Archive for February, 2012
Day 1 of my 100 day fitness challenge. – Video
Posted: February 18, 2012 at 9:31 am
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Day 1 of my 100 day fitness challenge. - Video
Health Tip: Practice Proper Posture For Better Health
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Health Tip: Practice Proper Posture For Better Health
RLPC-Fitness First attracts distressed fund Oaktree
Posted: at 9:31 am
LONDON, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Distressed investment funds including Oaktree Capital are buying up debt and building a position in health club operator Fitness First, adding pressure on owner BC Partners' ability to restructure the company's debt, bankers said on Friday.
A number of lenders are selling out of the company, which has started talks to restructure its approximate 600 million pounds ($948 million) of loans, bankers said.
Distressed investors specialise in buying ailing companies' debt, often pursuing a 'loan to own' strategy with the intention of gaining control of a company in a restructuring
Oaktree acquired 45 million euros ($58.69 million) of Fitness First loans this week, at a discount of around 65 percent of face value, the bankers said. Oaktree is approaching other lenders willing to sell, the bankers added.
BC Partners declined to comment. No one at Oaktree Capital was immediately available to comment.
Last week about 39 million Australian dollars ($41.79 million) of Fitness First's loans traded at around the same discount. [ID: nL5E8DABAG]
RESTRUCTURING UNDERWAY
Distressed debt specialists and secondary loan traders attended a bank meeting last Thursday where the company discussed its first-quarter breach of covenants and its debt maturities after BC Partners failed to sell parts of the business last year to repay its debt.
The company needs to refinance or extend maturities on its loans, which fall due this and next year, according to Thomson Reuters LPC data. BC Partners hired advisors from Rothschild to restructure its debt, bankers said.
BC Partners bought Fitness First in 2005 for 1.2 billion euros ($950 million). It tried to float the Australian and Asian operations in Singapore last year but the IPO - also run by Rothschild - was pulled in September due to market volatility. ($1 = 0.7668 euros) ($1 = 0.9331 Australian dollars) ($1 = 0.6323 British pounds) (Editing by Greg Mahlich)
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RLPC-Fitness First attracts distressed fund Oaktree
In Motion O.C. is Hosting a Special Health and Hydration Seminar with Shan Stratton in Irvine, California on March 1 …
Posted: at 9:31 am
On March 1, 2012, In Motion O.C. will be hosting a special seminar on health & hydration, which will be conducted by nutritional consultant, sports supplementation specialist and internationally renowned motivational speaker, Shan Stratton.
Irvine, CA (PRWEB) February 18, 2012
In Motion O.C. is a state of the art physical therapy, fitness and wellness center in Irvine, California. On March 1, 2012, In Motion O.C. will be hosting a seminar on health and hydration with special guest, Shan Stratton.
Shan Stratton is known internationally as the nutritionist to the pros. Shan is a nutritional consultant, a sports supplementation specialist and a renowned motivational speaker.
He’s consulted with teams such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Miami Heat regarding sports supplementation. Shan has also performed one-on-one nutritional training with hundreds of athletes such as legendary Hall of Famer, Reggie Jackson and 5-time Cy Young winner, Randy Johnson.
Those attending this unique seminar will learn about why nutrition and hydration go hand in hand. Shan will also cover the difference between nutrient utilization and nutrient consumption, probiotics and prebiotics, and how Kangen water plus proper supplementation can help reduce body fat.
The seminar will be hosted at In Motion O.C., a 6,000 square foot facility in Irvine, CA. In Motion O.C. is a health facility with an emphasis on Physical Therapy, Aquatic Therapy, and Fitness.
For more information regarding this special presentation, visit http://www.InMotionOC.com/about-us/news/ or call In Motion O.C. at 949-861-8600.
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Jeff Thomas
In Motion OC
949-861-8600
Email Information
Life Time Fitness 4th-qtr profit on member growth
Posted: at 9:31 am
CHANHASSEN, Minn. (AP) — Health club operator Life Time Fitness Inc. reported Thursday that its fourth-quarter net income increased nearly 13 percent on improved revenue from membership fees and sales within its clubs.
Life Time earned $19.8 million, or 48 cents per share, for the period ended Dec. 31, compared with $17.6 million, or 43 cents per share, in the 2010 fourth quarter. Excluding the impact of performance compensation expenses for its leaders, the company earned 59 cents per share.
Revenue increased more than 12 percent to $250.9 million from $223.7 million.
Analysts, on average, expected adjusted earnings of 56 cents per share, on revenue of $246.3 million for the period.
Life Time said that it expects its membership and other revenue to continue to improve in the coming year. It forecast profit of $2.60 to $2.72 per share for 2012 on revenue of $1.11 to $1.14 billion. Analysts expect earnings of $2.76 per share on revenue of $1.12 billion.
The company posted full year earnings of $92.6 million, or $2.26 per share. That's up from $80.7 million, or $2 per share, for 2010. It earned $2.42 per share on an adjusted basis.
Annual revenue rose 11 percent to $1.01 billion from $912.8 million.
Life Time, based in Chanhassen, Minn., operates 93 fitness centers under the Life Time Fitness and Life Time Athletics brands in 21 states. The company also operated nine additional acquired facilities, which it is transitioning to become Life Time centers.
Shares of the company were up 29 cents to $50.58 in midday trading
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Life Time Fitness 4th-qtr profit on member growth
Deadline is Monday to register for RB health, fitness fair
Posted: at 9:31 am
By Elizabeth Marie Himchak
A free health and fitness fair in Rancho Bernardo next weekend will focus on seniors’ needs and activities.
The event will be 12:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Ed Brown Senior Center, 18402 W. Bernardo Drive in Rancho Bernardo Community Park. RSVPs are requested by Monday, Feb. 20. Call 858-487-9324.
It will begin with a free lunch from 12:30-1:15 p.m., followed by a presentation from 1:30-2:30 p.m. by Alex Signorello, a certified personal trainer who specializes in exercises for seniors. His talk will be followed by opportunities to learn more about the center’s classes and activities, said Pastor Jeff Keck from Petra Pentacostal Church.
The church, which for the past year has been holding services at the Brown center, is organizing the event as part of its community outreach, Keck said.
Among center classes and activities attendees can learn about are gentle yoga, ways to improve balance, arthritis help, ballroom dancing, Zumba, lawn bowling and croquet.
“We’re trying to let the senior community know about all that is available at the center,” Keck said.
As for Signorello’s talk, Keck said it will likely include health, fitness training, nutrition and a demonstration of low-impact exercises seniors can perform.
“He’s a great instructor,” Keck added.
Free information on health and fitness products, services and places like retirement facilities can be obtained from vendor booths throughout the fair. Each attendee will also receive a goodie bag and have an opportunity to win door prizes. Fun activities will include putting contests and people can receive a tour of the center.
Keck said the free lunch is due to contributions by four Rancho Bernardo businesses — Souplantation, Albertsons, and Starbucks in Westwood and RB Town Center.
As of press time, there were some vendor booth spaces still available. Businesses can rent a 4-foot space for $95 or an 8-foot space for $150. If they would like to have their company logo featured on the event’s banner, they can do so for $75. Camera-ready art must be provided. The deadline is Monday, Feb. 20. For details and availability, call Keck at 858-722-1123.
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Deadline is Monday to register for RB health, fitness fair
Health & Fitness-Exercise Facility-Peak Health & Wellness
Posted: at 9:31 am
Posted: Friday, February 17, 2012 2:59 pm | Updated: 3:10 pm, Fri Feb 17, 2012.
Locations: Coeur d'Alene-Hayden-Post Falls
What started as a dream nearly 30 years ago, PEAK Health and Wellness Centers are still of serving our community keeping people active, healthy and energized! With their challenging and exciting programs in full swing, they strive every day to guide and motivate their members to fulfill their dream.
When you arrive at the PEAK you will be greeted by their friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable staff that is always available to accommodate your individual needs. Joining their community whether you are a swimmer, tennis or racquetball player or enjoy weight lifting and group fitness classes, they have what you need. Their facilities are always updated with the latest equipment and programs/classes such as TRX, Reformer, Gravity/Kinesis, Biggest Loser, Insanity, X-Fit, Zumba and top-notch nutritional training.
PEAK'S new lower dues and affordable childcare make this the perfect time to join. Being a member of PEAK also affords you the luxury of attending your choice of 8 different reciprocal health clubs in the northwest with no additional fees.
Since PEAK values community involvement, they are active supporters of Toys for Tots, St. Vincent de Paul, School District #271 and #272, Special Olympics swim, basketball and hockey programs just to name a few.
Let the dream that started 30 years ago be your dream today.
Posted in Best of north idaho on Friday, February 17, 2012 2:59 pm. Updated: 3:10 pm.
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Health & Fitness-Exercise Facility-Peak Health & Wellness
The play’s the thing to help kids work through tough situations
Posted: at 9:30 am
Today's middle school kids face perils unheard of a generation ago. Sexting and online bullying compound the dangers during an already risky age -- early adolescence.
"It's scary," said David Kline, a high school teacher.
Kline wears two hats. A drama teacher at Bellevue High School, he is also artistic director of Open Door Theatre. His new play, "Making Choices," is aimed at helping middle school students be clear about boundaries, navigate dating relationships and make wise decisions about online activities.
"Making Choices" is among three productions offered to school audiences by Open Door Theatre. Now based in Arlington, the nonprofit organization has been using drama to teach personal safety to school-age children since 1983.
Next Thursday, school counselors, principals, PTA members and parents are invited to see "Making Choices" and two plays intended for elementary students at a free Open Door Theatre event at the Everett Mall's Everett Music Hall.
Wendy McClure, Open Door Theatre's managing director, said the 7 p.m. event will showcase "Making Choices" plus "Stop It Now," a play for kindergarten though third-grade students, and "Talk About Stuff," for kids in fourth through sixth grades. It's a chance for school leaders to learn about scheduling a show and meet Open Door Theatre's cast.
Students ages 13 and older are welcome to attend, but McClure said the middle school play isn't appropriate for younger children.
"I think it's great," Seth Dawson said of next week's Open Door Theatre event. A former Snohomish County prosecutor and longtime crusader against child abuse, Dawson was among the founders of Open Door Theatre in 1983. He was a member of the theater's original board of directors.
"It's always been a small, grass-roots organization," Dawson said. "All these performances do some good. You want to keep them going as much as you can."
McClure said tough economic times have meant fewer school performances for Open Door Theatre. The group is supported by performance fees -- usually $625 -- grants and donations from foundations, service clubs and individuals. The cost may be less in schools with many low-income families or if there is another funding source.
Open Door Theatre mostly serves public schools in Snohomish County, but the group has traveled around the country. Teaching personal safety skills to prevent child abuse has always been the goal.
Programs for younger children focus on understanding differences between healthy and unhealthy touching. "Stop It Now" and "Talk About Stuff" were written by R.N. Sandberg, a playwright and Princeton University faculty member who once headed the drama department at Seattle's Cornish College of the Arts.
Kline said "Making Choices" is about a group of middle school kids, some involved in sexting and spreading rumors. "There are choices about how far you go in setting personal boundaries," Kline said. "Love is not abuse. You need to respect yourself and each other. It's always OK to say no."
In writing the drama, he was guided by talks with Bellevue High health teachers, experts from Youth Eastside Services, and with his own students.
"Kids are saying, 'These are my issues. I deserve to have the information to deal with them,' " Kline said.
"It's a different world our kids are growing up in," McClure said. "Now the risks are higher. Things that go online are forever." While technology has changed the world, "unfortunately childhood sexual abuse and violence haven't stopped," she said.
"It would be wonderful not to be needed anymore," McClure said.
Julie Muhlstein: 425-339-3460; muhlstein@heraldnet.com.
Personal safety shows for schools
The nonprofit Open Door Theatre will show three plays aimed at school audiences, "Stop It Now," "Talk About Stuff" and "Making Choices," 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday at Everett Music Hall. The hall is in a remodeled Everett Mall theater, 1403 Everett Mall Way. School counselors, principals, PTA members, parents and teens welcome; not appropriate for younger children. The free event is an opportunity for school leaders to learn about scheduling shows for their students. Information: 425-303-8783 or http://www.opendoortheatre.org.
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The play’s the thing to help kids work through tough situations
Independent book stores find success in crowded e-reader market
Posted: at 9:30 am
Joyce and Bob Gaskin love books. Literature classes at Lamar University served as the setting of their initial courtship which was sometimes punctuated by arguments over book interpretations.
It is only natural that Bob's description of his wife of 25 years is through a metaphor inspired from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night Dream."
"They put a potion in the female lead so when she opens up her eyes she's in a dream and loved the first person she sees," said Bob, 78. "I think Joyce has some Puck's potion in her."
The Gaskins - characters in their own right - are the owners of Red B4 Books, an independent used book seller in Beaumont.
Joyce, 73, says what sets them apart from chain retailers online and in neighborhoods is their personal touch.
"I think it's the difference between Walmart and going to Market Basket. In Market Basket, I could ask for a seasoning for a certain thing and they'll know what I'm talking about," she said. "At Walmart, they'll hardly know I'm there much less I have a question."
A Thriving Independent
Although the 1990s saw many independent book stores succumb to encroaching large chains, tables seemed to have turned in recent years. While big box stores like Borders shuttered with the growing popularity of e-readers, independent book sellers are gaining customers.
"Independent book sellers excel at hand selling in terms of helping readers find the next great read," said Dan Cullen of the American Booksellers Association. "These are not titles that the consumer has in mind when they come into the book store."
Over the holidays in 2011, independent book sales increased by 15.5 percent from the previous year, according to the association.
John Roberts, owner of Book Bazaar in Beaumont, does not believe independent book stores face the same challenges as larger chains. With the onset of e-readers, books are becoming more rare, making older print books more in demand, according to Roberts.
"People thought I was crazy for opening a used book store," said Roberts. "Publishers are going to stop printing books because they're all going to the Kindles. They're going to make the books rare."
He also said that chain retailers have too much diverse inventory and thus high overhead. Used booksellers keep their stock low and cater to what they know the readership is more prone to buying, he said.
Southeast Texas interests
At the Gaskins' Red B4 Books, there is a selection of engineering books standing atop shelves, reflecting the interests of the refinery-heavy Golden Triangle. Meanwhile, the back room of Book Bazaar houses voodoo books and shoppers can find Texana books near the store entrance - marks of the Louisiana influence in the area.
Used book stores usually amass inventory from estate and library sales and whatever the community sells or donates to them, offering customers a collection that is especially representative of Southeast Texas.
"Southeast Texas is probably more culturally mixed in terms of refinery worker readers, types of readers and Louisiana influence," said Bob Gaskin.
Still, the popularity of work and travel reads pall compared to romance novels. Among the genres offered at Reader's Choice in Orange are shelves of romance reads that range from contemporary and historical to paranormal, which owner Celeste Spring says has become very popular.
Spring said both male and female readers have continued to seek out the romance books, even in a tough economy. "(It's) stress relief," said Spring. "You'd be surprised how many people come in and say, 'Give me something that's going to make me laugh.'"
Getting clever
Spring, who is an avid reader of romance novels, is no stranger to hard times. Since opening 11 years ago, the 50-year-old says she's seen her monthly revenue go down by half. Unlike her peers, part of her revenue comes from new books, which e-readers have hurt. On top of that, the ailing economy and hurricanes have also affected her business.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged business so badly in 2005 that the American Booksellers Association established a relief fund for independent booksellers affected by natural disasters.
"To be in the book business, you have to love books," Spring said. "You're not going to get rich. It's a labor of love."
But Spring knows that a little creativity can carry a business. Spring sells books, movies and music online, reflecting a growing trend toward digitization among local book stores across the country.
Roberts from Book Bazaar has also modified his business to attract knew customers, rotating an art gallery through his store every three months.
The Gaskins' business model remains more traditional. The couple maintains their business logs with pencil on paper and don't accept credit cards.
They rely on their love for traditional paper books to drive sales.
"How sterile. It's just this piece of plastic - no personality," Joyce said of e-readers. "To me, that's kind of sad."
JXChang@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/JulieChang1
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Independent book stores find success in crowded e-reader market
Coyotes' Radim Vrbata stays humble despite success
Posted: at 9:30 am
by Jim Gintonio - Feb. 17, 2012 05:38 PM
The Arizona Republic
Use a superlative or point out that his statistics mark him as elite player merely generates a shoulder shrug from Coyotes forward Radim Vrbata. On the verge of setting career highs in goals and points, he also leads the NHL with 19 road goals and is second with nine game winners.
He's a player who rarely gives himself enough credit, as evidenced by how he put his goals in perspective.
A game-winning goal, he said, is a nice stat, "but other guys would be scoring, too, so your goal is the winning one." As for the 19 tallies on the road: "This stat means I don't score too much at home probably," he said with a laugh. "I should pick it up at home. It's a good stat for you, but for us, you try to help any way you can, so that's what I'm focusing on."
Vrbata has tied his career high with 27 goals and is nine points short of breaking his personal best (56).
Coach Dave Tippett, who is preparing his team to face the Dallas Stars on Saturday after an emotional win in Los Angeles on Thursday night, isn't surprised that Vrbata, whose power-play goal helped trigger the 1-0 win over the Kings, shies from the spotlight.
"That's who he is, and that's what makes him a great person and a great player, and he fits very well with our team," Tippett said. "He's concerned about how our group does, not how he does personally. He's been a great fit for us here. It's not just his play, he's a quiet leader in that dressing room and very well respected."
Tippett said Vrbata's season has been "phenomenal," but he goes about it in such a quiet way that it can go unnoticed.
"He's been a go-to guy for us," Tippett said. "I think the two stats that stick out the most are nine game-winning goals and 19 goals on the road. You look at what happens, a lot of times on the road those guys are getting the hardest checkers, and that line of (Martin) Hanzal, (Ray) Whitney, Vrbata -- teams are watching them pretty close."
After a somewhat slow start this season, Vrbata turned things around but said he does not try to find an explanation.
"I just want to go with it," he said. "I try to prepare the same, try to play the same. When you're not scoring it's frustrating. I think (the) first nine games I only had one goal; I don't think my game was too bad.
"As long as you're getting chances, a few will eventually go in, so playing on a line with Marty, who I played with the whole four years I was here, and now second year in row we played with Whits, so ... lots of credit to them. I don't think about it too much. You just want to play."
Injury update
Defenseman Rusty Klesla and forward Taylor Pyatt (upper-body injuries) and defenseman Derek Morris (illness) are listed day to day.
Defenseman David Schlemko, who underwent foot surgery, has been skating and could return before the end of the season.
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Coyotes' Radim Vrbata stays humble despite success