Contours Express Takes a Hard Look at Obesity

By: Contours Express | 1 Shares 93 Reads

Women's fitness franchise discusses the importance of physical fitness in combating the disease; lists Top 5 Obese Cities

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to the American Obesity Association, approximately 127 million adults in the United States are overweight, 60 million are obese and 9 million are extremely obese. Contours Express, the national fitness center designed for women, is taking a hard look at those numbers and hoping to combat the disease one franchise location at a time.

"Being in this business, obesity is a major concern for us. The effects it has on one's life and health is tremendous; however, it's important that we educate our members and others on how to prevent and fight the disease," said Bill Helton, president of Contours Express.

According to Forbes Magazine, the Top 5 Obese Cities include:

* Memphis, TN (34 percent of the population)
* Birmingham, AL (31.1 percent of the population)
* San Antonio, TX (31.1 percent of the population)
* Riverside/San Bernardino, CA (30.8 percent of the population)
* Detroit, MI (30.4 percent of the population)

"We are looking at the data as we develop new franchise territories in effort to educate the areas that need it most on the importance of exercise," Helton said.

Although obesity is linked to several serious medical conditions, it's usually a treatable and manageable disease through a healthy lifestyle.

Helton said one of the biggest factors in achieving weight loss is exercise. One of the best ways to lose body fat is through steady aerobic exercise, such as walking, for more than 30 minutes most days of the week.

In addition to weight loss, exercise and physical activity can help those individuals that are overweight or obese lower their risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

Contours Express is a specialized circuit training gym with machines designed for women. Its weight-bearing resistance equipment offers the benefits of both positive and negative resistance, according to Helton. Contours Express currently has over 600 clubs operating throughout the world, in the United States, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe and South America.

For more information about Contours Express or about obesity, please visit www.ContoursExpress.com.