Western Athletic Clubs Partnership With ABC's SHARK TANK's Mark Cuban and SURFSET (R) Brings Revolutionary Fitness Program to Its Clubs

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 23, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Athletic Clubs (WAC), operator of private luxury athletic clubs and sports resorts in California, has partnered with the ABC hit show SHARK TANK's Mark Cuban and entrepreneur Mike Hartwick, founder and chief executive officer of SURFSET® – a revolutionary core and stabilizer fitness program. The partnership made WAC the first fitness club in Northern California to offer the program. In addition to SURFSET®, WAC also announces several new fitness programs to kick off the New Year's resolution fitness craze.

SURFSET®

Surfers and non-surfers alike will appreciate SURFSET'S custom series of indoor exercises performed on a surfboard to strengthen and stabilize the body's core. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Mike Hartwick, says, "We can't isolate our muscles from one another, or our bodies from their environment. SURFSET® is a full body approach inspired by one of the world's most athletic sports, and the benefits are not limited to one field of fitness. We draw from the real movements of surfing to create workouts that build balance, core strength, stability, agility, aerobic conditioning, power, lean muscle, and coordination. SURFSET® classes are structured for optimal fat burn, muscle build, and improved balance— 45 minutes of surfing-inspired movements structured in intervals to push past plateaus. Imagine combining the cardio benefits of spinning with the muscle benefits of TRX training and the core benefits of working out on a BOSU ball."

WAC President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Stevens first heard of SURFSET® while watching ABC's SHARK TANK. He was as impressed with the program as was investor Mark Cuban. "The lean, muscular body a surfer develops is a desired outcome among our members. As the innovator in developing a comprehensive fitness resort experience, WAC wants to bring the best programs to our members. SURFSET® is all about mixing up the static workout into something unique, fun, and effective. We are proud to be one of the first to debut this exciting new fitness program in our clubs," says Stevens.

SURFSET® is available at eight Western Athletic Clubs sports resorts. For a list of locations, visit www.westernathleticclubs.com/files/SHINE_Surfset ® and for more information on SURFSET® visit www.surfsetfitness.com.

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LES MILLS' GRIT

In addition to SURFSET®, WAC welcomes LES MILLS' GRIT, a rigorous high intensity interval training (HIIT) program. LES MILLS is the global leader in group fitness and team training programs that have changed the lives of millions. Known for fast-paced workouts with high-energy music and choreography, Les Mills takes HIIT into overdrive with short, sharp, and demanding 30-minute workouts that combine weightlifting, running, and plyometrics. The GRIT program will debut in January at seven WAC Clubs. For more information on the program and a complete list of classes, visit www.westernathleticclubs.com/GRIT.

WELLNESS FX

WellnessFX completes WAC's "Shine in the New Year" health and fitness offerings. This groundbreaking program offers advanced health diagnostics along with trainer-led consultations for insights and recommendations to improve biological health. - WAC has partnered with WellnessFX to develop a customized profile that measures lifestyle and nutritional changes. "This unique measurement tool helps members track their success. Seventy percent of the data needed for accurate health diagnosis and management is in our blood—and our blood cells regenerate every 120 days. This system allows our members to measure not only the physical changes, but also the biological changes happening within," says WAC President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Stevens. For a complete list of Western Athletic Clubs locations offering WellnessFX, please visit:
www.westernathleticclubs.com/WellnessFX

"SHINE in the NEW YEAR" FITNESS PACKAGE

New Year's resolutions are now easier than ever to keep with WAC's new family fitness programs. With six regional campuses comprised of 11 luxury athletic clubs and sports resorts, WAC offers comprehensive lifestyle amenities, such as childcare, social programs, dining, retail shopping, and award-winning spa therapies. WAC provides the ultimate solution to staying healthy and fit in today's busy world. Now through January 31, 2013, WAC is offering $500 off the initiation fee for a Club West family membership. For more information and to arrange a guest visit, go to www.westernathleticclubs.com/newyearpackage.

About Western Athletic Clubs

Founded in 1977, Western Athletic Clubs (WAC) is the owner and operator of 11 private health, fitness, athletic, sports, and lifestyle resorts on the West Coast. Featuring six regional campuses, WAC provides club members with the finest quality sports. For 35years, WAC has maintained the highest standards of professional service, earning a reputation as one of the leading private club companies in the United States. The company employs approximately 2,000 people and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. For more information on WAC, its clubs or services, visit: www.westernathleticclubs.com.