Fitness PR Division

From PRWeb: Today, SPORTSMITH, the nation’s largest supplier of fitness equipment parts and personal training products, announced the addition of Rubber Coated Kettlebells to their product line up for the 2007 spring fitness season. Kettlebells and Kettlebell Training have a long and rich international history beginning in Russia. In the early 1900’s Kettlebells became the training tool of choice for early bodybuilders and strongmen. Now Kettlebell competitions are becoming a major sport throughout the world as the popularity of Kettlebells and Kettlebell Training increases.

SPORTSMITH Kettlebells are the ultimate tool for all-around fitness and cross-training benefits. Kettlebell workouts increase strength, endurance, agility and balance, challenging both the muscular and cardiovascular system with dynamic, total body movements.

"Our goal is to help the health and fitness industries grow and retain their customers by continually looking for the products that help health and fitness clubs grow and retain their customer base by stocking the latest products health and fitness club members need to reach their fitness goals.” Brad Schupp, SPORTSMITH President.

SPORTSMITH Kettlebells are encased in a solid rubber coating to help improve the users grip and help protect fitness facility floors. The kettlebells are extremely durable and available in weights of 8kg/17.6lb, 12kg/26.4lb, 16kg/35.2lb, 20kg/44lb, 24kg/52.8lb, 28kg/61.6lb, 32kg/70.4lb and 40kg/88lb. Traditional non rubber coated Russian Kettlebells are known for ruff ridges on the under side of the grip, resulting in the users hand becoming ruff or callused.

The SPORTSMITH kettlebells are available for order now via the SPORTSMITH website. Visit www.sportsmith.net for more information.

When you think of running, do you envision pushing your body to the limit of exhaustion or even that Boston Marathon winner who is basically crawling across the finish line? Whatever happened to running just as a relaxing way to exercise? Reebok has decided to try to bring back the fun to running with their new Run Easy campaign.

Run Easy is about reminding us that running doesn’t have to be a competitive sport. There was a time when it was deemed exercise that was open to anyone; from running solo on the beach to an enjoyment of social time with a running buddy, running was easy at one point and not something that you had to be competitive at.

One of the Reebok Run Easy ad campaigns states: Run + Puke + Run = Crazy. A little over the top, a little gross when you think about it, but isn’t that the point? Running shouldn’t have to be exercise to push us to our limits, and honestly, it really doesn’t need to be involved in the “No pain no gain” theory of fitness. Running should be fitness that is open to people of all athletic abilities.

This polar opposite approach to the fitness gear industry involves many well known athletes such as Allen Iverson, Vince Young, Chad Johnson and Nicole Vaidisova, among many others.

The main question Reebok asks consumers is, “What are you just doing?” which is obviously a stab and/or take on Nike’s “Just Do It” motto. The campaign began this week with Reebok’s launch of the website GoRunEasy.com and will begin with digital advertising and print ads in select major cities, by the end of the month we will see the commercials beginning to air.

So will it work? Tell us what you think in the comments.

Each time that I am pregnant, my husband mysteriously develops Shingles. It’s something that no one can quite understand and has baffled us each time, as it is very rare to develop Shingles more than once in your lifetime. Shingles is a painful skin rash, most often only surfacing on one half of your body, and occurs in people who have had the chicken pox. Although I don’t plan on having any more children (4 is enough thank you), I found interest in a new study that has surfaced that indicates the possibility that tai chi may help in warding off Shingles.

The study was geared at those 50 years and older since Shingles is usually most common in this age demographic (although my husband is an exception since he began developing it at age 35). Tai chi is a low impact exercise that anyone can participate in at any age. To do tai chi, you perform a defined series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each movement or posture flows into the next without pausing. Many see tai chi as a way to tackle many physical and mental conditions such as stress, reducing high blood pressure, increasing stamina, and muscle strengthening and definition.

This recent study was done by UCLA and involved 112 healthy adults, ages 59 to 86, who have had previous cases of chickenpox. The study was split into two groups with one group taking tai chi classes three times a week for three months and the second group attending health education classes where they were taught good diet habits and stress management. Both groups were vaccinated against chicken pox.

After 6 months, the tai chi group showed nearly twice the level of immunity than did the health education group and the study found that tai chi paired with vaccination showed a 40% increase in immunity against Shingles. It is definitely interesting to say the least and something that should promote further study regarding tai chi’s affects on physical and mental health.

If you love the relaxation that a cruise can bring, but also love fitness, Carnival Cruise lines has another great annual cruise put together for this year's fitness Mind/Body Cruise.

Via PR Newswire MIAMI (April, 2007) - Carnival Cruise Lines, Shape and Men's Fitness magazine have partnered to sponsor the fourth annual "Mind/Body Cruise" to be held aboard the Carnival Conquest, December 2- 9, 2007. The seven-day cruise aboard the 2,974-passenger "Fun Ship" will operate round-trip from Galveston, Texas, and call at Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and offer guests a rejuvenating experience through a variety of fitness, nutritional, and wellness classes and seminars.

In addition to fitness and relaxation classes that include an energetic aerobic workout to the sound of live drums or a daily sunset meditation session on the ship's Lido Deck, the "Mind/Body Cruise" offers interesting and informative cooking demonstrations and nutritional workshops, all hosted by renowned personal trainers, and nutrition and health experts.

"We are excited to team up with Shape and Men's Fitness magazine for the fourth 'Mind/Body Cruise' which provides guests the opportunity to experience creative fitness classes and learn about new and different ways to improve their fitness levels, all in a fun relaxing environment," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.

"It's easy to understand why consumers today would want a vacation that allows them to feel good while having a good time," said John Balen, Promotion Director for Shape and Men's Fitness. "We are thrilled to partner with Carnival once again to continue to provide this unique health and wellness program that brings the magazine pages to life."

Classes and other programming for the "Mind/Body Cruise" will be conducted by leading experts who will also be on hand for personal, one-on-one consultations and Q&A sessions. Participating experts include:

Jacqui Stafford- Recognized as a leading authority on beauty, style and fashion, Stafford is an executive director at Shape magazine where she writes a monthly fashion column and has made countless TV appearances on such shows as NBC's "Today" show, ABC's "The View" and "The Tyra Banks Show."

Teri Hanson- a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for more than 20 years, Hanson is assistant fitness editor for Weider Publications, contributing to such magazines as "Shape," "Natural Health" and "Fit Pregnancy." She is also the star of Shape's soon-to-be released Yoga DVD "Long Lean and Strong."

Jon Giswold- is best known for his work in the country's most prominent fitness clubs. He currently teaches group exercise classes at Reebok/Sports Club New York and other locations.

Jeffrey Scott- A Reebok University global master trainer and an international fitness presenter, Scott is known for his creative choreography and a strong athletic influence. He has starred in more than 20 fitness videos and has made numerous television appearances including NBC's "Today" show.

Kent and Maria Burden- Authors of the award-winning book, "Yin Yang Fitness: The Whole Package of Health" and creators of a series of mind and body DVDs, the Burdens have made numerous appearances on television programs both in the U.S. and U.K.

Misty Tripoli- Tripoli is a Nike Elite Instructor and one of the world's most innovative and engaging fitness instructors, dance choreographers and personal trainers. She is known for her revolutionary and energetic fitness classes, and has been featured in several fitness magazines and television programs.

Jim Stoppani, Ph.D. - Stoppani received his doctorate in exercise physiology from the University of Connecticut. He currently serves as senior science editor for Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness Hers and Flex magazine.

Carnival is currently accepting reservations for the upcoming "Mind/Body Cruise" aboard Carnival Conquest. Prices begin at $659 per person based on double occupancy and include all "Mind/Body Cruise" activities.

Participants must reference fare code CSSH when making the reservation.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com

ExerciseTV, the first comprehensive on-demand network dedicated to fitness, sports training and motivational programming, and Lionsgate, the leading independent filmed entertainment studio and a leading distributor of fitness DVDs, have announced a new partnership to create and distribute workout programs that will launch new fitness personalities and spotlight the latest in fitness trends. These ExerciseTV/Lionsgate programs will be available to consumers via multiple platforms and venues: including through ExerciseTV's online store at www.exercisetv.tv; via video-on-demand (VOD) on ExerciseTV; and on DVD through retail outlets.

The partnership will premiere its first joint production this fall, with the DVD release of the STAR TRAINERS series, produced by ExerciseTV and distributed by Lionsgate. The three DVDs will be available for purchase individually or as a package exclusively on ExerciseTV's online store through December 2007. The STAR TRAINERS DVD series will be available in retail outlets across the country beginning on December 18, 2007.

Individual STAR TRAINERS workout programs can be seen on ExerciseTV via video-on-demand (VOD).

"We're really excited about working with Lionsgate to bring top-notch workout programs to a wide national and international audience," says Jake Steinfeld, founder of ExerciseTV and CEO of Body by Jake Global. "ExerciseTV is on the frontlines of fitness, and by partnering with one of the top producers and distributors of fitness DVDs, we look forward to motivating a whole new audience to get fit and live healthy lifestyles."

"We've been very impressed with what ExerciseTV has done to make world-class fitness programming available all day, everyday, with its free VOD workout programming," says Anne Parducci, Executive Vice President, marketing for Lionsgate. "Bringing ExerciseTV's unique fitness expertise into the Lionsgate fold will only further enhance our position as leaders in the fitness market."

Lionsgate possesses one of the most extensive and high-profile fitness DVD libraries in the industry and already boasts the top four fitness DVDs among all releases in 2007. Dancing With The Stars: Cardio Dance has accounted for more than $1 million in consumer spending in its first month of release including higher week one sales than any other fitness DVD to date. In addition, Lionsgate is the longtime distributor of Denise Austin DVDs, currently claiming two of the top four titles for the year, according to Nielsen data, building on her success as one of the top names in fitness. Lionsgate's fitness DVD releases of The Biggest Loser - The Workout, Vol. 1 and The Biggest Loser - The Workout, Vol. 2 have earned more than $4 million, making it one of the most successful fitness brands on DVD today. Lionsgate has also recently acquired another longtime fitness DVD success -- Kathy Smith -- one of the biggest names in the fitness
industry.

A Master Class in PR Partnerships at 24 Hour Fitness 

California based chain, 24 Hour Fitness, has choosen celebrity endorsed centers as part of their Fitness Public Relations strategy to combat forecasted consumer frugality. Celebrity endorsements might not be a new form of PR, but the cross-promotional tactic has been enjoying frequent use across many industries recently. High-profile personalities have been linking themselves with clothing collections, perfumes, restaurants, television shows, record labels--it seems no single product/service/idea cannot avoid being branded with a well-known person including fitness centers.

Jeter24 is the latest of 24 Hour Fitness owned gyms to open that feature a superstar affiliation. Derek Jeter was chosen to not only be the ambassador of the New York City centers, but also to be closely involed with the design of the gym. Jeter joins the ranks of Andre Agassi, Lance Armstong, Jackie Chan, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and Shaquille O' Neil as "24" owners. The chain chose these athletes in accordance with their shared attitude towards physical activity.

24 Hour Fitness has attributed much of their success to endorsement. Their first major one was with the United States Olympic team. The success of this conventional partnership was expected, but left 24 Hour Fitness wondering what other organizations and personalities they could link up with to further elevate their image.

They worked with NBC to launch the reality show, "The Biggest Loser." In exchange for designing the gym that would center the weight loss activities of contestants on the show, 24 Hour Fitness reaped the brand identity benefits of a partnership made in heaven. The fitness chain discovered an edge that would eventually propel them past their competitors (they are now the largest gym in the world in terms of membership).

Judging by 24 Hour Fitness' success, celebrity endorsement is a solid PR strategy. The first Jeter24 location in New York City had 700 members before it even opened it's doors. What is it about an athlete designing a center that makes it more superior than the plethora of choices a Manhattanite has on their side? Do we think we will achieve the determination of Armstrong or the physical perfection of Jeter by working out in their respective centers?

If we see that a luxury fitness center chain is responsible for designing a gym that television contestants use, do we feel we will share their results if we attend that same gym chain?

Whatever the attraction is, 24 Hour Fitness can be an example of successful PR partnerships.

We have always prided ourself for staying ahead of the trends and having the foresight to know who is on track for becoming a haute property. We've comprised a Haute List that contains brands that are haute now as well as brands you should be keeping your eye on.

Indie Fashion & Beauty Magazines:
1. Visionaire
2. Metro.Pop
3. VMAN

Foreign Beauty & Fashion Magazines:
1. Company (UK)
2. Jessica (Hong Kong)
3. Trendi (Finland)

TV Shows:
1. 90210
2. Kath & Kim
3. Gossip Girl

Women’s Apparel:
1. Topshop
2. Valentino under Alessandra Fachinetti
3. Rodarte

Men’s Apparel:
1. Pastelle
2. RMC Martin Ksohoh
3. ANAMA

Jewelry Brands:
1. John Hardy
2. Alexis Bittar
3. Trollbeads

Handbag Lines:
1. Rebecca Minkoff
2. Foley+Corinna
3. Timi & Leslie

Cosmetic Lines:
1. e.l.f.
2. Colorescience
3. Classified Cosmetics

What do you get when you put boxers from USA and Bulgaria in the ring together? One heck of a fight.

In this clip filmed behind the scenes by LA Boxing, Javier Molina, the 2007 National Champion in boxing, is taking on one of Bulgaria’s toughest. In the end, Bulgaria won this match, but Molina put up a really great fight. Check out this clip of the two going head to head.

Get ready to diet and eat like a TV star with Suzanne this weekend as she launches:

SIGNATURE PRODUCT: All Natural SomerSweet Baking Blend (B55070) is a unique blend of 100% natural sweeteners. This zero calorie, low glycemic sweetener also contains 2 grams of fiber per serving, and is a cup for cup replacement for granulated sugar.

SIGNATURE PRODUCT: Suzanne's Mexican Meal Kit (B55062) includes seasonings for a delicious and healthy 3-course meal. Including the Cilantro Lime Dip Mix, the Carne Asada Seasoning Rub, and creamy Cinnamon Flan Dessert Mix, you only need to add fresh ingredients and dinner is ready in minutes!

ShopNBC, the premium lifestyle brand in electronic retailing, today announced the much anticipated premiere of entertainer, New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and home shopping veteran Suzanne Somers on its TV shopping network. Kicking off the show series will be the "Suzanne Somers Welcome Party" at 10 pm ET this Friday, September 18th. As part of the network's ShopNBC Anywhere initiative, customers can shop via cable and satellite TV, mobile devices (iPhone and iPod Touch), online at www.ShopNBC.com, and streamed live at www.ShopNBC.TV.

SOKO Fitness & Spa Group, Inc., an operator of fitness centers, beauty salons and spas in Northeast China as well as suburban Beijing, today announced the opening of its two newest facilities, Daoli Fitness and Legend Spa Central Club. Both centers, which, as previously announced, have been engaged in pre-opening activities for several months, are located in the Long Dian Building in downtown Harbin, China, a centrally located building for SOKO's target upper-middle class clients. SOKO now holds majority ownership in 13 fitness and spa facilities in Harbin, including Yoga Wave Harbin, which opened in February 2010 and is also strategically located in the Long Dian Building.

Is your fashion beauty lifestyle PR Firm allowed to shop on Monday? We at Pierce Mattie are, per our quote in Newsday! We’d love your thoughts, do you think you'll get the best holiday deals this Monday? 

To learn more about how we work be sure to follow us on Twitter and FaceBook.

Chelsea Piers is inviting members & guests (non-members) to join in raising funds for the American Red Cross; which will support disaster relief efforts in Japan, New Zealand, and Australia and homeland catastrophes.

bodyART, Deep Work Class

The ultimate mind~body cardio training. Close your eyes, feel the beat, discover your boundaries. It will be a new way for you to challenge your body and help the world.

There is no pre-registration. Once inside Chelsea Piers, you can use the entire facility. Donations are accepted in the form of Cash, CC, Checks payable to the American Red Cross. Donations are accepted at the front desk prior to class. Suggesting a minimum donation of $25 per workout/class.