NEWS RELEASE
AFS Supports Myzone Challenge for ALS - Goal to help raise $500,000 to help fund research
(OAKLAND, CA, April 27, 2018) – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today proudly announced its support of the Myzone Challenge for Augie’s Quest – and encourages all fitness studios in its audience to participate in this national fund-raiser to help fund critical research to bring AT-1501 treatment to individuals suffering from ALS. 
According to the ALS Therapy Institute (ALSTDI), “The development of AT-1501, a novel antibody which acts in a highly targeted, disease specific way to tamp down the immune system, is now ready for clinical translation." Developed at the ALSTDI, this potential therapy has been screened in more preclinical efficacy experiments than any other compound proposed in the history of the battle to end ALS.
“ALS is a horrible disease that robs the body of muscular movement” said Josh Leve, AFS founder and CEO. “It is a cruel irony indeed, that Augie Nieto, a fitness icon who brought muscular health to millions, was struck down with the disease in the prime of life.”
Nieto is the successful fitness mogul behind Lifecycle, Life Fitness, and Octane Fitness who was diagnosed with ALS in 2005. With guidance from a team of friends, researchers, and medical experts, Augie came to understand the bleak reality that ALS lacked the critical support or widespread research needed to find treatment and cures. He co-founded Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS, hosting events, partnerships, and fundraising activities around the globe, to drive success by funding cutting edge ALS research at ALS TDI in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Myzone Challenge takes place May 1 through June 18 and empowers fitness facilities of all types and sizes to inspire members and clients to support this noble cause. To participate in the challenge, studios can register through the Myzone Challenge Portal.
Members/clients with a Myzone belt will be asked to donate $15.01 to join the challenge, while members without a Myzone belt will need to purchase a Myzone physical activity belt as well as donate. Once members have achieved 1501 MEPs in the challenge, they will be entered into a pool to win incredible prizes from leading companies such as Precor and Total Gym, as well as luxurious vacation packages.
The Augie’s Quest Myzone Challenge provides all the tools and administration assets required to participate in the challenge. One-hundred percent of all the proceeds generated from the challenge will help fund the introduction of AT-1501 for individuals who are suffering from ALS.
“The fight to help Augie find treatments and ultimately, a cure for ALS is very personal for me,” said Leve. “Both my father and my grandfather worked with Augie to help build the fitness industry. Most of the people reading these words in some way owe their positions in fitness to Augie.”
About AFS
The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) is the only membership community dedicated solely to the business of fitness studios and is home to SUCCEED! The AFS Annual Business Convention and Expo. AFS provides studio owners and developers a wide array of business-specific products, services, and benefits that enable them to more effectively manage and grow their businesses, building on the passion, compassion and courage they’ve already shown. www.afsfitness.com
About Myzone
Myzone delivers a wearable and digital technology solution for the fitness industry.
The wearable fitness tracker shows and rewards effort when you work out. Myzone displays real-time heart rate, calories, and intensity with five simple color-coded personalized zones. The telemetry can be displayed collectively in group settings and exercise classes, or individually direct to your smartphone via the Myzone app. The app allows engagement, motivation, and communities to flourish.
Myzone amplifies the group exercise experience; it provides valuable data for personal training departments with built-in challenges, personal goals, gamification and an online social community, users are motivated to sustain physical activity through a fun, engaging, and inclusive platform.
Represented in over 5,000 facilities in 65+ countries and translated into 19 languages, Myzone is used by health & fitness clubs, corporate wellness sites, educational establishments or anyone wanting to track their physical activity. For more information, visit http://www.myzone.org/.
About Augie’s Quest
Augie’s Quest is dedicated to finding treatments and cures for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. All funds benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute. For more information, visit https://augiesquest.org/.