SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire -03/22/12)- GAIN Fitness today introduced GAIN 3.0, a major evolution of its digital personal trainer app for iPhone. GAIN 3.0 expands on the app's unique ability to personalize workouts by adding "GAIN Plan" -- a custom, 4-week workout plan; as well as the "Expansion Packs Store" -- a platform for multiple training styles and specialized equipment upgrades.

GAIN Fitness is free in the Apple iTunes App Store, and Expansion Packs are available as in-app purchases for $1-5 apiece.

While other fitness apps simply track workout details or offer "canned" routines, GAIN truly acts like a "digital personal trainer" by creating workouts customized in real time to each user's experience level, schedule, goals and equipment available. GAIN Plan extends this concept from single workouts to entire training plans. The new app also integrates audio coaching, high-definition exercise images and trainer cues into the guided workout experience.

"There's a clear market shift taking place as fitness companies move from a dated 'tracking' approach to a more helpful 'workout guidance' system," says Founder & CEO Nick Gammell. "GAIN has always been a quant-based company at heart, and is better positioned to lead this market than any other platform. GAIN is miles ahead of the competition due to its data-driven infrastructure, customization algorithms and open platform approach."

The new "Expansion Packs Store" lays the groundwork for a broader fitness-coaching platform by integrating multiple styles of exercise and matching them to users' goals and ability levels.

The fitness industry for years has debated over which type of exercise is the "best" overall approach. Bodybuilders argue with boot camp aficionados, who argue with sports performance coaches. Triathletes, CrossFitters, kettlebell enthusiasts and yogis all fight over why they have the "better" system for getting fit. GAIN takes an unbiased, 3rd party approach by looking at the science of exercise and pairing users' specific goals with training styles best suited to each individual.

With Expansion Packs, users get access to new bundles of exercises, instructional media, and training techniques to build the workout that's right for them. GAIN's initial set of Expansion Packs target specific muscle groups with advanced bodypart training, or add the ability to work out using specialized equipment, such as kettlebells.

In the future, Expansion Packs will bring yoga workouts, sport performance training, postural/rehabilitative programs and many other popular training styles. New Expansion Packs will be added frequently on an ongoing basis.

Built on cutting-edge "cloud in your pocket" architecture, GAIN is one of the first apps of any kind to use technology that combines the best of "cloud" computing with the reality that mobile apps must function offline. The database gives users the advantages of website access (at gainfitness.com) and a powerful server cluster backend for analytics, while also carrying a copy of the "cloud" in their pocket for offline access. The app functions in the deepest basement gym and syncs seamlessly to the cloud server whenever an internet connection becomes available.

Despite all this complexity, GAIN's team, anchored by Co-founder Robert Bailey, designer of Google-acquired Picasa, has managed to create a drop-dead simple, best-in-class UI and user experience.

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GAIN Fitness Launches the Ultimate Digital Personal Trainer

CLEVELAND, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SAI Global in conjunction with the Personal Care Products Council ('the Council') announces the official launch of the Personal Care Manufacturing Assessment Program (PCMAP).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111109/MM03609LOGO )

Developed in alliance with the Council with extensive input from product manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, PCMAP is the first customized industry-wide assurance program that provides cosmetic and personal care product manufacturers with the tools to evaluate the effectiveness of the various processes that contribute to product quality and to demonstrate their adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Council and industry requirements and other applicable cosmetic product quality standards.

The program includes training, an implementation guidance document, the option for pre-assessments and the option to choose either an 'Assessment' or an 'SAI Global Certified Assessment' depending on the organization's preference and their customer's requirements.

PCMAP is based on the international standard ISO 22716 which provides Guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices for the Cosmetics industry. The guidelines cover the quality aspects relating to production, control, storage and shipment of cosmetic products, with the objective of meeting defined quality specifications and reducing the risk of adulteration of cosmetic products at all stages.

In addition to the requirements of ISO 22716, the assessment criteria have been enhanced by incorporating quality requirements / specifications based on input from the Council's QA Sub-Committee, industry members and other sources, including FDA, IPEC-PQG, ICH and other GMP Guidelines with the intent of promoting adherence to high standards and allowing a more evidence based assessment.

PCMAP is designed to address the unique needs of different manufacturers / supplier categories based on the potential risk levels, taking into account the types of products / ingredients manufactured and the extent of control exercised at various stages in the supply chain.

The Council has identified six main categories for cosmetic product and ingredient manufacturers and has defined specific assessment criteria for each of these categories. The manufacturing categories include packaging manufacturers, manufacturers of cosmetic ingredients, OTC excipients, OTC active ingredients, and cosmetic and OTC contract manufacturers.

Customized public and onsite PCMAP training has been developed to help individuals understand, implement and audit the program.

The PCMAP Understanding and Implementing Course is an interactive training course that describes the essential components required to implement a quality and safety management system that ensures the proper production, control, storage and shipment of cosmetic products.

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SAI Global in Conjunction With the Personal Care Products Council Announces the Official Launch of the Personal Care ...

Louisville success coaching expert Simone Mancuso will show local non-profits how to inspire at-risk women and men to achieve fulfilling and independent lives.

Louisville, KY (PRWEB) March 22, 2012

On April 4th, 2012 at noon at The Bristol Downtown, Mancuso is slated to speak at a special Lunch & Learn event. This special event will bring together local chapters of many local and national charities in an effort to help at-risk women and men discover the inner strength they need to lead successful lives filled with independence and joy.

As business partner to Bob Proctor, author of the best-selling phenomenon You Were Born Rich, Mancusos in-demand success coaching strategies have already earned her a reputation for connecting clients with powerful and positive life skills. By sharing these strategies with the non-profits at Lunch and Learn, its Mancusos ultimate goal to reach out to people who need the emotional and mental support required to lead independent and successful lives.

The goal of this special Lunch and Learn event is to show these wonderful non-profits the benefits of Life Coaching for people who are on public assistance, Mancuso points out. By connecting these people with successful life skills, we can provide them with the support they need to end their need for public assistance.

As a certified LifeSuccess Coach, Mancuso has shown her clients how the power of positivity and the Law of Attraction can help manifest a successful and rewarding lifestyle. Now at this special Lunch and Learn event, shes ready to show non-profits how these exact strategies can help people avoid abusive relationships, become responsible homeowners, and other vital life skills.

So why connect these non-profits with life success coaching?

Most of these non-profits have fantastic educational programs, Mancuso answers. But until we change these peoples self-image, the education and knowledge they are being given will be of no use. What I would do as a Life Coach is to make permanent changes in their behaviors and actions, and help them discover what their burning desire is."

Up until this point in their lives, theyve heard many reasons why they cant do something. Im here to tell them that they can and show them how, she adds.

Mancusos Lunch and Learn event will be held on April 4th, 2012 at The Bristol Downtown, which is located at 614 West Main Street, Louisvllle,KY. The event is complimentary for all attendees, and lunch will be included.

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Business and Life Coach Simone Mancuso To Inspire Non-Profits At Local Lunch and Learn

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The anionic surfactant market for home care and personal care products, in South Africa, is restrained by fluctuating exchange rates, environmental and health concerns, and oligopolistic supply. While little can be done about the exchange rates, FMCG manufacturers need to educate final consumers on the safety of chemical ingredients found in their products.

The Kenyan market, on the other hand, is restrained by its reliance on imports, a depreciating currency and price-sensitivity. This situation could be partially remedied by the introduction of manufacturers who produce good quality, cosmetic-grade anionic surfactants. It is also crucial that FMCG manufacturers have a good understanding of the needs of their final consumers.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.chemicals.frost.com), Analysis of the Anionic Surfactant Market for Home and Personal Care Products and its Importance to FMCG Manufacturers, finds that the market generated revenues of $137.5 million and $31.2 million in 2010, for South Africa and Kenya respectively, and estimates this to reach $193.3 million and $45.7 million for the respective countries in 2015.

"The functionality of anionic surfactants is the overarching driver in the South African market," notes Frost & Sullivan Research's Chemicals, Materials and Food Research Analyst Carolyn Krynauw. "While functionality is still important in the Kenyan market, the emergence of consumer trends is set to be the greater driver there. Other important trends that should be noted in Kenya include the move towards greater contract manufacturing, the development of niche markets, and the increased focus on the environment."

As the South African anionic surfactant industry is in the maturity phase and almost entirely self-sufficient, emphasis is placed on the functionality, or performance of these surfactants, and growth is stable. Kenya shows higher growth rates as consumers pay more attention to personal grooming and are changing from laundry bars to toilet soaps and laundry detergents.

However, media concerns regarding certain anionic surfactants can be detrimental to FMCG manufacturers in South Africa. Other restraints include the importation of raw materials for local anionic surfactant production amidst fluctuating exchange rates, and lack of competition as two major local suppliers dominate the anionic surfactant market.

"Chemical ingredients used in personal care products must be listed on the packaging," indicates Krynauw. "This can become detrimental to manufacturers, should consumers remain uneducated about the chemicals and different grades used. Although South Africa has yet to ban certain ingredients, FMCG manufacturers who maintain a reactive approach to potential legislative changes may well find themselves in troubled times in future."

Kenya faces its own set of constraints. The country is plagued by a depreciating currency that hurts local manufacturers and a high dependency on imports, both for anionic surfactants and final products. This trend stems not only from the lack of local supply, but also from the perception by FMCG manufacturers that the quality of the local cosmetic-grade anionic surfactants is inferior. In addition, the market is restrained by the limited purchasing power of its citizens.

"In both South Africa and Kenya, it is important that local FMCG manufacturers take the initiative and refrain from using substances banned on the international market," concludes Krynauw. "Moreover, in Kenya, there remains an opportunity for a local manufacturer to produce good quality, cosmetic-grade anionic surfactants to drive local supply."

If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail with your contact details to Samantha James, Corporate Communications, at samantha.james@frost.com.

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Growing Kenyan Anionic Surfactant Market Holds Greater Potential than Mature South African Market, Finds Frost ...

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Willis North America, a unit of Willis Group Holdings, named Max Gilman regional operations officer in Willis Personal Lines Practice in San Francisco, Calif.

Willis provides employee benefit and risk management solutions across a range of industries. The Willis Personal Lines Practice provides personal risk solutions and placement services to individuals and families with complex risks. The practice includes roughly 250 private client professionals located across the United States and Canada.

Gilman will have operational responsibility for Willis Associates serving clients in the personal lines and private client practices across Washington, California and Arizona. He will also be responsible for brand awareness and leading business development in Northern California. He will report to Sandra Bravo, CEO, of Willis Personal Lines.

Prior to Willis, Gilman served as vice president at Marsh Private Client Services. He has also held leadership roles at Applied Underwriters and Nextel Communications. Gilman is based in San Francisco.

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Willis North America Adds to Personal Lines in Northern California

Football for Hope is a global initiative supporting programmes which combine football with community development projects. The initiatives methods include direct financial support, the provision of equipment, and projects providing training, expertise and an exchange of information on fundraising, networking, personal development and communication.

A new Football for Hope Centre opens its doors in Ghana this Saturday, 24 March. To coincide with the inauguration ceremony, FIFA.com today presents a film documenting the Football for Hope Festival in South Africa.

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the world governing body, the local Organising Committee and streetfootballworld staged the first Football for Hope Festival as a component of the programme supporting the global tournament. A total of 32 mixed-gender teams gathered in Johannesburg, joining forces in the fight for a better future in their home countries.

The 15 to 18-year-old youths enjoyed two exhilarating weeks, including discussion groups, health education courses, cultural events and also a football tournament, played entirely without referees. At the end, the winners were declared to be everyone involved, as none of the youngsters will ever forget their 14 days in Africa's southernmost nation.

Now join us and experience the thrill and joy of Football for Hope for yourself, as were once again reminded of football's power to promote togetherness and initiate change.

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Football, a rich source of hope

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

21-03-2012 12:55 More than 100 students from 41 states and six different countries around the world are attending New Mexico State University, enrolled in the only online master's program for Spanish in the United States. Jeffrey Longwell, an associate professor of Spanish in the language and linguistics department and online graduate adviser at NMSU, talks about the program and how it got started.

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NMSU's online Spanish graduate program connects with students worldwide - Video

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Consumers are being deceived by fraudulent online "schools" offering high school credentials that have little or no value. GED Testing Service has filed a lawsuit to stop this abuse and protect those seeking to further their education.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120322/PH74825LOGO)

"With the filing of this lawsuit, GED Testing Service has taken action to help protect adults who wish to improve their lives by earning a high school equivalency credential," said Randy Trask, president of GED Testing Service. "In these tough economic times, competition for jobs is intense and a high school credential is typically the minimum educational requirement for employment. It is reprehensible that fraudulent websites are taking advantage of those who are seeking a credential that will help them be better positioned to find jobs and support their families."

This lawsuit is not the first or only step GED Testing Service has taken to protect consumers from these scams. Over the last few years, GED Testing Service has issued alerts, provided information to states' attorneys general about fraudulent "test" providers, and shared information nationwide.

"Along with our efforts to educate those at risk of being scammed and with this lawsuit, we are asking the federal court to take action to protect well-intentioned adults," added Trask.

On February 14, 2012, in Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York, the lawsuit was filed jointly by GED Testing Service and the American Council on Education, which originated the GED test in 1942. The complaint alleges that a network of websites in connection with Senford High School and Sunshine High School are engaging in deceptive and misleading business practices to defraud consumers under state and federal law.

Through this action, GED Testing Service seeks to shut down the network of allegedly fraudulent websites and order these businesses to cease their illegal practices. GED Testing Service expects that court action will put other online programs on alert to alter their false advertising practices and misuse of the GED trademark.

These programs advertise widely on popular search engines and falsely promise a quick way to obtain an "alternative" high school credential, using the GED trademark to lend credibility to their scams.

The GED test must be taken in-person at an official GED testing center. Those individuals successfully passing the complete battery are issued a credential directly by the state. If the credential is not issued by the state, it is not associated with the GED testing program and is unlikely to provide any benefit to those seeking better jobs or admission to college.

Unfortunately, the activity in this case is not an isolated incident. Similarly misleading websites purport to offer a GED credential a fact that Denise Richardson knows all too well. "When the college admissions officer told me that my diploma wasn't valid, I was extremely disappointed and angry," said Richardson. After taking and passing the real GED test at an official GED testing center, Richardson has this advice for potential GED test-takers: "I was fortunate to have the support from my local adult education center. Everyone should use this new online resource from GED Testing Service to find official testing centers and to report suspicious websites. The only way to prevent possible fraud in the future is to educate people about this problem."

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Online "GED Certificates" Not Worth the Paper They're Printed on

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Dublin - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3ce1698a/adult_education) has announced the addition of the "Adult Education - Global Outlook" report to their offering.

The global outlook series on Adult Education provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers a birds eye view of the sector, highlights latest market trends, challenges, and growth drivers of adult education industry. Market discussions in the report are punctuated with fact-rich market data tables.

Regional markets elaborated upon include the US, Japan, Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom, China, Korea, India, and South Africa. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of 118 major companies worldwide.

Key Topics Covered:

1. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

- Introduction

- Comparison with Formal Education

- Importance of Adult Education

- Shift towards Knowledge-Based Society

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Research and Markets: Adult Education - Global Outlook

With some fitness regimens, that first trip to the gym can nearly kill you.

Pilates, with its emphasis on core training and an abundance of moves, works the other way.

The first time is almost the easiest, says Alycea Ungaro, author of Pilates: Body in Motion.

It gets harder after that. Once you know what to do, the bar gets higher, the demand gets harder. You see things you're doing wrong and you fix them. You work harder.

Ungaro, who has been teaching Pilates for almost 20 years, says Pilates is one of the most adaptable forms of exercise.

We have exercises for people through every decade of their life or their condition, whether they're triathletes prepping for an event or people recovering from injury or postpartum, she says. It's a very malleable means of training. You can make it as hard or as easy as you wish.

Ungaro says that the classic Pilates mat routine is known for being effective in changing one's body. But many people find the complex choreography and multiple position changes too difficult to keep up with, she says. She suggests Pilates as a circuit.

By using just a handful of key moves and reducing them to their most intense positions, Pilates can be both simple and effective.

This six-minute circuit can be repeated three times for a thoroughly challenging 20-minute routine, she says. Take a 30-second rest between each full set.

Stand tall with your legs together tightly. Keep your heels together and toes slightly apart by squeezing your glutes and hold your arms genie' style forearms crossed at chest height. Begin quickly lifting one knee up at a time, replacing them just as fast and lightly as possible. Continue for 60 seconds. Hold body still as the legs work quickly and push off the floor with each lift bending the knee sharply into the body.

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Pilates: Tough, but adaptable to the core