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24 Hour Fitness Gives Gift of Health to Benefit San Diego Area Youth

"Before receiving 24 Hour Fitness' generous donation, we had very few exercise machines; most were old and outdated. We were extremely limited in how many students could exercise at one time, and the facility was rarely used," said Jim Winters, athletic director at GPA. "Since receiving the equipment and completely renovating the workout room, the facility is always filled with students looking forward to working out."

GPAs new workout room opened after a series of winter renovations. Currently, the facility is open to students throughout the school week, and GPA coaches have implemented a schedule of weekly training times to further enhance athlete training. GPA believes the new workout facility and professional-grade equipment will compliment its physical education and sports training programs, and help students lead healthier and more active lives.

"24 Hour Fitness is deeply committed to youth fitness and strives to make fitness more available in the communities we serve," said Jim McPhail, executive vice president of real estate and chief development officer at 24 Hour Fitness. "We strongly support physical activity among kids and teens, and are pleased that the donated equipment is helping GPA students stay active and fit."

"The assortment of equipment provides our students with a higher-quality physical education experience," said Winters. "Our staff and students have made great use of the new gym. We have seen improvements in social skills, concentration, muscle strength and self-esteem, among other benefits, since opening the facility."

In addition to local equipment donations, 24 Hour Fitness supports the cause to help fight childhood obesity by offering youth programming and partnering with organizations that promote exercise and healthy living among children. Partners include KaBOOM!, Playworks and the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports - non-profit organizations dedicated to cultivating physical activity and healthy habits among kids. The company is firmly committed to a grassroots approach on this issue, and also has representatives available in select areas to speak with community groups about childhood obesity and the importance of family fitness. The speaking engagements, which are free of charge, focus on simple steps that parents can take to help kids lead healthier lives. Those interested in scheduling a speaker can email speaker@24hourfit.com for speaker availability and more information.

About 24 Hour Fitness

Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness is the largest privately owned U.S. fitness club chain and a leading health club industry pioneer, serving nearly four million members in more than 420 clubs. Founded in 1983 as a one-club operation, the company is dedicated to helping members change their lives and reach their individual fitness goals. With convenient club locations, personal training services, innovative group exercise classes and a variety of strength, cardio and functional training equipment - 24 Hour Fitness offers fitness solutions for everyone.

Through its support of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and many U.S. National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport, 24 Hour Fitness is one of the largest supporters of amateur athletics in the country and will serve as the Official Fitness Center Sponsor of the 2012 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. The company is committed to being a good neighbor in its communities via charitable and in-kind donations to groups focused on both helping Americans get healthy and improving youth fitness. The company's national accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, which includes A+ ratings for all club locations across the U.S., demonstrates the organization's ongoing commitment to member satisfaction. Please call 1-800-224-0240 or visit www.24hourfitness.com for more information and to find the club nearest you.

Edelman
Natalie Beitashour, 415-486-3242
natalie.beitashour@edelman.com
or
24 Hour Fitness
Shereelynn Manlangit, 925-543-3107
smanlangit@24hourfit.com