Get Fit, Give Back: Shape's 6th Annual Pilates for Pink + Raises Money for Breast Cancer

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Go Pink and join Shape magazine for the 6th annual Pilates for Pink + fundraiser for the fight against breast cancer, the most common form of cancer in women. This national awareness initiative kicks off this fall and provides participants with a variety of ways to join in. No matter how you choose to contribute, Pilates for Pink + is an interactive way to have fun and get involved in the cause!

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110915/NY69283 )

Shape has partnered with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF) in an effort to raise awareness and funds for life-saving breast cancer research. As the leading lifestyle magazine helping to influence women to lead better lives, Shape, with the help of BCRF, a not-for-profit organization, together are dedicated to preventing and finding a cure for breast cancer by funding worldwide research. Since the program's inception in 2005 over $675,000 in donations has been raised, and we are excited to increase the number in 2011. Editor-in-Chief, Tara Kraft stated, "Shape is proud to be contributing to the search for a cure for breast cancer by producing Pilates for Pink + for the 6th year in a row. This nationwide initiative will continue to raise awareness for one of the most important health issues that face women today. Further, this fundraiser reinforces exercise as a key component to leading a healthy lifestyle."

The New York City event will be held in Union Square Park North on Sunday, October 2nd from 9am-5pm. Shape up for a cause with group Pilates classes taught exclusively by the pros at Equinox Fitness Clubs. This year, Shape is taking our annual event and pumping it up with a variety of new classes created to give your body a jolt of "pink power." 

Not experienced in Pilates? Not a problem! Classes are open to all levels and no previous experience is required. Each class is $25, and for your donation to BCRF you will participate in a 45-minute Pilates class, receive a Pilates mat and a Pilates for Pink + Swag Bag including lots of goodies from our sponsors. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event, but pre-registration is highly recommended as we anticipate our biggest turn-out in 6 years! Go to pilatesforpink.com to purchase your tickets and discover other ways to get involved.

Spending the day at the New York City event has some other perks too. Numerous tents will be set up providing samples and endless activities to participants.  In addition to the group Pilates Fundamentals and Classical Mat classes from Equinox Fitness Clubs, cast members from the hit Broadway show Mamma Mia, will teach a class inspired by the choreography from the hit musical. Naked Juice will be sharing some of its latest products. Indulge in some of the healthiest and tastiest treats from Skinny Cow, Snackwells, Seattle's Best Coffee and VitaFusion.  Also stop by Pandora for a manicure before trying on the must-have accessory and the Asics Pop-Up Shop for to get your gait assessed by a personal trainer. 

Can't join us for Pilates for Pink + in New York City? There are other ways to show your support and get fit. Hosting a Pilates for Pink class in your area or taking a class at a participating studio are just a few ways to get involved. Donations can also be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF) at www.BCRFcure.org. 100% of the proceeds from Pilates for Pink + will benefit BCRF.

Be sure to pick up your October issue of Shape magazine, which features a special section called "Knowledge is Power." Read "What You Don't Know About Breast Cancer," the myth busting report that just might save your life.  With close to 300,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed this year, it's crucial to separate the rumors form realities.  This section educates women on tips to a healthy lifestyle by revealing tips from top docs on how to stay cancer free, as well as exercise moves that help fight disease.

Don't miss out on a chance to partake in Pilates for Pink +! This wonderful event is a fun-filled day that allows participants to get involved in raising awareness for breast cancer while getting fit. Bring family and friends and make a day out of it. Go Pink and give back by joining us for Pilates in the Park!

About American Media, Inc.

American Media, Inc. owns and operates the leading print and digital celebrity and health and fitness media brands in the United States. AMI's titles include Star, OK!, National Enquirer, Globe, Soap Opera Digest, Soap Opera Weekly, Pixie, Shape, Men's Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Flex, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health. AMI also manages 18 different digital sites including RadarOnline.com, OKmagazine.com, Shape.com, MensFitness.com, MuscleandFitness.com and FitPregnancy.com. AMI's magazines have a combined total circulation of almost 7 million and reach more than 55 million men and women each month. AMI's digital properties reach an average of 10 million unique visitors and 80 million page views monthly.

AMI also operates a Publishing Services business unit which includes Distribution Services, Inc. (DSI), the No. 1 in-store magazine sales and merchandising marketing company in the U.S. and Canada. DSI places and monitors AMI's publications and third-party publications to ensure proper displays in major retail chains and national and regional supermarket chains. DSI also provides marketing, merchandising and information gathering services to third parties including non-magazine clients. Publishing Services also provides print and digital advertising sales and strategic management direction in the following areas: manufacturing, subscription circulation, logistics, event marketing and full back office financial functions.  Playboy is one of many publishers who have taken advantage of these additional services. 

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research.  The Foundation supports scientists at top universities and academic medical centers worldwide conducting the most advanced and promising breast cancer research that will lead to prevention and a cure in our lifetime.  A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs.  For more information, visit www.bcrfcure.org or call 1.866.FIND.A.CURE.

About Equinox Fitness Clubs

Equinox Fitness Clubs operates 48 upscale, full-service facilities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Florida, Dallas, Boston and DC. The company offers an integrated selection of Equinox-branded programs, services and products, including strength and cardio training, group fitness classes, personal training, spa services and products, apparel and food/juice bars. Since its inception in 1991, Equinox has developed a lifestyle brand that represents service, value, quality, expertise, innovation, attention to detail, market leadership and results.

SOURCE Shape magazine