High-Tech Fitness Center Reverses Unhealthy Lifestyle Trends

A new online fitness center is using technology to reverse unhealthy lifestyle trends. Fit Culture (www.fitculture.com) is bringing a full array of traditional gym services into homes and offices via the Internet to combat problems associated with obesity, inactivity, aging, and poor nutrition.

SANTA CRUZ, CA March 1, 2004--A new online fitness center is using technology to reverse unhealthy lifestyle trends. Fit Culture (http://www.fitculture.com) is bringing a full array of traditional gym services into homes and offices via the Internet to combat problems associated with obesity, inactivity, aging, and poor nutrition. The company believes that many health issues are due to promises, tricks, gimmicks and quick-fixes that lead to disappointment and failure. Based on the philosophy that everyone can improve their quality of life by making enjoyable, sensible, and positive exercise and nutrition choices, Fit Culture pledges to provide truthful, accurate education and support to help clients succeed in achieving their wellness goals.

For people struggling with health and fitness issues, the privacy and convenience enabled by Fit Cultures technology-driven, 24/7 online fitness center can make the difference between a fleeting New Years resolution and a commitment to a long-term program that delivers tangible results. Fit Culture can also dramatically improve the well-being of people who suffer from chronic diseases. According to Tufts University researchers, strength training has the ability to reduce the signs and symptoms of numerous chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, and type 2 diabetes, while also improving sleep and reducing depression. The company plans to pipe its Web site into assisted living facilities, and is working with hospitals to meet stringent guidelines that will allow health care professionals to refer patients in need of rehabilitation or physical therapy services.

Fit Culture offers easy access to the types of programs necessary to make a difference in someones health status, said Francine Genta, MS, RD, CDE, and Diabetes Education Program Coordinator for the Santa Cruz Medical Clinic in California. The video teleconferencing provides the personal aspect of support that is missing from online health programs.

Anybody with access to a computer and the Internet can join Fit Culture. Membership costs begin at $14.95/month, about one-third the cost of a traditional visit with a personal trainer, and include personal training services. During its initial introduction, Fit Culture is offering the first month free-of-charge with a three-month membership. Every Fit Culture staff member is degreed and certified to provide expert care based on scientific knowledge and practical experience. For a self-guided tour of Fit Cultures entire gym within a computer, visit http://www.fitculture.com.

Tobin Shaeffer, a personal trainer and founder and president of Fit Culture, launched the site in February 2004. My motivation for Fit Culture came from a desire to help people I dont even know, said Shaeffer. He selected The Igneous Group, Inc. (http://www.igneous.com), experts in the strategic use of Internet technology, to build the site. According to Shaeffer, "Igneous is experienced in large-scale projects. Their platform is far superior to similar companies. Under their guidance, we were able to craft and implement our strategic vision for Fit Culture within a very aggressive timeframe. Igneous also offers multi-lingual capabilities that will allow Fit Culture to eventually translate the Web site into multiple languages.

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