SAN DIEGO, April 22, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- American Specialty Health (ASH), a leading personal health improvement organization, announced that it will begin offering yoga to its Silver&Fit(r) healthy aging program members through an alliance with YogaFit(r), the largest yoga fitness education school in North America.
Silver&Fit, a subsidiary of ASH, is an exercise and healthy aging program for seniors that provides access to fitness club memberships, home fitness programs, internet tools, and reward programs.
Beginning in April 2008, YogaFit trained instructors -- who have in-depth experience and skills in both yoga and fitness -- will lead yoga classes for older adults at Silver&Fit-designated gyms. These classes are designed to help members increase muscular strength, endurance, mobility, and flexibility as well as stamina, lung capacity, and overall wellness. In addition, the classes provide a fun and more casual gym opportunity for members to get involved and meet each other.
"The YogaFit program is an outstanding addition to our current offerings and demonstrates a holistic and integrated response to our members' needs," said ASH CEO and chairman George DeVries. "By continuing to add innovative fitness classes to our Silver&Fit program, we hope to further improve and transform the lives of our members."
Silver&Fit was developed to assist seniors in beginning or continuing a regular exercise program. Regular exercise has shown to be an important element in preventing some medical conditions, including high blood pressure and heart and lung disease. Cardiovascular and strength training can also help seniors improve their balance and become more flexible, preventing common slips and falls and speeding up the recovery period from such injuries.
About YogaFit
YogaFit ("Yoga for the Fitness Industry"(tm)), was developed in 1994 by Beth Shaw. Taught by YogaFit-trained instructors with in-depth experience and skills in both yoga and fitness, the YogaFit method is the only nationally recognized CEC provider for the American Council on Exercise and New York Sports Clubs, Boston Sports Clubs, Washington Sports Clubs, and Philadelphia Sports Clubs. YogaFit has also been a member of the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association since 1997. Team YogaFit has 40 national Master Trainers currently.
YogaFit, the leader in Mind-Body Fitness Education, has trained over 70,000 fitness professionals worldwide and has been integral in the practice of yoga becoming a primary part of health clubs along with gym and spa programs throughout the world. YogaFit has and continues to bring yoga to the fitness industry.
About American Specialty Health (ASH)
American Specialty Health Incorporated is a leading premier personal health improvement organization, providing specialty managed care programs, fitness programs including Silver&Fit, health coaching, reward programs, Internet solutions, and worksite wellness programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide.
Based in San Diego, ASH has over 600 employees and covers more than 13.4 million members in specialty managed care, fitness, and health coaching and wellness programs. For more information, visit ASH online at ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.