Bally Total Fitness Strengthens Franchising Efforts with Appointment of Ben Amante as Vice President of Franchising.

Business Editors

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

Bally Total Fitness (NYSE: BFT), North America's leader in health and fitness products and services, today announced the appointment of Ben Amante as Vice President of Franchising. Amante, a 19-year franchising veteran will oversee the future franchise development of the Bally Total Fitness brands using a formalized franchise industry approach.

Recently, Amante led Gold's Gym International Franchising through a broad expansion in the US and international markets. Prior to these efforts, Amante held key franchise management positions at Nissan Motor Corp USA and Midas International.

"As we create a solid foundation for the future, building the highest quality executive team is critical to our success," said Paul Toback, chairman and CEO, Bally Total Fitness. "Ben's unsurpassed experience with franchise system start-ups and turnarounds makes him a perfect fit to lead our multi-brand franchise strategy."

"Together, Crunch, Gorilla Sports and Bally Total Fitness are a formidable alliance. We aim to set a new standard for fitness franchising, based on process, franchisee support, consistency and quality. The goal is to place our program next to the best-of-class franchises such as Marriott and McDonald's," said Ben Amante.

Scott Lehr, Vice President of Development and Marketing, International Franchise Association, Washington, DC stated, "We are excited that the Bally Total Fitness brands are gearing up for franchising. These brands will accelerate the growth of the fitness industry and create many franchise opportunities in many markets worldwide."

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, Asia, Mexico 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. Bally Total Fitness is at www.ballyfitness.com, Crunch is at www.crunch.com.