Dallas-based Gold’s Gym aims to burn 180 million calories at its worldwide locations

by PegNews wire

The "Burn-a-thon" is in honor of American Diabetes Month; they want to "do a 180" on diabetes.

DALLAS — In honor of American Diabetes Month and the launch of the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) new "Stop Diabetes" campaign, Gold's Gym is hosting a first-of-its-kind calorie "Burn-a-thon" to promote diabetes awareness. On November 7, Gold's Gym locations around the world will open their doors to the public, inviting people to take place in the record-setting event. Gold's Gym and the ADA have set a world-record goal of burning 180 million calories in 24 hours, to demonstrate the need to "Do a 180" on the growing diabetes epidemic.

The idea is simple: Invite the world to Gold's Gym that day to "donate" their calories to the cause. Whether it's 5 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the elliptical machine, an hour long group exercise class or 30 minutes of lifting weights, all calories burned by exercising will count as a donation to the cause. Gold's Gym has even created a special calorie guide that shows how many calories are burned with each activity performed at the gym.

"We are proud to invite people everywhere to join us as we work to promote diabetes education, research and awareness," said Lisa Zoellner, chief marketing officer, Gold's Gym International. "By setting a new record for the most calories burned in a single day, we are hoping to both generate awareness and demonstrate the pervasiveness of diabetes. This event will also generate important funds for diabetes research."

From now until November 7, consumers can visit Gold's Gym for a free workout and make a donation to the ADA by purchasing special "Burn-a-thon" pin-up jerseys. In addition, a special website has been created where people can make donations directly to the ADA online. The site also features the Gold's Gym's calorie burning charts.

On the day of the Burn-a-thon, consumers can walk in to any participating Gold's Gym and perform the exercise of their choice. Fitness professionals will be on hand to demonstrate equipment and activities in the gym and consumers can utilize the calorie burning charts so they can decide how many calories they would like to "pledge."

In addition to the Burn-a-thon, Gold's Gym supports the ADA by sponsoring the organization's signature cycling event, The Tour de Cure. Gold's Gym has also worked with the organization to develop a variety of initiatives and resources that support the fight against diabetes, including a special guide on how to start an exercise routine, a website that features tips on fighting diabetes with fitness, and a special discounted gym membership for anyone affected by the disease.

Source: Gold's Gym