October Marks National "Fitness pitFALL"

DALLAS, Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With summer coming to a close and daylight hours decreasing, many will let their fitness routines slack as they go from showing off their bathing suit bodies to covering them up.  What consumers may not realize, however, is that October is a crucial month for maintaining a healthy weight through the holidays.  The fall timeframe often serves as a catalyst to holiday weight gain, which is why Gold's Gym, the leading authority on health and fitness, has dubbed this timeframe the "Fitness pitFALL".  To prevent consumers from falling victim to the "Fitness pitFALL", participating Gold's Gym locations will open up their doors, free-of-charge, every weekend throughout the month of October.

Gold's Gym research identifies October as the month with the lowest number of check-ins at the gym – proof that people are not going to the gym as frequently in the fall months as they are during the rest of the year.  To provide consumers with the extra motivation necessary to get through the pitFALLS of fall, Gold's Gym teamed up with fitness expert Jamie Eason for unique fitness and exercise tips to help them navigate this tricky time of year.

"Many people focus on getting their bodies ready for the summer season and then forget that they should be equally focused on maintaining fitness goals and healthy lifestyles throughout the year," said Eason. "By bringing awareness to this 'Fitness pitFALL', Gold's Gym is showing a commitment to helping its members stay on track."

For those feeling a little unmotivated during this time of year, Jamie offers the following advice and tips:

• Turn Sunday Funday into an excuse to exercise: "When it comes to working out, one of the most common excuses I hear is, 'Well, all of my hard work is negated on Sundays when I watch football all day, eat and don't make it to the gym', but this doesn't have to be the case," said Eason. "Instead, create a workout opportunity by assigning different exercises for penalties, touchdowns or turnovers that occur throughout your favorite team's game to create some of your own friendly competition at home."
  
  
• Take advantage of the flavors of the season: "With fall comes so many hearty foods and flavors – like pumpkin seeds, chili, baked apples and butternut squash soup – that are a nice alternative to the burgers and dogs that everyone typically consumes over the summer," said Eason. "By switching up your meals to incorporate seasonal items, you'll find that you're making healthier food choices overall, since you're less likely to experience the 'food burnout' that comes with eating the same foods over and over again."
  
  
• Celebrate Halloween: "Halloween doesn't always have to be about the candy.  Choosing a costume now is a great way to stay motivated throughout the month, so that you look and feel your best come October 31, rather than feeling like the Great Pumpkin," said Eason.  "Take advantage of the holiday – and the change in season – to switch up your workout routine to feel your personal best this fall." 

To send a digital workout invite to a friend to help them avoid the "Fitness pitFALL", visit the Gold's Gym Facebook page.  Or, if you have tips on how you're planning to avoid the "Fitness pitFALL", share them with fellow gym-goers on the Gold's Gym Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages using #NoFitnessPitFALL. For additional information, check out www.facebook.com/goldsgym or www.twitter.com/goldsgym.      

About Gold's Gym
Established in Venice, Calif. in 1965, Gold's Gym is the most recognized gym chain in the world with more than 650 locations in 37 states and 28 countries.  The iconic brand ranks in the top 15 percent of Entrepreneur magazine's 2011 "Franchise 500".  Gold's Gym offers the latest equipment and services, including group exercise, personal training, cardiovascular equipment, group cycle, Pilates and yoga.  With nearly 3 million members worldwide, Gold's Gym helps all kinds of people achieve their individual potential through fitness.  For more information please visit www.goldsgym.com, www.facebook.com/goldsgym or www.twitter.com/goldsgym.

SOURCE Gold's Gym