ATLANTA (AP) Sports began on American college campuses as a way for students to blow off steam and be healthy. Over the last century and a half, athletics have transformed into something very different: a handful of elite athletes, showered with resources and coaching, competing against other schools while the rest of the student body cheers from the stands.

On Thursday, Spelman College a historically black women's college in Atlanta with a far-from-big-time NCAA athletics program announced how it plans to return to the old model. The school said it would use the nearly $1 million that had been dedicated to its intercollegiate sports program, serving just 4 percent of students, for a campus-wide health and fitness program benefiting all 2,100.

"When I was looking at the decision, it wasn't being driven by the cost as much as the benefit. With $1 million, 80 student-athletes are benefiting," said Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, Spelman's president. "Or should we invest in a wellness program that would touch every student's life?"

Spelman's decision won't influence the Georgias and Ohio States of the world where sports have become inextricable from the identity of the university. But it could attract notice at a broader band of colleges struggling with budget cuts and agonizing over whether the cost of college athletics is compatible with their missions.

For Tatum, there is also an element of social responsibility. She said a campus analysis found that almost one out of every two students has high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or is obese.

"I have been to funerals of young alums who were not taking care of themselves, and I believe we can change that pattern not only for them but for the broader community," Tatum said.

The Division III school has been part of the Great South Athletic Conference in seven sports, including basketball, softball and tennis. Tatum said the school was sending a letter to the NCAA saying the school would be withdrawing from the conference and would no longer have an athletics program. Instead, the school plans to expand wellness programs and renovate fitness facilities.

David Ridpath, an associate professor of sports administration at Ohio University, called the announcement eye-catching and predicted it could serve as a model at similar schools.

"I don't really look at this as a complete anomaly," said Ridpath, who is also president-elect of the Drake Group, a national faculty organization advocating for changes in college athletics. "I think there might be other schools that try to get out of the rat race and get back to the original view of we need to worry about the mind and body of our students."

Spelman is unusually well-suited for such a move as it will likely face little uproar from alumni. Tatum acknowledged that Spelman's student-athletes were disappointed when they were told last spring, but said she was hopeful it would not discourage them or future students.

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Spelman College chooses fitness over athletics

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. In particular, growth in household incomes will positively affect businesses, leading operators to expand into larger facilities. For these reasons, industry research firm IBISWorld has updated a report on the Gym, Health & Fitness Clubs industry in its growing industry report collection.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 30, 2012

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. Still, 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 in a bid to retain membership numbers throughout the recession's aftermath, says Schmidt. Due to their lower cost, 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 annualized rate of 0.9% to $25.3 billion over the five years to 2012, including growth of 2.0% in 2012.

This industry has a low level of market share concentration, with the top four firms in this industry accounting for just over 10.0% of industry revenue. The concentration remains low because of the large number of centers that only employ one person or are nonemploying establishments. In 2012, about 36.0% of all establishments will be nonemploying, and these establishments are expected to generate only 11.9% of industry revenue. The percentage of nonemployers is substantial because the industry's low barriers to entry, making it an attractive industry to enter. The larger players in this industry have numerous locations throughout the United States, while small players are generally independently owned and operate in one or two states. The industry is highly fragmented, with the majority of employing establishments employing fewer than 20 people. However, over the past five years, the proportion of businesses that employs 20 people or more has increased, indicating that concentration is rising. Increasing concentration is a result of larger firms continuing to expand operations to improve economies of scale and enter new markets.

Over the next five years, the industry will benefit from increased youth and baby-boomer memberships. IBISWorld forecasts that revenue will increase at a steady rate over the five years to 2017. Firms will profit from the public's growing interest in staying fit as well as the rising obesity rate, and membership growth will continue to outpace population growth. As consumers' income grows in line with the recovering economy, the industry will transition back toward larger and all-inclusive clubs. With total health club memberships expected to reach 48.3 million in 2017, players will capitalize on this growth and provide members with additional services in a bid to increase registration and retention rates.

For more information, visit IBISWorlds Gym, Health & Fitness Clubs in the US industry report page.

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IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

This industry operates fitness and recreational sports facilities that feature exercise and other active physical fitness conditioning or recreational sports activities, such as swimming, skating or racquet sports. Firms are also involved in facilities management and fitness instruction.

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Gym, Health & Fitness Clubs in the US Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld has Been Updated

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Kiip, the company that pioneered rewards into mobile apps and games, today further cemented the effectiveness of the rewards layer by unveiling a study that shows how integrating Kiip dramatically increases user engagement and retention across all their app verticals, including fitness and health. Kiip initially grew with a games-based network but has since expanded to more than 600 apps that include games, fitness apps, utility apps, cooking apps and more.

Conducted during August and September 2012 by David Broockman, a researcher studying at UC Berkeley, the study evaluated the effect of Kiip rewards on app user engagement. Results found that users who redeem Kiip rewards spend 225 percent more time in apps than users who do not. Popular fitness apps such as Nexercise and GymPact have already integrated the plug-and-play Kiip SDK to offer users rewards from more than 40 of Kiips top-tier brand partners. Brands themselves are seeing phenomenal engagement rates that exceed 40 percent, more than ten times the industry average.

Our users have really resonated with Kiip rewards because they were fitness-focused, which meant they were relevant to our users, said Yifan Zhang, CEO and co-founder of GymPact. Users are happy to see a Kiip reward right after a workout, which is why we saw such good redemption rates of Kiip rewards. We get to easily go above and beyond users expectations and reward them with real, relevant prizes. Integration was absolutely dead simple, and users have given us positive reviews on the App Store because of Kiip.

The study captures a very interesting dynamic that shows how the rewards value proposition can be an effective user motivator, creating interactions that help apps become a part of peoples everyday lives. Brands can now engage with consumers to improve healthy living, and their rewards help apps increase stickiness over time. User feedback in Kiip-enabled fitness apps has been overwhelmingly positive, with 90 percent satisfaction rates, according to a Kiip survey. The near-universal approval rate of Kiip rewards in fitness apps is the result of tapping into existing streams of behavior and reciprocating mobile achievements with exercise-centric rewards, such as sports beverages and song downloads.

Fitness is the perfect app vertical to showcase the power of rewards, said Brian Wong, CEO and co-founder of Kiip. When we expanded our vision to reward the entire digital ecosystem, we launched the Kiip Fitness Channel as a way to directly help fitness app developers in our network build a stable user base, successfully retain that audience and monetize their apps all while enhancing the user experience. For a mobile rewards platform to make people want to exercise more is indicative of a model that is truly forming meaningful connections between brands and consumers.

The Kiip rewards network redefined mobile advertising and rewards by aligning the interests of users, major brands and game/app developers by linking moments of achievement with rewards from major brands. Kiip now works with more than 40 brands, including American Apparel, Best Buy, Energizer, Pepsi Propel, Popchips, Procter & Gamble, Sony, Verizon Wireless, Wrigley, 1-800-Flowers.com and many others. More than 600 games and apps currently employ the Kiip network, including multiple fitness apps from leading developers such as Nexercise (Nexercise), SoFit Mobile (SoFit), Daniel Miller (Daily Ab Workout) and more.

About Kiip

Kiip is the worlds first mobile rewards network that delivers rewards for achievements in apps and games. The companys category-creating rewards platform enables brands to reach consumers in the moments when they are most engaged and receptive, while driving revenues and greater user allegiance for Kiip-enabled games and apps. Kiip was founded in 2010 by Brian Wong, Courtney Guertin and Amadeus Demarzi. In addition to its San Francisco headquarters, Kiip now has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and London. Kiip is currently backed by Relay Ventures, Hummer Winblad, True Ventures, Digital Garage, Verizon Ventures, Crosslink Capital and others. For more information, visit http://www.kiip.com.

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Study Shows Kiip Rewards Significantly Boost User Engagement in Mobile Fitness Apps

City of RacineHealth Department

WE'RE BETTER TOGETHER: This awareness campaign promotes the normalcy and health benefits of breastfeeding while highlighting local businesses that support breastfeeding. 1-2 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 31, Festival Hall, 5 Fifth St. Free.

Kenosha Visiting Nurse Association

FLU SHOTS: The fee is $32 and payable by cash, check or charge. Medicare Part B, WEA and Select Humana Plans accepted. For more information, call (262) 656-8400.

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Kenosha Visiting Nurse Association, third floor, 600 52nd St., Kenosha.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. today, Sentry 5740 Washington Ave., Mount Pleasant.

SHINGLES vaccinations: People who have had chickenpox are at risk for shingles. A single dose of shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 60 and older and for those who have not had shingles. It is a one-time vaccination. Fee: $235. The Kenosha Visiting Nurse Association offices are at 600 52nd St., Suite 300, Kenosha. Call (262) 656-8400 to schedule an appointment.

City of RacineHealth Department

IMMUNIZATION CLINICS AND TB TESTS: The City of Racine offers walk-in immunization clinics in the City Hall Room 4, 730 Washington Ave., from 1:30-4 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

Due to changes in Section 317 of the Public Health Services Act, as of Oct. 1, 2012, children whose insurance covers immunizations and all adults older than age 19 will not be able to receive vaccines at local health departments. Those ages 18 and younger and eligible for the Vaccines for Children program, meeting at least one of the following requirements, will be served: Uninsured or underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or Native American or Alaska native. For more information, call (262) 636-9201.

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Health & Fitness File, Oct. 31

Top apps around the globe this week include an app to track Movember's moustache-growing and fundraising efforts and an emergency app that lets you contact five people with the push of one button. Here are details on a selection of top ten iTunes paid and free health and fitness apps by country/region for the week, recorded on October 31.

US: v.SOS As Hurricane Sandy barreled its way through the Northeast, app users in the US downloaded vSOS, an app that lets you send SMS or emails to up to five contacts you've identified in your profile. To operate, you hold the v.SOS button for three seconds. Free. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/v.sos/id397013933?mt=8

Canada: Movember Mobile Movember is an annual moustache-growing fundraising campaign for men's health, and participants can track their donations and post status updates and photos on their Mo Space. Free. https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/movember-mobile/id472743069?l=fr&mt=8

Germany: Runtastic Squats Pro German iPhone users are toning up their legs and glutes with Runtastic Squats Pro, which offers three levels of training to complete 150 squats in a row. Features a voice coach and social media sharing. 0.81. https://itunes.apple.com/de/app/runtastic-squats-pro/id570182662?mt=8

France: Runtastic Situps Pro Runtastic apps are also a hit in France this week, as iPhone users are shaping and sculpting their abs with Runtastic Situps Pro, which coaches you to reach 100 consecutive situps. 0.89. https://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/runtastic-situps-pro/id570183057?mt=8

UK: My Baby Today Created by Babycentre.com, My Baby Today app offers a personalized daily calendar of your baby's development, checklists and reminders, and advice on care. Free. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/my-pregnancy-today/id386022579?mt=8

Philippines: Easy Diet App This free app includes a three-day diet meal plan to help you lose up to three kilograms in three days. Include shopping lists, Twitter sharing, and in-app purchases for other diet plans. Free. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/my-pregnancy-today/id386022579?mt=8

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Top health/fitness apps: v.SOS, Movember Mobile

STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) today announced the nearly 25 percent growth of digital health and fitness technology at the 2013 International CES. More than 215 exhibitors will showcase the latest digital health and fitness technologies at the worlds largest annual innovation event. The 2013 International CES will run Tuesday, January 8-Friday, January 11, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Health and fitness technology is booming, and will continue its dominance on the CES show floor with the future of fitness tech that combines data aggregation, social elements and convenience, said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. Health, wellness and technology converge at the International CES where there are solutions for diagnosing, monitoring and treating illnesses with games that let people take responsibility for their own health and reinforce healthy behavior.

More than 215 exhibitors will showcase devices beyond weight, body mass index (BMI), exercise and calorie tracking. The next generation of health and fitness devices and apps offer access to complete medical history, comprehensive biometric data and remote access to medical professionals. The companies displaying these technologies will be showcased in the FitnessTech and Digital Health Summit TechZones and conference tracks, plus Silvers Summit.

Over the next five years, wearable devices in sports and fitness will grow to 169.5 million devices, with the body becoming an input/output device where everything can be tracked, and more than 27,000 net square feet of exhibit space will be dedicated to those technologies at the 2013 CES. The FitnessTech TechZone is the premier 2013 CES show floor destination focused exclusively on the newest innovations and tools for the sports enthusiast. Spotlighting key trends that impact the multi-billion dollar sports, fitness and outdoors markets, FitnessTech will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center/World Trade Center (LVCC), South Hall 2.

The FitnessTech Conference Track will explore what works and what doesnt from augmented reality devices to new exercise options, and from bionic parts to peak performance monitors. The conference programming dives into what it takes to become the next big thing in wearable technology.

An easier path to your doctor will be revealed in the LVCCs Grand Lobby at CES. New exhibitor HealthSpot will unveil its cutting-edge tele-health system for providing high quality medical diagnostics to acute care patients. Redefining clinical healthcare through digital technology, HealthSpot is pioneering todays health services through convenience, efficiency and efficacy for both providers and their patients. Other key health and fitness exhibitors include: Body Media, Life Technologies, Omron Healthcare, Scosche Industries and United Health Group.

The Digital Health Summit, produced by Living in Digital Times, is focused on one of the fastest growing markets where health, wellness and technology come together. The TechZone, located in South Hall 2, will showcase tele-health systems, robotic aids, electronic medical records, therapeutic and diagnostic medical devices and monitoring devices for the home. The conference programming will bring together more than 800 senior health and technology executives to examine and analyze the fast-paced digital health landscape. Innovators in the technology health services industry will examine consumers seamless integration with health and fitness products in their daily lives. Now in its fourth year, the Digital Health Summit with showcase the following speakers:

More, the Silvers Summit TechZone in South Hall 2 will showcase the products and services that keep baby boomers engaged, entertained, connected and healthy.

The 2013 CES will feature 3,000 global technology companies unveiling the latest consumer technology products and services across 15 product categories including the latest in audio, automotive electronics, connected home technologies, digital imaging/photography, electronic gaming, entertainment/content and more. Visit CESweb.org for more information on the 2013 International CES.

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Digital Health and Fitness Technology Expands by Nearly 25 percent at 2013 International CES

THE Macleod YMCA has won one of the country's top health and fitness awards.

The Wungan St centre claimed Fitness Australia's 2012 gold quality award for customer service, programs, people safety and business management.

Centre manager Pam Wheatley said the centre catered for almost 2000 members and included a gymnastics program for more than 800 children. She said the centre also boasted dance, martial arts and free community classes.

"It's a great honour to be recognised by the industry for the service we provide to our customers and the community,'' Ms Wheatley said.

"With an ageing population and the increase in chronic conditions in Australia, Macleod YMCA has vital role to play in the health of our community in Banyule.''

Fitness Australia chief executive Lauretta Stace said it was the highest award the industry offered.

"Macleod YMCA customers can be confident that they are with one of the very best fitness providers in the country,'' Ms Stace said.

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Macleod YMCA wins health award

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ42OWhWsO4

19-10-2012 23:32 MOST IMPORTANT: Thinking Fast and Slow: Enhance Your Critical Thinking Skills Overall Health and Fitness Strength http Nutrition John Berardi Alan Aragon Sports Performance, Mobility, Functional Movement Books Maximum Strength SERIOUS Lifters who Want to Learn About Training Louie Simmon's Recommended Books

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Buff Recommends: Reading Resources For Health and Fitness - Video

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU5Zy4A0Y7c

25-10-2012 05:47

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ItsaMansWorldFTM1 Week 27 Health and fitness- Pat - Video

NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Crunch Fitness, the health club chain known for pioneering a philosophy of No Judgments, is set to open the brand's 27th franchise location in Placentia, CA. The new facility, located at 1882 N. Avenue, Placentia, CA, will house the brand's cutting-edge programming along with the philosophy of fitness meets fun.

"We are so excited to be opening our newest Crunch in Placentia. What a great family town and the perfect fit for a Crunch Gym," said Crunch owner Steve Clinefelter. "It is a thrill for us to be able to offer Crunch franchise clubs to this area where customers will get a top notch product for half the price, while receiving the best exercise experience possible."

Crunch Placentia will feature an extraordinary 20,000 sq. ft. facility complete with state-of-the art cardio machines each with a personal viewing screen, weight training equipment, free weights and a designated personal training area. Crunch's unique programming will be offered in an incredible group fitness studio, including Zumba, BodyWeb with TRX, Tread N' Shed, and Yoga Body Sculpt, to name a few.

Crunch Placentia will join Bonita, El Cajon, Lake Forest, and San Marcos as the fifth city to outpost a Crunch Franchise in the greater San Diego and Orange County areas. Clinefelter, a 30-year health club industry veteran, opened his first Crunch franchise location, in the Lake Forest area of Orange County, in August 2010 and plans to add several more Crunch franchise locations in the future.

There is a presale enrollment center currently open at 1828 N. Placentia Ave, in the same plaza as the new club.

In addition, a dedicated club website, http://www.CrunchPlacentia.com, is offering exclusive membership deals, including a low monthly fee of only $9.95 offer for a limited time. Call 714-996-8000 for more information. For more information about Crunch franchising opportunities go to http://www.crunchfranchise.com.

Crunch is a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment and pioneering a philosophy of No Judgments. Headquartered in New York City, and co-owned by New Evolution Ventures (NeV) and private-equity firm Angelo Gordon, Crunch serves over 200,000 members with 55 gyms worldwide, including 27 franchise locations CT, FL, TX, WA, OR, CA, NJ, VA, NY and Australia, and is rapidly expanding across the U.S. and around the globe. Go to http://www.crunchfranchise.com for more information.

About New Evolution Ventures (NeV) Based in Northern California, New Evolution Ventures (NeV) is a private equity firm focused on the acquisition, development and operations management of fitness, media and sports interests both domestically and internationally. Founded in 2008 by Mark Mastrov, Jim Rowley and Mike Feeney, and following a strategic partnership with Vision Capital in 2011, the current team of NeV professionals is shaping the world of fitness, media, and sports one brand at a time. With a foundation representing over a century of business experience, NeV currently has operations and investments in more than 20 countries worldwide representing over 800+ facilities. For more information, visitwww.nev.com.

Angelo, Gordon & Co., L.P. is a privately held limited partnership founded in November 1988, and currently manages approximately $23 billion. The firm's investment focus centers on core competencies of real estate, credit, and private equity. Angelo, Gordon has over 200 employees (approximately half of whom are investment professionals) and is headquartered in New York, with associated offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., London, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Sydney. For more information, visit http://www.angelogordon.com.

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Crunch Fitness To Open 27th Franchise Location In Placentia, CA