Bally Total Fitness Partners with President's Challenge to Fight Obesity and Encourage Family Fitness.

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2004

Discovery Network's FitTV and Bally Total Fitness Launch "Family

Fitness Days" Campaign to Encourage Families to Work Towards the

Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA)

Bally Total Fitness announced today that it will partner with the President's Challenge, a program of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS), to sponsor the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) at select Bally Total Fitness clubs throughout the United States. The national program is the next phase in Bally's comprehensive educational initiative -- "Every Body Needs Something" -- an initiative developed to help Americans take definitive action in the fight against obesity. Bally will partner with the Discovery Network's FitTV for "Family Fitness Days" to offer families a free six-week pass to exercise at Bally Total Fitness, which will include access to special kids class events and participation in the President's Challenge awards program.

The "Fitness Runs in the Family" program was created to encourage Americans to take the President's Challenge and work towards the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). With 64% of Americans considered overweight or obese, the program will offer exciting fitness alternatives to the current sedentary routines many American families find themselves in. Families can sign up for the program anytime before Friday, May 14th by visiting www.ballyfitness.com or www.discovery.com to receive their free six-week pass. The six-week program will begin on May 15, 2004 and culminate on Saturday, June 26, 2004. On the final day, those individuals that have finished the six-week challenge will be eligible to receive their certificate of completion for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA).

During the six-week period of "Family Fitness Days" parents and children will be able to work out for free during the week with fitness professionals on hand to offer assistance. Classes for children eight years and older will be available on weekends to create a fun and active experience for kids. Hip-hop dance and boot camp classes will be held each weekend to offer kids a high energy workout that will not only be more intense than a gym class, but also more exciting. They will hear their favorite music and learn new dance moves and exercises that will keep them moving to the beat and off the couch when they return home.

"Offering families the opportunity to work out for free during these six weeks will give them a taste of the benefits of exercise," said Paul Toback, chairman and CEO of Bally Total Fitness. "We hope to encourage them to make fitness part of their lifestyle and help them realize that once they incorporate exercise into their daily routine, it will improve the way they feel both physically and mentally."

"We applaud Bally Total Fitness for making this health and fitness opportunity available to families," said Lynn Swann, chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. "The best way to teach children to be active is for parents to be good role models and be active with their kids as a family. We think this is an excellent use of the President's Challenge awards program."

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, virtually all people would benefit from regular physical activity. It is estimated that inactive lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits are associated with 400,000 preventable deaths each year in the United States; health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet -- overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes -- cost the nation nearly $250 billion annually.

By engaging in regular physical activity for six weeks on five days a week, participants of all ages earn a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). There are no fitness requirements or tests for the new awards. Adults complete at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity on five days a week, and children and youth, 60 minutes. The award is for any kind of movement, such as walking, sweeping the floor, taking the stairs instead of elevators, using a pedometer to accumulate steps or active play. Adults are encouraged to earn the award with children and teens. The President's Challenge Physical Fitness test and awards have been offered to youth since 1966.

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.

About The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports advises the President through the Secretary of Health and Human Services about physical activity, fitness, and sports, and recommends programs to promote regular physical activity for the health of the nation. In making recommendations, the Council supports the health initiative of the President, HealthierUS, and the disease prevention objectives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Steps to a HealthierUS. The Council works to enhance and assist federal, state, local and private sector activities promoting physical activity, fitness, and sports. The Council's programs, projects and public information campaigns emphasize the importance of regular physical activity, including sports participation, for Americans of all ages backgrounds and abilities. The Council collaborates with public and private sector sponsors to conduct its programs and to produce public information materials.

About FitTV

FitTV is the ultimate viewing destination for exercise and fitness programming. It is the only network dedicated to fitness and wellness appealing to men, women, and families interested in enhancing their well being through a variety of exercise styles, motivational and nutritional advice. FitTV provides information and instruction on new and current fitness trends and lifestyles.