Anytime Fitness CEO Admits "Working Out Sucks!"

HASTINGS, Minn., Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- "Working out Sucks!" is probably the last thing you'd expect the CEO of the world's largest fitness franchise to say in the midst of a national obesity crisis, and yet it's the self-proclaimed title of a new book co-written by Anytime Fitness CEO and co-founder Chuck Runyon.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/anytimefitness/53998/

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120105/MM29042) 

Working Out Sucks! (And Why It Doesn't Have To): The Only 21-Day Kick-Start Plan for Total Health and Fitness You'll Ever Need (published by Da Capo Lifelong Books) hits bookstores nationwide on Jan. 3, 2012 with 100 percent of the book's proceeds going to Limbs for Life—a nonprofit organization that provides fully functional prosthetic care to individuals who can't afford it.

"This is more than a book, this is a deprogramming effort," said Runyon. "For too long we've been brainwashed by unhealthy habits, destructive attitudes, and misinformation about health. I'm here to offer a no-b.s. way to get back on track."

Check out the book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckp47vIYJrY

Runyon's overall philosophy states that working out may suck—but the alternatives—from heart disease, fat kids, less sex, less money, diabetes, premature aging and shortened lifespan—are a lot worse. Runyon pulls no punches with his tough love approach, asking the reader to ponder such questions as "Should Parents of Fat Kids go to Jail?" and "Is Money Allergic to Fat People?" With provocative chapter titles, he tackles the self-inflicted damage of technology on health in a chapter called "iDeath," takes Oprah's yo-yo dieting to task, and offers a new take on MILF's—"Mothers Into Lifelong Fitness."

To help bridge the gap between wanting to "get healthy" and actionable results that help you "be healthy," Runyon enlists the help of psychologist Rebecca DeRossett and dietitian and personal trainer Brian Zehetner. Together they confront the emotional issues that get in the way of being healthy and dispel the mystery and intimidation surrounding fitness and nutrition, including:

• Strategies to deprogram bad diet, exercise and attitude habits
• 21-Day Health and Fitness Plan
• Meal plans consisting of breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack, and dinner
• Nutrients breakdown for each day of the plan adjustable for body type
• Fitness plan that pairs resistance training and cardio with flexibility exercises adaptable to skill level and schedule
• Tips on how to exercise the mind, such as how to fight negative thinking and how to use physical movement to spark creativity

"Working Out Sucks!" has garnered advanced praise from such notable health and wellness experts as P90x creator Tony Horton, former chief medical editor for NBC News, Dr. Bob Arnot, host of "Could You Survive?," New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Pam Peeke, and Season 7 Biggest Loser Finalist and Ironman athlete Tara Costa.

To learn more visit Workingoutsucks.com.

About the Authors

Chuck Runyon is the cofounder and CEO of Anytime Fitness, based in Hastings, Minnesota. Brian Zehetner, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS, is the Chief Science Officer at Anytime Fitness, a registered dietitian, and a certified strength and conditioning specialist with more than fifteen years of experience in the nutrition and fitness industries. Rebecca A. DeRossett, MSW, LICSW, is an executive coach for Anytime Fitness.

About Anytime Fitness

Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness is now the fastest-growing fitness club franchise in the world, with more than 1,300,000 members and 1,700 clubs worldwide. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Anytime Fitness prides itself on providing its members with convenient and affordable fitness options in friendly, well-maintained facilities which feature top-quality exercise equipment. Clubs are now open in 49 states, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Grand Cayman, Poland, Qatar, the Netherlands and Japan.  Join one club and use them all. Members in the U.S. also enjoy free access to AnytimeHealth.com, the most comprehensive wellness website available. 

SOURCE Anytime Fitness