentially saving the U.S. insurer money, a new study suggests.Analyzing 22 Medicare Advantage plans, including half that added fitness club memberships and half that didn't, Brown University researchers found that plans with fitness benefits had 6 percent more seniors who reported being in excellent or very good health. The number of new enrollees in such plans reporting activity limitations was 10.4 percent lower, and those reporting difficulty walking was 8.1 percent lower than in plans not offering gym memberships."Insurance companies are at risk for paying for all covered services, so there's a strong financial incentive to enroll people who are healthy rather than those who are sick," said study co-author Dr. Amal Trivedi, an assistant professor of health services, policy and practice at Brown.Obviously, covering gym memberships costs money, so there's a calculus between [that] versus attracting healthier enrollees," Trivedi added. "What this suggests is that offering gym memberships is an attractive business proposition."The study is published Jan. 12 in the New England Journal of Medicine.Medicare is the U.S. government's health insurance program for people 65 and older. Medicare Advantage plans, which are administered by private insurers approved by Medicare, offer coverage for extra services such as vision, hearing, dental and/or prescription drugs. The plans must accept all applicants, but individual premiums are risk-adjusted based on pre-existing medical conditions. Sicker applicants, therefore, pay higher premiums than healthier ones.Coverage of fitness clubs jumped significantly in the past decade. Looking at 101 Medicare Advantage plans from 2002 to 2008, the researchers found that the number offering gym memberships jumped from 14 to 58. "That's a fourfold rise, which I suspect is even higher now," said Trivedi, noting that more than 300 total Medicare Advantage plans are currently available. "I think the magnitude of the effect was surprising to us, and this is a topic that was not studied before."Trivedi, who also practices at the VA Medical Center in Providence, R.I., and co-author Alicia Cooper also obtained data from the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey -- which collects information such as health, social and demographic status from a random sample of beneficiaries. The sample included nearly 5,000 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries ages 65 and older in 11 plans that added fitness-membership benefits in 2004 or 2005 along with 11 plans that did not.Dr. Tamara Kuittinen, director of medical education in the department of emergency medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said some private insurance plans covering all ages also offer gym memberships, which she compared to a "carrot on a stick to living healthily.""Aging is a complicated process, but I think [this practice is] a positive incentive for those who, say, need to join a gym or talk to their doctor about staying healthy," she said. "Studies show if you're active in your senior years, you live longer. It improves mental health as well as physical health." By Maureen Salamon



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LA FITNESS NEWS: Blockbuster deal will change the landscape of the health club industry

The LA Fitness acquisition of Bally marks the second big deal in the industry in the past four days.



                      LA Fitness, Irvine, CA, is acquiring 171 clubs from Bally Total Fitness, Chicago, for $153 million, the companies announced today. The blockbuster deal will change the landscape of the health club industry.The acquisition involves Bally clubs in 16 states plus the District of Columbia. The deal is expected to be completed on Nov. 30. After completion of the transaction, Bally will continue to operate its remaining 100 clubs.

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LA FITNESS NEWS: Blockbuster deal will change the landscape of the health club industry

LA Fitness, Irvine, CA, is acquiring 171 clubs from Bally Total Fitness, Chicago, for $153 million, the companies announced today. The blockbuster deal will change the landscape of the health club industry. The acquisition involves Bally clubs in 16 states plus the District of Columbia. The deal is expected to be completed on Nov. 30. After completion of the transaction, Bally will continue to operate its remaining 100 clubs. Click Here For Full Story.

Story By Stuart Goldman.

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I Will Weight Loss Studio Sales Manager Needed Located At Gold's Gym Anderson,SC

Realistically earn between 2k to 3k per month with a guaranteed base, plus healthy commission and profit bonus structure.

I Will Weight Loss Coaching Center located inside Gold's Gym in Anderson, SC is seeking a highly motivated, hard working, fitness and weight loss minded sales manager with experienced closing skills plus the ability to work morning and evenings with the afternoons and weekends off. You will work as a sales manager implementing a proven weight loss system with the necessary sales tools to make you successful.

• Must have a passion for sales and fitness.
• Must enjoy helping people improve their health and lose weight.
• Must posses strong self management skills.
• Must be able to turn incoming phone calls into new clients.
• Must not be afraid to speak with current members and new guest.
• Must be able to meet very reasonable sales goals each month with no excuses
• Must be able to stay self motivated without having someone over seeing you each day.
• Must be the type that works harder if you are projecting to not reach your current goal.
• Must be drug and alcohol free.
• Be your own boss!
• Drug-free workplace.
• Background screen and good sales manager references required.

Call Greg Smith 1-864-221-7710

At The Anderson, SC Location

Resume Not Required

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NYC health club member sues for $230K over what he says was broken promise of free breakfast

NEW YORK — A lawyer says there’s no such thing as the free breakfast promised by a high-end New York City health club, and he says he should get more than $200,000 for the missing meals.Richard Katz says in a fraud suit made public Wednesday that the Setai Club told him in December 2009 that his $5,000-a-year membership included a “full complimentary breakfast.” The suit says the free fare stopped flowing in August 2010, and the club wouldn’t return his money.Club representatives and Katz didn’t immediately return calls Wednesday night.He’s demanding $230,000 in damages over the breakfasts and $500,000 for what he calls a libelous comment by a Setai worker.The club is a block from Wall Street. Its website boasts amenities including “complimentary breakfast” at a chic neighboring eatery.

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Health clubs scramble for Cardinal Fitness customers

 
A marketing free-for-all has broken out among health clubs after Cardinal Fitness abruptly closed six of its Indianapolis locations Tuesday and Wednesday.Using social media, phone blitzes and news releases, area fitness facilities are trying to lure the hundreds of people who no longer have a gym to call their own.The weeding out of half of the 12 Cardinal Fitness workout places in the metro area was a result of a weak economy, in which gym memberships are seen as a luxury, and a congested market with too many clubs chasing too few workout enthusiasts."We just couldn't get membership where we needed. Those six locations were struggling, and they were taking down the other six. We had to make some hard decisions," said Maribeth St. Pierre, project manager for Black Diamond, Wash., businessman John Bahlenhorst, who owns the six remaining Cardinal Fitness facilities in Indianapolis, two others in Indiana and five in Wisconsin.The LA Fitness chain bought the memberships of the closed Cardinal Fitness facilities for a price that barely covered the final payroll at the six closed clubs, St. Pierre said."They (LA Fitness) promised to honor all contracts as written. It's the best deal we could get for our members," she said.But other health clubs quickly began angling to sign on the former Cardinal Fitness members by offering special deals.Westview Healthplex Sports Club offered to waive its enrollment fee and give a month's free use of its club. The JCC Indianapolis on the Northside and Family Fun & Fitness on the Far Eastside dangled similar incentives."We are doing a lot of social media promotion" on Facebook and Twitter, said Devon Brown, manager at Family Fun & Fitness, which had already signed up several Cardinal Fitness members by Wednesday afternoon.A winnowing out of health clubs was expected in a market that has seen the number of fitness facilities more than triple in the past 13 years, to the current number of slightly more than 100, said Kent Allison, director of membership services at Westview Healthplex, which opened 13 years ago.In the past two years, he said, as new chains such as LA Fitness and Planet Fitness opened in Indianapolis, "none of us has really seen an influx of new membership," he said. "We're borrowing and taking from the other clubs."Matt Peterson, 47, a prison chaplain, found his Cardinal Fitness club in Broad Ripple locked Wednesday when he went to work out."I can understand, given the economy the way it is," he said. But "it would have been nice to have known" that the closing was coming, he said.Another jilted member, Brad Parisey, said he rushed to put a hold on the automatic $20 monthly payment to Cardinal Fitness from his checking account, only to be told by his bank that it would charge a $33 fee for a stop order. Parisey elected to monitor his bank account closely to make sure Cardinal doesn't continue to withdraw the $20.John Good, manager of the East Washington Street Cardinal Fitness site, said he was trying to reassure members that his location remains open, despite reports that all local Cardinal Fitness clubs had closed.

"It's been phone call after phone call," Good said.

Star reporter Jeff Swiatek

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Virgin Active's New Campaign Uses Jane Fonda's Pictures

Virgin Active, a popular Health Club all over the world, opens its awesome campaign for RetroAerobics. And for their massive promotion, the club was able to convince Harry Langdon, a popular photographer, to use Jane Fonda’s Retro pictures. Fonda’s pictures were taken during the 80’s when she was about to release a book about health and fitness. Because of its creativity, retro aerobics has been one of the most popular exercises in the 80’s. Virgin Active lets people relive the retro days through their modern version of retro aerobics classes.Upon airing their creative video ad, everyone got so excited to try the 80’s exercise routine.

Virgin Active, a popular Health Club all over the world, opens its awesome campaign for RetroAerobics.

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Health and Fitness Clubs industry is expected to remain in a growth phase, with revenue expected to rise at an average annual rate of 2.6% to $28.2 billion in the five years to 2016,

Despite experiencing solid growth during the past decade (with the exception of the past two years), the market has not yet reached saturation. As a result, the Gym, Health and Fitness Clubs industry is expected to remain in a growth phase, with revenue expected to rise at an average annual rate of 2.6% to $28.2 billion in the five years to 2016, according to IBISWorld, the nation’s largest publisher of industry research. During this period, demand is expected to improve as the US economy stabilizes and unemployment declines. According to IBISWorld’s latest report, the Gym, Health and Fitness Clubs industry has benefited greatly from the vast array of marketing campaigns and ensuing consumer trends for fighting obesity and improving health. Gym membership numbers have increased considerably over the past 10 years, rising from 36.3 million in 2002 to more than 42.8 million by 2011. This trend has resulted in soaring demand for fitness activities, and industry operators have capitalized on this growth by expanding establishments in both size and number.However, the industry has not been recession-proof. In 2008 and 2009, demand for gyms and health clubs weakened as consumers cut back on discretionary spending. But compared with other industries, the Gym, Health and Fitness Clubs industry has remained remarkably resilient, as increased leisure time and boosts in health and morale from exercise have kept the industry highly competitive. Gyms and health clubs have broadened their markets and are offering value to gym-goers in a bid to retain membership numbers throughout the recession's aftermath. The downturn has also favored the growth of small-budget gyms with fewer amenities over more expensive, all-inclusive clubs. In fact, many smaller operators have expanded over the past two years despite the economic climate. Overall, industry revenue is expected to grow at an average annualized rate of 1.7% to $24.8 billion over the five years to 2011, including growth of 2.3% in 2011.According to IBISWorld analyst, Mary Gotaas, over the next five years, the industry will benefit from increased youth and baby boomer memberships. “Revenue will expand at an average annualized rate of 2.6% to $28.2 billion over the five years to 2016,” says Gotaas. “Firms will profit from growing interest in staying fit, and the industry will transition toward larger and all-inclusive clubs.” With total health club memberships expected to reach 47.5 million in 2016, players will capitalize on this growth and provide members with additional services in a bid to increase registration and retention rates.Due to the fragmented nature of the Gym, Health and Fitness Clubs industry, no players hold a market share larger than 5.0%. IBISWorld’s latest report findings discusses major players like 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide Inc., Life Time Fitness, Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation, Curves International Inc., Town Sports International Holdings Inc., and Gold's Gym International Inc., a chain with more than 600 facilities in 40 US states and 30 countries.

Survival of the fittest

Even in the midst of the economic downturn, the industry has maintained steady growth, with membership rates growing consistently and profit remaining solid. Demand for gyms and health and fitness clubs will continue to rise over the next five years, as the general public becomes more health-conscious and the aging population places a greater emphasis on staying fit. Additionally, the amount of leisure time and growth in household incomes will positively affect businesses, leading operators to expand into larger facilities.In-depth industry market research presented in a logical and consistent format. Including pages of insights covering industry conditions, key statistics, competitor analysis and market share, product and customer segmentation and a 5 year forecast. Gym membership numbers have increased considerably over the past 10 years, rising from 36.3 million in 2002 to more than 42.8 million by 2011

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Anytime Fitness Opens 100th Australian Club

International Expansion Accelerates for Fastest-Growing Fitness Franchise

 

HASTINGS, Minn.,    -- Anytime Fitness, the world's fastest-growing fitness club franchise, has opened its 100th club in Australia. The impressive milestone comes just three years after the brother-sister team of Justin McDonell and Jacinta McDonell-Jimenez began serving as "master franchisees" in Australia for Anytime Fitness.The 100th Australian club officially opened October 1st in Thornton, New South Wales and it is owned by Steve Rollings. Mr. Rollings owns and operates a total of eight Anytime Fitness clubs in Australia. Anytime Fitness now has more than 1,650 clubs in ten countries, and 1,300,000 members, worldwide."This is an incredible accomplishment," states John Kersh, Vice President of International Development for Anytime Fitness. "It demonstrates the talent and dedication of our Australia partners and their commitment to maintaining Anytime Fitness as the world's fastest-growing fitness franchise."According to Justin McDonell, "What sets Anytime Fitness apart from our competitors and is a vital element of our rapid growth is freedom. We offer franchisees the freedom to operate their business to suit their lifestyle, freedom to grow within the system, and the freedom that comes with knowing they have the support, product development and back-up of the world's fastest growing fitness club franchise"McDonnell says his goal is to have more than 350 Anytime Fitness clubs open in Australia within the next two years.In addition to more than 50 new clubs "down under," during the past year Anytime Fitness has also opened clubs in New Zealand, Poland, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. The franchise's first Middle Eastern club is set to open in Qatar next month and the company has plans to open its first international corporate club in the United Kingdom in early 2012.About Anytime Fitness Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness is now the fastest-growing fitness club franchise in the world, with more than 1,300,000 members and 1,600 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 and Japan.  http://www.sacbee.com/2011/10/05/3961269/anytime-fitness-opens-100th-australian.html#ixzz1a0chMFIQ

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Flirty Girl Fitness

Treadmills, bench presses and stair climbers have been replaced with dance poles, kitchen chairs, and pink feather boas.

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Max Fitness Bumps Gold’s Gym..... Columbus,GA.

The Gold’s Gym name is disappearing from the Columbus fitness landscape, with Columbus-based American Club Systems ramping up its own brand called Max Fitness.The biggest immediate change will be the closure of Gold’s Gym Elite at 4519 Woodruff Road, across from St. Francis Hospital, as of Thursday night.The estimated 400 members who use that location are being asked to move their workouts about 5 miles north to the Max Fitness center -- formerly Gold’s Gym Max -- at 3049 Tower Road, off Veterans Parkway. That 30,000-square-foot facility opened in late 2005. They also may use Max Fitness Express at 3919 Miller Road or AC Fitness for Women at 5828 Moon Road. “The members of that club are very important to us,” American Club Systems President Charlie Lindsey said Monday of the Woodruff Road center being shuttered. “Because of the parking issue there in that location, it really never can grow to the club that we want it to be.”The fitness facility, bought by Lindsey’s company nearly three years ago, is situated in St. Francis Shopping Center. Parking can be problematic in the fall and each January as the center’s use picks up sharply, he said.Lindsey said he understands the closure may make some people unhappy, particularly those who live nearby the center and now face a drive across town.“That’s why we’re going to give them many options and roll out the red carpet,” he said, noting current membership agreements will be honored, with rates and payment structures remaining the same. “It’s not a money issue because, ultimately, we’re going to make sure they’re fine with any dollars they’re paying whatsoever.”American Club Systems has been affiliated with Gold’s Gym International since 1989. That was the year the brand made its local debut at 3915 Miller Road, according to the R.L. Polk city directory of Columbus.Calls to Irving, Texas-based Gold’s Gym International were not returned Monday.Lindsey pointed out Gold’s has been moving more toward corporate-owned facilities in recent years, rather than franchised outlets. He also thinks the overall image of that company no longer fits American Club Systems.“We made a decision that we were going more mainstream to the general public,” he said. “At the end of the day we felt like if you were to survey a hundred non-members, that they would say Gold’s Gym was kind of the tank top, dumbell-throwing type of thing. And that’s not the direction we’re going in.”Enter Max Fitness. Lindsey said the goal for the brand is to have 200 clubs franchised across the U.S. and internationally within two years. It already has rebranded four clubs in south Texas and another in Baton Rouge, La., as Max Fitness.Local growth plans include a large fitness complex adjacent to Cascade Hills Church off J.R. Allen Parkway. The facility, which will encompass up to 60,000 square feet, is expected to be open within a year to 16 months, Lindsey said. It will be family-oriented, complete with an aquatics program that includes two indoor swimming pools, basketball courts and a three-mile jog/run park. An outdoor pool also may be included.“We’re literally making decisions right now on whether we’re going to have sand volleyball and tennis,” he said. “We’re so excited about that location.”In the meantime, Lindsey conceded there will be rebranding pains as members of the closed Gold’s Gym Elite venture to other centers to keep themselves healthy. He noted Max Fitness will be affiliated with the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association’s passport program, which gives members up to 14 days of free access to 1,800 health clubs when they travel.However, anyone relocating to Columbus with a Gold’s Gym membership -- such as military or corporate people -- will have to join Max Fitness, he said. The nearest Gold’s Gyms are in the Atlanta area and in Montgomery, Ala.“We understand it’s not a perfect situation,” Lindsey said. “But we’re not going anywhere. We’re solid. We’re going to continue to be involved with fitness as far as Columbus is concerned for many, many years to come.”

Read more: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2011/09/13/1733647/max-fitness-bumps-golds-gym-columbus.html#ixzz1YLntJwg4

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A lawsuit was filed last week against 24 Hour Fitness....Faces Racketeering Charges

While your body might be in good shape after joining 24 Hour Fitness, your bank account might not be quite as healthy. A class action lawsuit accuses the ubiquitous workout business of taking an extra month of fees from members when they cancel their membership. The lawsuit, which was filed this week in San Francisco, details complaints made by the lead plaintiff Albert Alatorr, who says that 24 Hour Fitness gets clients bank account and credit card information when they sign up for Unlimited Guest Services, then uses that information to swipe extra cash from members' accounts.Alatorr says that the fitness club requires new members joining the program to prepay the first and last months fees. Also, members are required to make all payments via electronic transfer funds only -- no checks or cash accepted. This, the plaintiffs state, gives 24 Hour Fitness total access to their members' bank accounts, according to the claim.But when plaintiffs went to cancel their membership, 24 Hour fitness allegedly "tapped" one more payment out of their bank accounts, the claims says.  

"By doing so, the defendant forced the plaintiff and class members to pay Unlimited Guest Services membership dues for a period of 60 to 90 days after the notice of membership cancellation," according to the lawsuit. All of this was done without written or verbal permission, Alatorr says. What's more, the agreement states that authorization to withdraw funds from a member's banking account continues only until the membership is terminated. The plaintiffs are seeking treble damages and an injunction for racketeering, unfair competition, fraud, breach of contract and misrepresentation, according to the lawsuit. "As a result, plaintiff and class members have suffered economic injury," lawyers claim.

By Erin Sherbert

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Lean times hit health club industry in the gut

BELTS are being tightened, and it's not because of exercise: the sports-conscious have cut back on spending money on gyms as the economy turned sour, figures of the nation's biggest fitness chain show.Just months before an expected sharemarket float of its international parent company, Fitness First Australia has hit a road block in its expansion, losing members and sales in the downturn amid a rise of budget gym operators.

Its new boss, former Procter & Gamble Australiaa chief Peter Manuel, is charged with turning around the trend.Fitness First's local membership fell by 16,000 people, or almost 5 per cent, to 332,000 members in the year to October 2010, accounts filed with the corporate regulator reveal. Profit tumbled by a third to $28.5 million, dragged down by asset write-downs for ''non-performing clubs'' and depreciation expenses to reflect a change in the estimated useful life of its club fitouts.The earnings drop came as revenue slipped 1 per cent to $339.6 million, halting almost a decade of stellar growth since the company entered Australia in 2000. The chain opened just one club over the year, taking the total to 93.Fitness First is majority-owned by London-based private equity firm BC Partners.

BC is reportedly seeking to list the international fitness group - which also runs gyms in Britain, Germany and some Asian countries - on the Singapore Exchange as early as next month in an IPO valued at up to $S700 million ($A550 million).The gym operator is targeting the Asia-Pacific region as its main growth market with Australia historically one of the strongest performers in its network.

The country's lacklustre results coincided with a management reshuffle, with local managing director Peter Stirling Benson resigning in February, followed by finance director Mark Forrest in June.Mr Manuel, who took the helm in early May, confirmed that the global financial crisis "had an impact certainly" on Fitness First Australia and other gym operators, forcing it to put off opening clubs.A similar rate of decline in members and revenue had continued this financial year, he said, but "we're working on plans which will see us return to the positive growth levels of previous years".He said the company was looking at the types of classes it was offering and other changes.Fitness First garners about 21 per cent of the nation's $1.8 billion fitness industry, with the next-biggest organisation, YMCA Australia, behind by a wide margin with a 5 per cent market share, according to an IBIS World industry report.

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Health Club vs. Strip Club.....and the winner is?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Neighbors said they want a brand-new strip club in the northeast heights gone, but after Monday’s City Council meeting, the fully nude club won’t be stripped of its location.Click Like For New Mexico News Updates: The Palms Gentleman Club will stay open mostly because the majority of City Council members agreed that a nearby gym’s child care program doesn’t count as a school.“Is a fitness center a school? Has anyone ever held that a fitness center is a school? It’s almost preposterous to make that claim,” Palms attorney Roger Diamond said.From the beginning the controversy has been over the club’s location. The Palms club is right across the parking lot from a Defined Fitness and a Chili’s. The gym’s attorney argued that their child care program qualified them as a day care, meaning the strip club would be a no go because it was within 500 feet of a pre-elementary service.“I think that could be a school. If a day care is a school, then that is a school,” City Council President Don Harris said.Harris said the gym’s 10-week summer program, where kids spend hours learning, sure seemed like a school to him. But most council members said that the gym didn’t advertise itself as a school and doesn’t have the proper permits or licensed teachers on staff.All of that means the club is here to stay.The club also pointed out that it’s creating up to 40 local jobs. The gym said those jobs are coming at the expense of the hundreds of families that use their workout facility on a daily basis. The Palms will not serve alcohol because it’s fully nude.

UK fitness chain.... Low-cost fitness chain looks to bulk up

A low-cost UK fitness chain that caters to commitment-phobes has secured funding to double in size. Pure Gym, which offers access to its facilities without a monthly contract, raised £9m from Barclays and private investors to expand from 15 gyms to 28 in the next six months.


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Dangers of working out at home on “inferior” equipment. Perfect Pullup exercise equipment...45 people have been hurt. Join A "Health Club" Instead!

A California company has agreed to pay a $425,000 civil penalty for concealing the fact that its Perfect Pullup exercise equipment was flawed and getting people hurt.The settlement between Perfect Fitness of Sausalito, Calif., and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission resolves allegations by the agency that the company violated the law by failing to promptly report the safety hazard.Although the law requires companies to notify the CPSC within 24 hours if they discover a potentially dangerous defect, the agency said it wasn’t told by Perfect Fitness for more than two years that the product’s handles tended to break, creating a fall hazard. By the time Perfect Fitness notified the agency last December, the company knew that at least 45 people had been hurt and it had received 2,000 requests for replacements, the CPSC said.

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The injuries from the product, an adjustable-height bar installed in doorways for upper-body workouts, have been described as bruises, strains and sprains.Perfect Fitness redesigned the Perfect Pullup to correct the defect in July 2008. The CPSC says that by March 2010, nine months before the agency was notified, Perfect Fitness posted a notice on its website offering free replacement handles, telling consumers that the original handles were “inferior” and could result in an “accident.”In February 2011, 7,000 Perfect Pullups were recalled. In agreeing to the settlement this week, Perfect Fitness denied that it knowingly violated the law.

Big Brother....Maryland Files Charges Against Health ClubAccused of misleading consumers

The state of Maryland has filed administrative charges against a suburban Baltimore health club and its owner, claiming they arbitrarily discontinued services that had previously been provided, made false and misleading statements to consumers in regard to their cancellation rights, offered and charged improper fees, attempted to collect debts not owed and failed to post required security.“Health clubs cannot stop offering the services they've promised and expect their members to continue paying for them,” Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler said. “In Maryland, health clubs cannot deceive consumers about their cancellation rights.”The complaint alleges that in 2010, GRS Fitness, LLC, of Essex, Md., entered into an agreement with a second business, Health Tek Creations, LLC, to take over a health club facility located at 8502 Kelso Drive in Essex. GRS Fitness and Caplan changed the gym's name from ,to Spunk Fitness Center and, in doing so, removed free weights and heavy lifting equipment from the facility.Despite the significant changes, GRS Fitness, LLC and Caplan refused to allow members to cancel their membership.

False and misleading statements Gansler says GRS Fitness, LLC and Caplan also made false and misleading statements about members' cancellation rights and continued to charge the higher monthly membership fee for Energy Fitness Center services that were no longer provided. As Spunk Fitness, GRS Fitness, LLC and Caplan advertise membership rates as low as $9.99, a significant difference from the rate previously charged to Energy Fitness Center members.The charges also allege that, in regard to registration, GRS Fitness, LLC and Caplan, have failed to post security in an appropriate form.The state is seeking a cease and desist order to prevent the health club from selling any health club services until they comply with the registration process, cease and desist from improper billing practices, and pay full restitution of all payments collected in violation of the Consumer Protection Act and Health Club Services law.

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What a Knucklehead! This Guy Filmed Naked Women At Anytime Fitness Health Club Tanning Bed!

A Louisiana man who claimed that he “always wondered what it would be like” to be in the room while a woman was in a tanning bed was arrested yesterday on video voyeurism charges for allegedly using a tiny camera to film naked women tanning at a local health club.Jonathan Willink, 39, was nabbed yesterday on four misdemeanor counts for surreptitiously filming a quartet of women at Anytime Fitness in Monroe. Willink, pictured in the mug shot at right, is being held in the Ouachita County jail in lieu of $20,000 bond.

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Planet Fitness to open new location

Planet Fitness, a nationally franchised fitness facility, has leased about 13,000 square feet in the Big Elk Mall for its first Cecil County location. Elkton planning and zoning office issued a permit to start structural work about two weeks ago and is expecting to issue the interior renovation permit by the end of this week.The fitness center will be taking over space formerly occupied by the China Buffet, the pawn shop and a couple of other adjacent spots. J. Craig Trostle, building director and zoning administrator for Elkton, said the facility will include a 12,700-square-foot gym with a locker room, tanning room, office and areas set aside for massage chairs, a 30-minute express workout zone and a stretching area for patrons.The company features a variety of membership programs, which they say average $15 per month.The nearest existing Planet Fitness facilities are in Constant Friendship Shopping Center in Harford County and in Brookside Plaza in Newark, Delaware.I'm not sure of the anticipated opening date, so keep your eye on the progress and I'll let you know when I find out. team of IKEA employees is busy at work transforming a historic home on High Street in Elkton into functional space for a new Boys & Girls Club that could open, at least on a limited basis, this fall.Matt Chambers, social and environmental team leader at IKEA, made his first visit to the house in January and began assessing the scope of the project in February.He and his team have quietly been working on the interior of the two-story, 2,800-square-foot house off and on since April. They've removed one wall on the main floor, removed an old bathtub, stripped the varnish from the solid wood front door and are in the midst of removing an estimated 8,000 square feet of wallpaper so they can paint the walls and ceilings.Chambers wants to have the main floor functional for the Boys & Girls Club to begin using the space by Sept. 21, but his team has a lot of work remaining. The entire IKEA project will include a complete interior makeover that will conclude with a delivery of new furniture and accessories to be donated by the Swedish firm.IKEA operates nearly 1.5 million square feet of warehouse space in Perryville, which serves retail locations in this region.Boys & Girls Club Director Mary Jo Jablonski said she is thrilled to receive IKEA's help with this project that will ultimately benefit the community. She said the company is expected to officially announce news about this community service project soon.Ruth and David Sargent have returned to Cecil Village Shoppes on south Bridge Street in Elkton with Mar-Lea's Pitt BBQ. They reopened last week in a new location within the mini-mall behind Jake's Wayback Burgers.The couple and their staff prepare ribs, pulled pork barbecue, salads, barbecue chicken and cole slaw. Ruth says she hopes her former customers will return for their grand re-opening Aug. 12, 13 and 14. She said they'll be cooking outside on weekends. The new eatery has a small counter and stools for customers who want to eat there.Bob and Jan Kuhs, owners of Chesapeake Life Counsel located in the ReMax building on Route 40 in Elkton, announced this week their insurance company has been approved by The Hartford Financial Services Group to sell Hartford's AARP-branded auto insurance program and commercial lines of insurance.Kuhs said that research from The Hartford reveals the majority of AARP members prefer the advice and counsel of a local agent when making decisions about their insurance, which lead The Hartford to select authorized independent agents throughout the country to handle their product.
Chesapeake Life Counsel has been at its Elkton location since 1993. Kuhs also is currently serving as a councilman on the Port Deposit Town Board. Jan has a law degree from Widener University.Cecil County Agriculture Coordinator Joanne Richart-Young tells me details for the fifth-annual Harvest Dinner will be out soon, but for now interested patrons should mark Wednesday, Aug. 31 on their calendars.This year's event will be at the Susky River Grille starting at 6 p.m. I want to remind you that this dinner is created each year from locally grown or produced food.(If you have any tidbits you would like to share with Cheryl Mattix for this column, contact her at cmattix@cecilwhig.com, or call her at 443-245-5040.)



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Local Health Club Shows Its Gratitude to Military Families

Being the family of an actively deployed US Reservist or National Guard Member can be difficult. The Club at Woodbridge is looking to do their part to make it a little easier.The health club, located on upper Main St. across from the Woodbridge Community Center, is currently offering free memberships to the immediate families of the actively deployed. Anyone who is a family member of a deployed Reservist or National Guard Member ages 13 and up is welcome to take advantage of the offer.

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