2008 Fitness Trends Point to Need for ShouldersBack and Other Posture Enhancers.

Popularity of Core Strengthening, Pilates and Therapeutic Personal Trainers Reinforce EquiFit's Focus on Benefits of Standing Tall

DEDHAM, Mass. -- EquiFit, inc. creator of innovative health, fitness and SpaCare products to enhance daily living, announced today the alignment of its popular ShouldersBack posture helper with the latest health advice and fitness trends for the new year.

A recent study of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), shows that seven of the top ten fitness predictions for 2008 indicated emphasis on good back health, including an increase in:

* core training to strengthen the muscles around the spine

* functional fitness training to mimic movements involved in daily living while properly aligned

* special programs for older adults to improve strength and balance.

Further expansion of pilates, yoga and balance ball programs and more frequent use of personal trainers to address personalized health concerns were also cited in this study of global fitness professionals.

The prevention and treatment of back pain, continually referenced as the nation's number one disability cause may be at the heart of these survey findings. Yet, while pursuit of these hot new workouts may put you on the road to good posture, chances for long-term success can be greatly improved with a combination of approaches.

"With so much working against good posture and so little time, people today need a full arsenal of posture solutions," said Boston-based personal trainer and Tai Chi instructor Dori Li. "In addition to my own courses and martial arts, I often recommend ShouldersBack to my students to reinforce their class work and help them combat daily stressors when they leave the gym."

As a competitive horseback rider, Alexandra Cherubini, CEO of EquiFit inc. and creator of ShouldersBack would certainly agree. She recognized the importance of helping people to correct their alignment without having to think too much about it and convened a team of orthopedists to pursue a solution.

"Back and posture experts largely agree that it's far easier for people to slouch than maintain continual good posture. Retraining and strengthening back muscles is tough," says Cherubini, "particularly since none of us pay attention to our posture 24-7, nor would we want to. We view ShouldersBack as a way to reinforce other exercise programs and physical activities, to make real posture progress--instead of creating dependence on a support or brace."

ShouldersBack can be worn comfortably over a tee or concealed easily under a sweater or jacket. Unlike many stiffer brace-like products, this flexible "vest-like" item can be worn regularly whether whipping up your favorite recipe, rescuing a child with a skinned knee or hunching over a laptop among thousands of other pursuits.

ShouldersBack comes in Black or White, for $49.95. Each adjusts for most body types in S, M or L. Visit www.shouldersback.net or call 1-800-EquiFit (437-8434).