Biggest Loser Finalist Tara Costa Teams with Anytime Fitness as Spokesperson

HASTINGS, Minn., Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anytime Fitness, the world's leading co-ed fitness franchise, with more than 1,600 clubs and 1,200,000 members, is thrilled to announce the signing of Tara Costa as an official spokesperson.

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During her appearance on season 7 of NBC's hit series "The Biggest Loser," Tara Costa consistently proved to be a great competitor, winning a record-setting 8 challenges – the most of any contestant in show history, on her way to losing 155 pounds over 18 weeks.

"We believe that Tara is a perfect fit for us," said Anytime Fitness CEO Chuck Runyon.  "Our mission is 'To improve the self-esteem of the world.'  Tara has proven through hard work and determination that anything is possible."

"I am very excited to join the Anytime Fitness family," said Costa.  "Their corporate culture is consistent with my goal of helping people find the inspiration to become more active. They've done that for more than one million members. Hopefully together we can inspire even more people to live their healthiest life possible!"

Since her time on The Biggest Loser, from racing in the New York City Marathon to completing her first triathlon, Costa has continued to push herself to find new challenges.  Next up for Costa is her greatest challenge to date, participating in the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii on October 8th, an event that includes a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run.  Anytime Fitness will be Costa's primary sponsor for the race.

"To me completing an Ironman is one of the most demanding physical and mental challenges that a person can accomplish.  Being able to participate in the Ford Ironman World Championship is truly a blessing as completing an Ironman is a personal goal of mine," said Costa, who was named to the media committee for the American College for Sports Medicine's national fitness program, Exercise IS Medicine, in May.

Costa, who launched the Inspire Change Foundation last fall to help both adults and kids get more active, will have Anytime Fitness' logo prominently displayed on her triathlon kit during competition. She will also appear on the company's website AnytimeFitness.com (www.anytimefitness.com), within Anytime Fitness social media elements and contribute a monthly blog to the company's online health and wellness portal, AnytimeHealth.com (www.AnytimeHealth.com).

The Ford Ironman World Championship two-hour special will air on NBC on December 10, 2011.  Viewers will also be able to follow Tara and all of the other participants live on October 8th by logging on to http://ironmanlive.com.

About Tara Costa and the Inspire Change Foundation:  Through her own inspirational journey, Tara Costa (www.taracosta.com and @tara_costa on Twitter) has become a master motivator and inspirational mentor for thousands of people all over the world. The mission of the Inspire Change Foundation (www.inspirechangefoundation.org) is to promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging you to embrace positive changes to achieve your goals and inspire change in yourself and others. Get Inspired. Change Your Life. Inspire Change Foundation is a member of The Champions Fund (FEIN 59-3685490), a 501(c)3 Charity.

About Anytime Fitness: Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness provides 1,200,000 members with convenient and affordable fitness options at more than 1,600 friendly, well-maintained facilities featuring top-quality exercise equipment. Members who join one Anytime Fitness club can use any of the other clubs at no additional charge. State-of-the-art security and surveillance systems ensure member safety even during unstaffed hours. For more information about Anytime Fitness, or to find the club nearest you, visit www.anytimefitness.com.

SOURCE Anytime Fitness