Bally Offers Fitness for Free

Just in time for New Year's resolutions to get in shape, Bally Total Fitness unleashed a new promotion this month to draw families to its fitness centers.

Until Jan. 17, fitness hopefuls can sign up at Discoveryhealth.com for a free eight-week trial membership effective Jan. 14 to March 11.

"This is our biggest promotion for the first quarter and we have partnered with the Discover Health Channel's National Body Challenge to make it happen," said Kelly Hundt, VP-advertising and sales marketing at Bally.

Apart from using exercise equipment and participating in workout sessions, adults will be able to bring their children aged 8-17 to participate in exercise classes, dance sessions, and calisthenics.

"For kids, we'll have boot camp where there will be different drills and activities to make fitness fun," says Hundt.

Having kids engage in activities in its clubs will be a first for Bally Total Fitness. With childhood obesity reaching epidemic proportions, "We feel strongly that this is a health crisis that is taking America by siege," Hundt says.

Bally's 440 facilities located in 29 states will participate in the promotion.