DALLAS, July 26, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- 24 Hour Fitness, a global leader in health and fitness, joined forces with basketball superstar Earvin `Magic' Johnson today to celebrate the grand opening of the first Texas-area 24 Hour Fitness Magic Johnson Sport Club. Located on 11100 Central Expressway in Dallas, Texas, this new concept club is a full service fitness facility born out of the partnership between Magic Johnson Enterprises and 24 Hour Fitness.
"As an athlete, I have experienced first-hand the importance of integrating fitness into my daily life," said Earvin `Magic' Johnson. "I am excited to bring a Magic Club to Dallas. Partnering with 24 Hour Fitness to open health clubs was a natural progression for me. These beautiful clubs are a terrific addition to my corporate portfolio."
Last September, Magic Johnson and 24 Hour Fitness opened the first Magic Johnson Sport Club in Richmond, California. This past May, the first southern California Magic Club opened in Sherman Oaks, followed in June with a Magic Club opening in Santa Fe Springs. In addition to the Dallas club, two more Magic Johnson Sport clubs are slated to open in Texas and California in 2002.
Mr. Johnson's vision for these clubs is to focus on the spirit of community and fun through sports and fitness. This unique partnership will help both Magic Johnson Enterprises and 24 Hour Fitness better achieve their goal of helping people live better.
"Earvin `Magic' Johnson's support and partnership is a tremendous asset to 24 Hour Fitness. Dallas is the fourth of six locations planned for this year and the success of these clubs have been tremendous," shared Mark S. Mastrov, chairman and CEO, 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide. "Our Magic club concepts have added even more passion to our personality and opportunity for growth to our business portfolio. With Magic on our side, we are one step closer to making fitness a way of life for everyone."
Mr. Johnson has been heavily involved in the development and marketing of the new Dallas club. Magic Johnson memorabilia is displayed throughout the club and the walls support large murals of Mr. Johnson created especially for these new clubs.
All 24 Hour Fitness Magic Johnson Sport Clubs will be full service fitness facilities with the latest in state-of-the-art exercise equipment and free weights. Members will also have access to amenities such as a basketball court, whirlpool, steam room and sauna. The Kids' Club will provide an onsite babysitting facility and a wide assortment of fitness apparel will be available at the Pro Shop. All clubs will offer cutting edge group exercise classes including low and high impact aerobics: step, turbo kick, precision cycling(TM), yoga and body sculpting. In addition, personal trainers, nutritional programming and access to 24 Hour Fitness' proprietary 24/5 program will be on hand to help members attain their fitness goals.
About 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness serves over 2.9 million members in more than 439 clubs globally, 298 of which are located in 16 different states. 24 Hour Fitness is committed to making fitness accessible and affordable to people of all fitness levels. Supporting the communities it serves, 24 Hour Fitness sponsors many charitable events and organizations including the American Cancer Society and the Magic Johnson Foundation. Please call 1-800-204-2400 or visit www.24HourFitness.com for more information and to find the location nearest you.
About Earvin `Magic' Johnson
Born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, Johnson currently resides in the Los Angles area, with his wife Cookie and their children Elisa (7 years) and Earvin Johnson III (or EJ, 9 years); Andre (21 years), Johnson's first son, lives in Michigan with his mother.