We announced March 1 that elements fitness was teaming up with Pierce Mattie, one of the world’s leading PR and media firms, to begin the launch of BalanceD Diet, as well as to propel the elements for women brand.

Last week we conducted strategy sessions with our full PR team, and met desk-side last week with the top editors of over 22 lifestyle magazines, including SELF, Shape, Vogue, Elle, Fitness, Glamour, among many others. This is the beginning of a major press launch.

Armed with my new AirBook, the world’s thinnest laptop and an array of elements multimedia presentations, the world’s media heads were extremely impressed with our branding, Advisory Board, award winning gyms, and online diet… the components of a major lifestyle brand have really come together - as is evidenced each day with elements gather attention in more media, and top publications.

Typically, face to face meetings with editors last only 5-10 minutes, since these are some of the busiest people in the world. The idea that we were sitting with them for 30-45 minutes at a time, fielding all types of questions and listening to their feedback is a sign that we are of high interest to them, and more importantly, the readers. Our intent when designing the elements and BalanceD brands is always to put the consumer experience first… I feel like we are certainly on track.

The results of our media tour through New York City have been quite promising. Already we have been placed in major media, with some very exciting features and business stories in the works.

This week brought us back to the West Coast as we joined the International, Racquet, and Sportclub Association (knows as IHRSA) for their annual convention. Thousands of fitness business owners converged in Southern California for the 4 day conference, joined by the top vendors and business professionals. This year our team was meeting with many franchisees and potential international developers, in what proved to be a marathon session! It is easy to feel off of the energy and pulse of the convention, and I think IHRSA serves as a great and powerful reminder of why many of us entered the fitness industry in the first place, to make a lasting impact on the wellness of America. It is so refreshing to be involved in an industry that profits from helping others reach a healthier lifestyle. The outlook and growth statistics for the fitness industry are very robust, as the industry continues to benefit from double digit growth, new market sectors, and widening usage numbers both nationally and abroad.