AmeriFIT on Board with Global Balloon Effort; Nutritional Supplement Firm Provides Fuel for Pilot Uliassi.

BLOOMFIELD, Conn.--(BW HealthWire)--Oct. 21, 1997--AmeriFIT, one of the nation's leading providers of nutritional supplements, will help sponsor balloonist Kevin Uliassi in his attempt to circumnavigate the globe this winter, and provide specific supplements designed to counter the effects of fatigue, dehydration, muscle loss, cold and oxygen depletion.

"In my training and preparation for the flight, I'm already seeing the difference with the AmeriFIT products," said Uliassi. "I'm running much greater distance and not `hitting the wall' of exhaustion. I'm stronger and have more endurance in just a few weeks. I know that this will enable me to be more alert and in better condition for a physically grueling experience."

AmeriFIT, which has established its reputation in both sports nutrition and lifestyle products, has been a leader in innovative, cutting-edge supplements. Uliassi is ingesting a combination of products tailored to prepare him for the experience he will undergo.

"At altitude the body has difficulty absorbing any fatty acids. You begin to lose weight and very quickly, it becomes loss of muscle, something that is critical to prevent," explained John Williams, AmeriFIT's authority on performance products. "The metabolic rate increases in excess of 40 percent, which means that you burn calories much faster. This puts tremendous strain on the metabolic system. Lastly, dehydration also takes a significant toll.

"AmeriFIT's choice of supplements are designed to meet the exaggerated caloric expenditure, stop the muscle wasting and keep Kevin alert."

Uliassi is digesting the following regimen:

-- Newt Power -- Part of the Newt Food line of products designed

for competitive athletes, it is an amino acid formula that is

absorbed quickly into the system to enhance protein synthesis

and maintain lean muscle.

-- Newt Ade -- The isotonic sports drink from the Newt Food line

provides hydration, electrolytes and energy enhancing glucose

polymers. Crystaline fructose has been introduced to improve

endurance, offset calorie loss and extend the energy distribution

over a longer period of time.

-- Target Nutrition Systems (TNS) Energy and Recovery Complex --

AmeriFIT's TNS line is targeted at serious athletes seeking

peak performance, and has been used by more than 650

professionals including Brett Butler, Eddie Murray, Will Clark

and Ozzie Smith. TNS Energy and Recovery Complex is a unique

formula of phosphates and carbohydrates that reduces stress at

the cellular level and enhances cellular metabolism, as well

as producing a significant and positive impact on energy

production.

-- AmeriFIT's Vitamin E-400 -- Vitamin E is an antioxidant that

offsets the burning of fat, protects cells and plays a key

role in oxygen utilization.

The 34-year-old Uliassi will seek to launch from a site in the midwest after mid-November when favorable weather conditions indicate a global flight could be successful. The veteran hot air balloon pilot, who lives in both Chicago and Scottsdale, Ariz., has been planning the attempt for more than 11 years. He joins four other teams of balloonists racing to be the first to circumnavigate the globe non-stop.

Last year Steve Fossett failed in his attempt to achieve the completed circle, but set world distance and duration records for manned hot air balloons.

Uliassi's flight is anticipated to cover 20,000 miles at altitudes up to 35,000 feet over a week to l4 days. The balloon is a hot air/gas hybrid known as a Rozier, which features a 300,000 cubic-foot nylon envelope filled with non-flammable helium, along with 100,000 cubic feet of hot air heated by propane. The heated air is designed to keep the helium warm at night to counter the contraction that occurs as temperatures cool after sundown, maintaining an even level of flight.

The balloon will look like a giant ice cream cone, nearly l80 feet high.

Uliassi will make the flight in an unpressurized gondola, and will wear an oxygen mask above 12,000 feet. However, despite the heating and insulation inside the very snug cabin, the air outside will be as cold as minus 50 degrees Farenheit. Any physical repairs will force Uliassi to open the gondola to the elements.

Uliassi, who will continue his regime of AmeriFIT supplements throughout the flight, will find the experience a true test of his endurance and physical preparation.

"Where other pilots are most concerned with their technological equipment, Kevin Uliassi hasn't forgotten that his most important pieces of equipment are his body and his mind. That should give him an advantage over the other aeronauts," noted Williams. "We at AmeriFIT are proud to be a part of his team."

For more information on AmeriFIT and its nutritional products, call 800/990-3476 or visit the Internet website http://www.AmeriFIT.com or for information on the flight, log onto the flight website, http://j.renee.iit.edu .

CONTACT: Ruder Finn Inc., Los Angeles

Jackie Lapin or Stephanie Colman, 310/979-4050