With Active from A to Z Learning about Exercise is Easy!

BOSTON, May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- IHRSA, The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association announced today the publication of Active from A to Z, the association's first book written for children. The book, published by IHRSA, was made possible thanks to a generous sponsorship from the Helix Company.

"What better time than May, which is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, to get the word out that it's never to early to teach kids that fitness and learning can be fun," said Joe Moore, president and CEO of IHRSA.

According to The Healing Powers of Exercise, an IHRSA publication, studies have shown that as little as 15 minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity per day for children helped significantly cut the chances of being overweight or obese.

Written by Jay Ablondi, with Jim Schmaltz, and illustrated by Stan Tran, Active from A to Z is an alphabet book that playfully showcases animals, both real -- such as frogs playing Frisbee and kangaroos kickboxing, and unreal – such as a mythical Unicorn riding a unicycle, and combines them with fun facts.

"Stan Tran's creativity and talent seemed like a natural fit for illustrating fitness in a fun way," said Jay Ablondi, author of Active from A to Z and father of two. "Our goal is to promote physical activity and learning, and based on the reactions from the parents and kids who have seen it, I couldn't be happier with the final result."

"Helix, proudly supports Active from A to Z and IHRSA's ongoing efforts to promote physical activity for all ages. As creators of the world's first lateral trainer, Helix believes that fitness can be fun, safe and effective. Helix encourages everyone of all ages to find a fitness activity they enjoy and that will get them moving," said Lenny Snyderman, president of Helix.

Priced at $13.95, Active from A to Z is a fun learning resource for anyone who wants to illustrate the virtues of physical activity to kids in a colorful and entertaining way.

Stan Tran's Out of Shape cartoon appears monthly in IHRSA's Club Business International (CBI) magazine. Ablondi is the executive vice president of global products for IHRSA. Jim Schmaltz is editor of IHRSA's Get Active! magazine.

Active from A to Z is available on ihrsa.org, createspace.com (createspace.com/4774758) and other retailers.

About IHRSA

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. IHRSA and its members are dedicated to making the world healthier through regular exercise and fitness promotion. For more information on health club industry trends, visit ihrsa.org/research. Find an IHRSA club at healthclubs.com.

About The Helix Company
Headquartered in Boston, MA, Helix is the leading manufacturer of lateral training fitness equipment. Established in 2006, Helix is the world's first lateral trainer and has been awarded patents worldwide. Its premiere fitness product, the Helix Lateral Trainer, has been installed in hundreds of diverse settings including health and fitness clubs, training studios, corporate gyms, rehabilitation facilities, multi-tenant fitness centers, and colleges and universities. The Helix Lateral Trainer is recognized as a revolutionary breakthrough in cardio training and is the pioneer of an entirely new category of fitness equipment - the lateral trainer. University studies show that the Helix is the most effective no-impact cardio trainer available, creating up to 50% greater muscle activation in 7 different muscle groups, and 23% more effective heart rate training than the leading no-impact cardio modality. Visit helixco.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140520/89455

SOURCE IHRSA