BALLY FITNESS, PUSSYCAT DOLLS TEAM WITH MDA TO FIGHT ALS

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 22, 2008 – Bally Total Fitness has organized a one-day nationwide fundraising effort to assist the Muscular Dystrophy Association in its battle against ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease).

The Pussycat Dolls

On Aug. 28, anyone can work out at any Bally health club across the country by donating a dollar or more to Augie’s Quest, MDA’s research initiative to find treatments and cures for ALS.

To boost public awareness of the “Donate Your Workout” fundraising campaign, internationally acclaimed music group the Pussycat Dolls has prepared 15- and 30-second radio and TV public service announcements that will air across the country. The ads and PSAs highlight the importance of ALS research.

ALS is a disease of the motor neurons that progressively paralyzes all voluntary muscles and often results in death within three to five years of diagnosis. Augie Nieto, 50, after whom Augie’s Quest is named, learned he had ALS in 2005. A pioneer in the fitness industry who created the Lifecycle and founded Life Fitness, Nieto is the co-chair, with his wife Lynne, of MDA’s ALS Division.

MDA President & CEO Gerald Weinberg called the team effort of Bally Total Fitness and the Pussycat Dolls welcome support for Augie’s Quest. “Bally endorses a healthy and active lifestyle, and their enthusiasm adds very positive momentum to our efforts to defeat this devastating disease,” he said.

Bally Total Fitness is the most popular health club chain in America, with more than three million active members.

“Bally is a strong advocate for ALS awareness and we are committed to helping Augie’s Quest fund research for a cure,” said John Wildman, chief marketing officer of Bally Total Fitness. “Our national event on Aug. 28 gives everyone the power to make a difference with their workout.”

Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, urged participation in the “Donate Your Workout” event as a way to “improve fitness and support a great cause.”

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive patient and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.