24 Hour Fitness Celebrates Active Aging Week

Guests Ages 50 and Over Welcomed in Clubs Nationwide for Complimentary Workouts from Sept. 23-29

SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--24 Hour Fitness, a member of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), is proud to announce its support of Active Aging Week (Sept. 23-29) - an annual event sponsored by ICAA that promotes healthy lifestyles among older adults. Marking the second year 24 Hour Fitness has sponsored Active Aging Week, the company invites guests and the millions of Americans who are 50 years old or older to stop by any 24 Hour Fitness^® club across the country for complimentary workouts from Sept. 23-29.

“24 Hour Fitness inspires age 50-plus adults to live actively by providing a wide range of fitness opportunities targeted to this group”

“No matter what your age or fitness level, a simple key to aging well is maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” said Randy Drake, senior vice president of fitness and business development, 24 Hour Fitness. “Active Aging Week is a great time for us to help older adults focus on overall wellness by welcoming them into our clubs and sharing the resources we offer.”

24 Hour Fitness offers a variety of amenities and programs that are great for people of all ages and fitness levels including specialized programs for older adults. The company’s partnerships with Silver&Fit^® and SilverSneakers^® also support the health and fitness goals of approx. 90,000 24 Hour Fitness members across the country. Both programs provide club access to eligible Medicare Advantage members and group retirees of participating health plans and insurance companies. 24 Hour Fitness also offers exciting group exercise classes at select clubs, including Zumba Gold^®, SilverSneakers Cardio, SilverSneakers Strength and more - which are specifically designed for the needs of older adults and provide a fun and social experience.

“24 Hour Fitness inspires age 50-plus adults to live actively by providing a wide range of fitness opportunities targeted to this group,” said Colin Milner, chief executive officer, ICAA. “As a member of ICAA and sponsor of Active Aging Week, they continue to demonstrate their commitment to improved physical fitness and function for older adults, which are keys to healthier, more vital aging. We're thrilled that our work together is helping to ensure people have the opportunities and support they need to live well at any age.”

John Gropper, 74-year-old 24 Hour Fitness personal trainer and active aging expert, believes that mobility, weight, flexibility and longevity can all be improved by staying active. Gropper started his fitness career during his retirement after overcoming his own health and fitness struggles. Today, he helps older adults of all fitness levels and abilities to learn how to age actively. His tips to help older adults achieve a healthy lifestyle, include:

• Start slowly. If you have not been active, start slow and progress. Walking on the treadmill for only 10 minutes or stretching a few minutes each day is an effective and safe way to start a fitness routine. As you gain energy and your body builds stamina, increase your activity levels and make it more challenging. If you have a pre-existing condition that limits physical activity, make sure to see your doctor before starting a new workout regimen.

• Try something new. New activities are beneficial to your health and can also be enjoyable - especially when done with friends and family. Invite a companion to join you on a nature walk or try a group exercise class together at 24 Hour Fitness. Taking advantage of your time spent with loved ones can be rewarding for both your health and happiness.

• Stay motivated. Start by focusing on realistic short-term health and fitness goals. Improve your mood and energy levels, reduce stress and avoid goals that can take longer to achieve and deter your motivation.

• Find a gym that works for you. Finding a gym where you feel comfortable and your individual needs are met can be an important factor in sticking to your fitness goals. Look for a gym with welcoming and helpful staff, knowledgeable personal trainers and easy access to amenities, classes and resources that meet your needs.

24 Hour Fitness members are encouraged to bring friends, parents and relatives who are 50 years old or older to any 24 Hour Fitness club during Active Aging Week for free workouts. Guests can also stop by for complimentary workouts by downloading a free pass at 24hourfitness.com, where they can also find membership information, nearby clubs, group exercise class schedules and more.

About 24 Hour Fitness

Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness is a leading health club industry pioneer, serving nearly four million members in more than 400 clubs across the U.S. Since the first club opened in 1979, the company has been dedicated to helping members change their lives and reach their individual fitness goals. With convenient club locations, personal training services, innovative group exercise classes and a variety of strength, cardio and functional training equipment - 24 Hour Fitness offers fitness solutions for everyone.

Through its support of the United States Olympic Committee and many U.S. National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport, 24 Hour Fitness is one of the largest supporters of amateur athletics in the country and serves as the Official Fitness Center Sponsor of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. The company is committed to being a good neighbor in its communities via charitable and in-kind donations to groups focused on both helping Americans get healthy and improving youth fitness. The company’s national accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, which includes A+ ratings for all club locations across the U.S., demonstrates the organization’s ongoing commitment to member satisfaction. Please call 1-800-224-0240 or visit 24hourfitness.com for more information and to find the club nearest you.

About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)

ICAA, a professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, supports professionals who develop wellness facilities, programs and services for adults over 50. The association is focused on active aging—an approach to aging that helps older adults live life as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness—and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canada’s Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia ministries of Health, and Healthy Living and Sport.