SHAPE Magazine Names Dr. James Stray-Gundersen, M.D. Executive Fitness Director

NEW YORK, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- David J. Pecker, Chairman, President and CEO of American Media, Inc. (AMI), today announced the appointment of Dr. James Stray-Gundersen, M.D., as Executive Fitness Director of SHAPE, the leading active women's lifestyle magazine and global authority on fitness, nutrition and health.

A member of the American College of Sports Medicine, Dr. Stray-Gundersen is a world-renowned expert in the areas of exercise and sport performance, altitude training, anti-blood doping efforts, recovery and nutrition. For over 30 years, he has dedicated much of his career to working with numerous Olympic athletes across various sports, from skiing and speed skating to cycling, running and swimming. He holds multiple patents, including one for a fluid- and electrolyte-replacement beverage, and has also pioneered Human Performance Centers that focus on exercise and nutrition. Some of Dr. Stray-Gundersen's additional accomplishments include being the recipient of nine grants and awards, receiving merits from the Olympic Committee and the American Heart Association, and authoring more than 75 health and fitness articles in leading medical and scientific journals.

"Naming Dr. James Stray-Gundersen as the Executive Fitness Director of SHAPE is the first step in a major investment in the revitalization of the brand," says David Pecker, President, Chairman and CEO of AMI. "His extensive credentials, vast medical experience, and strong roots in sports will help take SHAPE to the next level."

Dr. Stray-Gundersen will be working hand-in-hand with the SHAPE's Editor-In-Chief, Tara Kraft, to continue to produce compelling editorial that's jam-packed with the latest fitness news and trends, plus dynamic workouts.

"At SHAPE it is our goal to deliver cutting-edge editorial," says Kraft. "With Dr. Stray-Gundersen's wealth of fitness, nutrition and health knowledge, as well as his incredible experience with Olympians, professional athletes and military Special Forces, I have no doubt that he will be a great asset to our team and the SHAPE brand."

"It is truly an honor to be named Executive Fitness Director of SHAPE Magazine, a landmark wellness and lifestyle guide," says Dr. Stray-Gundersen. "I consider it a privilege to work for the ultimate women's lifestyle publication."

About American Media, Inc.:

American Media, Inc. owns and operates the leading print and digital celebrity and health and fitness media brands in the United States. AMI's titles include Star, OK!, National Enquirer, Globe, Soap Opera Digest, Shape, Men's Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Flex, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health. AMI also manages 18 different digital sites, including RadarOnline.com, OKmagazine.com, Shape.com, MensFitness.com, MuscleandFitness.com and FitPregnancy.com. AMI's magazines have a combined total circulation of almost 7 million and reach more than 55 million men and women each month. AMI's digital properties reach an average of 10 million unique visitors and 80 million page views monthly.

About SHAPE:

SHAPE, the flagship brand of AMI's Women's Active Lifestyle Group, reaches 6.2 million active readers and is number one in circulation, ad pages and worldwide editions. SHAPE connects with women throughout their daily lives with its innovative brand extensions, including online, email, mobile efforts and award-winning consumer events.

SOURCE SHAPE