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Phys Ed: Can Exercise Make Kids Smarter?

In an experiment published last month, researchers recruited schoolchildren, ages 9 and 10, who lived near the Champaign-Urbana campus of the University of Illinois and asked them to run on a treadmill. The researchers were hoping to learn more about how fitness affects the immature human brain. Animal studies had already established that, when given access to running wheels, baby rodents bulked up their brains, enlarging certain areas and subsequently outperforming sedentary pups on rodent intelligence tests. But studies of the effect of exercise on the actual shape and function of children’s brains had not yet been tried. More

Sears Becomes 1st Major Retailer to Join AFIRM

Strive, Boa Off-Set Also Commit

AFIRM announced today that retailing giant Sears has become the first retailer to join the association.  Sears is the nation’s largest retailer of fitness equipment, and the exclusive retailer of NordicTrack equipment in the US.  Sears membership signifies AFIRM’s commitment to be relevant to industry retailers. More

AFIRM Public Policy Conference Call

Generates High Level Interest

AFIRM’s first-ever topical conference call was held March 29 covering a wide range of public policy issues in the wake of President Obama’s new healthcare plan.

Specifically, National Health Through Fitness Day, the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP), the Personal Health Incentive Today (PHIT) Act, and issues surrounding the Consumer Product Safety Council (CPSC) were discussed.

Presenters were Tom Cove, SGMA President and CEO and Bill Sells, SGMA Vice President of Government Relations, both with over 20 years experience lobbying for pro fitness legislation on Capitol Hill. More

AFIRM Purchases Augie’s Bash Sponsorship

Supporting ALS Cause Recognizes Contributions of All Industry Manufacturers

Though barely two months old, AFIRM has spent some of its first, and precious few, marketing dollars to become a “Liberty Sponsor” at Augie's Bash – the annual fund-raiser for the ALS Division of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

“The expenditure is totally consistent with AFIRM, our message, and the heritage of fitness manufacturing,” said AFIRM Executive Director Chuck Leve. “Without Augie Nieto’s contributions we’d all be in a lesser place.”

The Bash, held annually in conjunction with the IHRSA Convention & Trade Show is March 12 in San Diego.

More about Augie's Bash

AFIRM Steering Committee Named

Industry Leaders Step Up to Move AFIRM Forward

AFIRM has named its Steering Committee, a group of illustrious industry executive volunteers that will lead the organization in this, its formative stage. The group includes:

• Michael Rojas, CEO, Iron Grip Barbell Company
• John Aglialoro, CEO, Cybex International
• Chris Clawson, CEO, Johnson HealthTech/Matrix
• John Bauduin, CEO, Mad Dogg Athletics
• Claudio Bellini, CEO, Technogym USA
• Randy Bergstedt, VP Marketing, Star Trac

“We appreciate the time and dedication these industry leaders are giving to their peers,” said AFIRM Executive Director Chuck Leve. “These people are passionate about our mission and the potential impact AFIRM can have in the market place.”

The Steering Committee’s primary role is to provide AFIRM with industry perspectives and guidance until a formal Board of Directors election can be held.