Bally Total Fitness Opens First Mexico Franchise; First of Many State-of-the-Art Bally Total Fitness Franchised Facilities Now Open in Monterrey, Mexico.

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 2004

Bally Total Fitness(R) (NYSE: BFT) today announced the opening of the first Bally Total Fitness franchise in Mexico, located in Monterrey, the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon. The Company plans additional franchised facilities in Monterrey, Mexico City and other major cities in the near future.

"Bringing the Bally Total Fitness brand to Mexico is a tremendous step for our company," said Paul Toback, chairman and CEO, Bally Total Fitness. "With its proximity to the United States and increased focus on healthy living, Mexico is a great opportunity for Bally. We will answer the much-needed call for total fitness solutions for the people of Mexico."

The Bally Total Fitness club in Monterrey provides members with state-of-the-art equipment, as well as popular group exercise classes, including Yoga, Pilates and SPINNING(R). In addition, the club will offer a retail store with juice bar, personal training services, as well as a child care area.

"Entering the Mexican market is just the beginning. Over the next several years we will identify and position ourselves in many key global markets by rolling out a master franchise plan," said Ben Amante, who directs franchising worldwide for Bally Total Fitness. "Fitness is a universal service because no matter what the culture is, good health and feeling good about yourself is a universal desire."

Bally Total Fitness is partnering with Consorcio Spectrum, S.A. de C.V. to develop ten clubs over the next eight years. Consorcio Spectrum was formed by a group of Mexican investors to develop and operate health fitness facilities in Mexico. Its management and shareholders have extensive real estate and venture capital investment experience.

Julio Heckmuller, the CEO of Consorcio Spectrum said, "We are thrilled with the opportunity to work with Bally Total Fitness to bring the Bally concept to Mexico. Bally Total Fitness is not only the world's largest operator of health club facilities, but it is also a true innovator in physical fitness. Bally is the unquestionable leader in the development of exercise and physical training programs, introduction of state-of-the-art exercise equipment and health club facilities. With the opening of our first club in Monterrey, we have taken the first step toward our goal of providing enjoyable, effective and affordable fitness to the Mexican population."

About Bally Total Fitness:

Bally Total Fitness is the largest and only nationwide, commercial operator of fitness centers, with approximately four million members and nearly 420 facilities located in 29 states, Canada, Mexico, Asia and the Caribbean under the Bally Total Fitness(R), Crunch Fitness(SM), Gorilla Sports(SM), Pinnacle Fitness(R), Bally Sports Clubs(R) and Sports Clubs of Canada(R) brands. With an estimated 150 million annual visits to its clubs, Bally offers a unique platform for distribution of a wide range of products and services targeted to active, fitness-conscious adult consumers. For more information, visit www.ballyfitness.com.