Gold's Gym Continues Its Commitment to 'Stop Diabetes' by Supporting American Diabetes Association 'Alert Day'

Worldwide Leader in Fitness Promotes Free Exercise Guide to Emphasize the Importance of Fitness in Fighting Diabetes

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Mar 23, 2010, 11:04 ET

DALLAS, March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- To continue its ongoing commitment of fighting diabetes with fitness, Gold's Gym, the world's leading authority on health and fitness, is proudly supporting the American Diabetes Association "Alert Day®."

The company is offering the public a free "Getting Fit 101" guide on starting an exercise program, which is a key lifestyle activity that can assist in the prevention and management of diabetes. In addition, the company is officially kicking off its preparation and recruitment for the 2010 Tour De Cure®, the American Diabetes Association's signature cycling event. Since it became a sponsor of the Tour de Cure in 2004, Gold's Gym has raised more than $2.5 million for diabetes research and prevention.

In the United States alone, diabetes affects a staggering 24 million adults and children, with one in four Americans living with the disease yet unaware they even have it. Additionally, 57 million Americans are estimated to have pre-diabetes, placing them at increased risk for developing type-2 diabetes. If present trends continue, one in three children born today will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

Gold's Gym is encouraging everyone to take a step towards preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes by downloading the free "Getting Fit 101" guide. In addition to providing consumers with the fundamentals on how start an exercise program - including setting goals, choosing what to wear, utilizing cardiovascular and strength training techniques and tips on staying motivated - the guide also offers ways to "exercise without exercising." The "Getting Fit 101" guide can be downloaded for free at www.goldsgym.com/ada. Visitors to the site will also find ways to join the Gold's Gym Bike Team and a special discounted Gold's Gym membership that donates 10 percent of the enrollment fee to the American Diabetes Association.

"Millions of Americans are still unaware that maintaining a healthy weight by committing to a regular fitness routine and nutrition management program is the number one lifestyle change people can make to help delay or prevent type 2 diabetes," said Lisa Zoellner, Chief Marketing Officer for Gold's Gym International. "Even those living with the disease can benefit from the power of diet and exercise. In many cases, studies have shown that the combination of the two can diminish and in certain cases, eliminate the need for some medications."

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

About Gold's Gym

Established in Venice, Calif. in 1965, Gold's Gym is the largest full service gym chain in the world with more than 700 locations in 43 states and 28 countries. Gold's Gym offers the latest equipment and services, including group exercise, personal training, cardiovascular equipment, group cycle, Pilates and yoga. With nearly 3.5 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.

SOURCE Gold's Gym