FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — (Jan. 26, 2011) Get inspired to get fit and help make a difference for children fighting cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. Join St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and Lady of America fitness centers on March 26, 2011, for the fourth annual Ab Crunch Challenge™.

To kick-off the fun fitness and exercise challenge, women across the country can participate in a free six-week training camp designed to teach the proper way to crunch abs and help build strength and endurance. While training, women will also be raising donations through sponsorships from family, friends, neighbors, local businesses and co-workers. The money raised will help support the lifesaving work performed at St. Jude, the nation’s top children’s cancer hospital.

In the past three years, nearly 10,000 women have collectively joined together in more than 67 cities across the country to perform an average of 2,500 ab crunches at Lady of America fitness centers — Lady of America, LOA Fitness for Women, HCOA Fitness and Ladies Workout Express — during the one-hour event.

To date, Lady of America Franchise Corporation has raised more than $400,000 as part of a $1 million commitment to St. Jude. “It’s encouraging that so many women are inspired to support this very important cause and help us raise money for an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of children and their families,” said Toni Negas, marketing director for Lady of America.

This year, Lady of America Franchise Corporation expects 4,500 members will crunch in more than 200 Lady of America, LOA Fitness for Women, Health Clubs of America and Ladies Workout Express clubs to help raise additional funds to meet its $1 million donation goal.

Created in 2007 by Tony Parziale, a Lady of America franchisee, for his members at Ladies Workout Express in Hamilton and Lawrenceville, NJ, the Ab Crunch Challenge™ fundraiser has grown into a national program for Lady of America Franchise Corporation.

Open to Lady of America fitness members and non-members, there is no cost to participate in the challenge or the training camp. Training will begin in February. To make a donation or to find a participating Lady of America, LOA Fitness for Women, Ladies Workout Express or HCOA Fitness location, visit www.ladyofamerica.com/abcrunch .

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. In 2010, St. Jude was ranked the most trusted charity in the nation in a public survey conducted by Harris Interactive, a highly respected international polling and research firm. St. Jude was also named the nation’s top children’s cancer hospital in the 2010-11 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings published by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, go to www.stjude.org.

About Lady of America
For more than 27 years, Lady of America Franchise Corporation (LOAFC) has been an innovator in the constantly evolving business of women’s fitness. LOAFC was established in 1984 with the goal of providing a safe and rewarding environment to women working on their fitness and lifestyle goals while enjoying the company and support of other women. The company continues to host fun fitness and exercise challenges.  Today, LOAFC is the world’s largest full-service chain of women’s fitness centers with over 200 franchises in operation across 45 states and nine countries under the brands; LOA Fitness for Women, Lady of America, Ladies Workout Express, Workout Express and HCOA Fitness. www.ladyofamerica.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Toni Negas
Lady of America Franchise Corporation
800-833-5239, ext.7833
tnegas@ladyofamerica.com

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