Health and Fitness Club Industry News: Other News
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020
Lyle Ray Irwin, The Original STEP Founder, and Patent Holder, Passes Away
Posted: July 28, 2020 in Other News
Lyle Ray Irwin, The Original STEP Founder and Patent Holder, and partner with Rich Boggs in CourtSouth and then in a partnership with Rich, Lou Off and Gerry Alles in Sportslife in Atlanta, has passed away after a 6 + month battle with lung cancer. Six years ago, Ray won a very tough battle with throat cancer. Then, after surviving that cancer for 6+ years, he was hit with a second battle with cancer in January, 2020. Sadly, this time it was lung cancer, which proved to be more than he could defeat, and Lyle Ray Irwin died the night of July 19th/20th. Read More...
How ALS TDI is Moving Forward with Phase 1 Reopening of Lab
Posted: June 1, 2020 in Other News
CAMBRIDGE, MA - ALS TDI’s Chief Scientific Officer Fernando Vieira, M.D., talks about how ALS TDI is allowing more scientists to enter the lab in accordance with Massachusetts Phase 1 reopening guidelines. ALS TDI thank you for support over the last few months, which has allowed us to maintain the pace of promising ALS research amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This first week of June, in accordance with the Massachusetts phased reopening guidelines, ALS TDI began allowing more of our scientists and researchers to return to the Cambridge-based lab. While pleased to be able to resume additional operations the safety of staff remains a top priority. Read More...
ALS TDI Study Uncovers New Clue as to Why C9or72 Mutations May Cause Neurodegenerative Disease
Posted: April 17, 2020 in Other News
CAMBRIDGE, MA - It is known that C9orf72 repeat expansion mutations are the most common cause of ALS, but the mechanisms of how and why it causes the disease remain, for the most part, a mystery. However, a new paper by ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) scientist, Anna Gill, and several collaborators, may have a promising new clue as to why these C9orf72 mutations may be particularly toxic for brain cells. Read More...
Our Research Will Not Stop, But We Need You Now
Posted: April 6, 2020 in Other News
CAMBRIDGE, MA - I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who donated in response to my letter last week. Your support and commitment to continuing the research at ALS TDI means so much, not only to our science team and staff but to the people who are living with ALS. We are making very difficult decisions here every day, as we face the consequences of COVID-19, but I am incredibly proud to work with a team that is thoroughly aligned on doing whatever is right for the people we serve. I want to assure the community that our research will not stop. Read More...
Employee Retention Credit Available For Many Businesses Financially Impacted By COVID-19
Posted: April 1, 2020 in Other News
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service has launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. Read More...
Economic Impact Payments: What You Need to Know
Posted: March 31, 2020 in Other News
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service has announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment. Read More...
Why COVID-19 Treatments May be Coming in Months, While ALS Research Takes Years
Posted: March 19, 2020 in Other News
CAMBRIDGE, MA - For those who have been waiting years, even decades, for a cure for a disease like ALS, it can be both hopeful and frustrating to hear about the possible rapid development of treatments for COVID-19. Assuming that an effective treatment can be found, there are many reasons why a treatment for an infectious disease like COVID-19 might be easier to develop than one for a condition like ALS. Read More...
American Media, LLC Announces Sale of Mr. Olympia and Muscle & Fitness
Posted: February 14, 2020 in Other News
NEW YORK, N.Y. - In a landmark deal, American Media, LLC has announced it has reached an agreement on the sale of the iconic Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend, as well as the Muscle & Fitness, FLEX and M&F Hers media brands. The prestigious Olympia Weekend, held annually in Las Vegas, is home to one of the global fitness industry's signature consumer tradeshows while also serving as the world championships of several professional physique sports, including the legendary title of Mr. Olympia. Read More...
Augie’s Quest 15th Annual BASH Event Returns to San Diego
Posted: February 7, 2020 in Other News
SAN DIEGO, CA - Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS, a nonprofit committed to changing the experience of thousands living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by fast-tracking effective treatments and an ultimate cure, is celebrating their 15th BASH fundraiser by Rockin’ Through the Ages with the fitness industry on March 20. Over 800 guests are expected to attend the event, which is held in conjunction with the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association’s (IHRSA) International Tradeshow and Convention. The BASH represents an opportunity for the fitness industry to come together and celebrate advancements in ALS research, while reminding attendees of the critical hope their support offers for those affected by this disease. Read More...
Columbia Association Tennis Receives USTA Award for Outstanding League Tennis
Posted: January 27, 2020 in Other News
COLUMBIA, MD - Columbia Association’s (CA) tennis programming has been named the winner of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Mid-Atlantic’s Outstanding League Tennis Facility Award for 2019. The award recognizes a tennis organization that supports and promotes the growth and development of USTA leagues in the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes Maryland; Virginia; Washington, D.C.; and parts of West Virginia. Read More...
You Can Make a Difference in 2020
Posted: December 31, 2019 in Other News
Over the past year, the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) continued our rigorous efforts to find effective treatments for ALS. As the most comprehensive research lab in the world dedicated to ALS, our research team is relentlessly working to attack ALS from every angle. As our team works through the last hours of 2019, I wanted to take the time to reflect on some of the year's milestones that you helped us achieve. Together, we are getting closer to ending ALS. Read More...
Here’s to Getting 2020 in Focus With Team Quest4ALS!
Posted: December 30, 2019 in Other News
It’s been another incredible year of progress in our quest to end ALS. Thank you for being on this journey with us. Our partners in the fitness industry play such a critical role, flexing your muscles as often as you can for our shared cause. You continue to take on ALS right beside us, stepping up your generous gifts, giving of your time and varied talents and fighting this disease with unmatched passion. You give us hope. And because of you, our dreams of curing ALS are in sight, we’re so much closer to seeing them actually coming true. Read More...
Cycle for Survival Bike In Every Equinox Club Raises Awareness About Rare Cancers
Posted: December 23, 2019 in Other News
NEW YORK, N.Y. - For the first time ever, Bike #20 in every Equinox cycling studio across the country will stand out from the rest. The seat, in Cycle for Survival's signature bright orange, has a special meaning. In the spirit of Cycle for Survival, the bikes featuring the orange seats represent the power that each person has to transform ideas into positive change. Bike #20 was chosen in celebration of Cycle for Survival's 2020 signature indoor team cycling events in January, February and March. Read More...
Introducing Active Cat Around the World
Posted: November 29, 2019 in Other News
BOSTON, MA - The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has announced the publication of a new children’s book, entitled Active Cat Around the World, sponsored by Gympass. The release of Active Cat Around the World is timely. A recent study by the World Health Organization states that a majority of adolescents worldwide are not sufficiently physically active, putting their current and future health at risk. Written by Jay Ablondi and Jim Schmaltz, and illustrated by Stan Tran, Active Cat Around the World playfully showcases Active Cat traveling the world in search of fun sports to play and meeting new friends along the way. Read More...
Majority of Adolescents Worldwide Not Sufficiently Physically Active, Says WHO
Posted: November 22, 2019 in Other News
GENEVA - The first-ever global trends for adolescent insufficient physical activity show that urgent action is needed to increase physical activity levels in girls and boys aged 11 to 17 years. The study, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal and produced by researchers from the World Health Organization (WHO), finds that more than 80% of school-going adolescents globally did not meet current recommendations of at least one hour of physical activity per day, including 85% of girls and 78% of boys. Read More...
The 15th ALS TDI Leadership Summit
Posted: November 9, 2019 in Other News
CAMBRIDGE, MA - On Friday, November 8, 2019, the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) hosted the 15th Leadership Summit. The Leadership Summit is a full-day conference featuring keynote presentations that provide an in-depth look at the most advanced ALS research. This year, the Summit focused on the groundbreaking research being done at ALS TDI, as well as their exciting collaboration with Google. Read More...
Dr. Gerry Faust Passes Away – A Special Tribute and Expression of Appreciation to Gerry
Posted: November 5, 2019 in Other News
POWAY, CA - The late Dr. Gerry Faust, 77, was born on January 1st, 1942 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The great man was truly one of a kind... a true gentleman and a vastly experienced and extremely highly qualified man in his field who leaves huge footprints in the world of high-level management training and education for all who follow him. Some people journey through life and leave footprints wherever they go, footprints of love and kindness, compassion and courage, humor and inspiration, faith and joy. Dr. Gerry Faust was one of those very special people. Even when they're gone, we can still look back and clearly see the trail of greatness they've left behind, a trail bright with hope that invites us to follow. Read More...
FDA Issues Guidance Document for ALS Clinical Trials
Posted: October 2, 2019 in Other News
CAMBRIDGE, MA - On September 23, 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its most recent guidance document for the development of potential treatments for ALS. This document is not binding on the FDA or the public and encourages those within the industry to communicate with the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) to discuss alternative approaches not listed within the document. Read More...
Olympia Weekend Announces Record Prize Money, Expanded Expo and Celebrity Appearances
Posted: August 29, 2019 in Other News
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The fitness industry's most celebrated tradition returns to Las Vegas September 12 - 15 with the world's most prestigious physique titles on the line. Olympia Weekend is set to award more than $1.4 million in prize money, eclipsing its previous mark, making this year's event the most lucrative bodybuilding and fitness championship of all time. Read More...
PTR Mourns the Loss of Dennis Van der Meer
Posted: July 28, 2019 in Other News
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) is sad to inform the tennis world of the passing of its Founder, former Chairman and President, Dennis Van der Meer. After a lengthy illness, Van der Meer passed quietly with his loving wife, Pat, by his side. He was 86. Indeed, Van der Meer dedicated his life to tennis, more importantly to coaching. He was the teacher among teachers, constantly seeking information on biomechanics, methodology and techniques. As an innovator in the field of tennis education, Van der Meer believed in sharing knowledge. During the early stages of PTR, known then as USPTR, Van der Meer found that only limited educational materials existed for tennis teaching professionals. So, he set about to provide a series of handbooks and manuals by assembling the finest educators to write on their areas of expertise. Read More...
