What is ALS and Could It Affect You?

What is ALS and Could It Affect You?

by | Feb 20, 2019 | All, Community, Home, Wellness

When you think fitness, what comes to mind? Toned muscles, flat abs, strong and trendy fitness influencers? Chances are that your mind doesn’t think of progressive muscle weakness, but that’s exactly what former fitness industry leader Augie Nieto experienced when he was diagnosed with the crippling disease ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), otherwise referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Photographed: Lynne and Augie 

Photographed: Matt Bellina and Team

But what is ALS and who does ALS affect?  

“ALS is a disorder that affects the function of nerves and muscles”1. One of the mysterious things about this disease is that researchers don’t yet know what causes it, but they do have some insight on those most heavily afflicted by the disease.

Per the ALS Association, Massachusetts Chapter –

Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70, with an average age of 55 at the time of diagnosis. However, cases of the disease do occur in persons in their twenties and thirties. Generally, ALS occurs in greater percentages as men and women grow older. ALS is 20% more common in men than in women. However, with increasing age, the incidence of ALS is more equal between men and women.2

While an exact cause has not yet been discovered, “it is known […] that military veterans, particularly those deployed during the Gulf War, are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS.”3

One fortunate thing about this disease is that it is not contagious. However, that doesn’t help ease the minds of friends and families whose loved ones struggle with this deliberating condition.

Fifteen new cases are recorded each day4, estimating that as many as 20,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. The onset of ALS symptoms can be as common as muscle weakness or stiffness. Once the disease progresses, however, “vital functions such as speech, swallowing and later breathing”5 are lost.

There is currently no cure for ALS.

In 1995, the FDA approved a drug known as Riluzole. This drug has scientifically shown “to prolong the life of persons with ALS by at least a few months.”6

Each year, LA Fitness partners with Augie’s Quest, founded by Life Fitness leader, Augie Nieto. His foundation raises money to help fund ALS research. It’s his mission to one day find a cure for this horrible disease.

If you would like to learn more about how you can donate, please visit www.lafitnesscares.com.

For more information on ALS, click here and here.

Photographed: Collin Hadley and family 

Photographed: Andrea Lytle Peet 

Sources:

  1. “Who Gets ALS?” org, webma.alsa.org/site/PageServer/?pagename=MA_1_WhoGets.html.
  2. Ibid
  3. Ibid
  4. Ibid
  5. Ibid
  6. Ibid

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Life with ALS – Podcast Ep. 17

Life with ALS – Podcast Ep. 17

by | Feb 11, 2019 | All, Home, Podcast, Wellness

Welcome to the 17th episode of the Living Healthy Podcast, presented by LA Fitness.

On this episode of Living Healthy, we speak with Lynne Nieto, wife of Augie Nieto, and co-founder of Augie’s Quest. Their mission is to find a cure for ALS. Lynne educates us on what ALS is, who it affects, and how you can help find a cure for this debilitating disease.

Text AUGIE to 44-321 to help show your support for this great cause. 

How Are We Doing? 

This podcast should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Timecard Markers – Life with ALS – Podcast Ep. 17

Introduction

0:01

Lynne Nieto, of Augie’s Quest, Joins the Show

Begins at 1:12

What is ALS?

Begins at 1:28

Who Does ALS Affect?

Begins at 2:22

Who is Augie Nieto? What is Augie’s Quest?

Begins at 3:45

Augie and the Fitness Industry

Begins 4:33

Life Before the Diagnosis vs. After the Diagnosis

Begins at 5:44

About the ALS Therapy Development Institute

Begins at 6:17

How Does ALS Affect People Differently?

Begins at 7:05

How Does ALS Affect Families?

Begins at 8:37

The AT-1501 Drug

Begins at 10:32

How Does Humor Help?

Begins at 11:32

Intimacy and ALS

Begins at 13:11

How You Can Get Involved

Begins at 14:10

Actionable Advice

Begins at 14:43

Outro

Begins at 15:53

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Augie: A Film by James Keach | LA Fitness Recap

Augie: A Film by James Keach | LA Fitness Recap

by | May 31, 2017 | All, Community, Fitness, Health, Home, Wellness

“You can either celebrate what you can do, or mourn what you can’t.”

Augie Nieto

Founder of Augie's Quest, Co-founder and CEO of Life Fitness, Chairman of Octane Fitness

Documentary-style filmmaking has a way of exposing some of the most heartfelt elements of the human condition. In that regard, the documentary film Augie does not disappoint. Augie is raw, emotional, and moving. Created by award-winning director James Keach, viewers are taken on a journey through the life of fitness entrepreneur and icon, Augie Nieto.

Augie, a legend who is often recognized and referred to on a first name basis, is the founder of Life Fitness, as well as the chairman of Octane Fitness. He is a man who let nothing stop him while on his pathway to success.  It seemed like Augie had it all – until he was diagnosed with ALS in 2006.

In an almost cruel and ironic twist of fate, Augie found himself suddenly battling a fatal neurological condition, which slowly weakened his muscles and impacted his body’s ability to move. However, Augie was determined not to just sit at the sidelines and let the disease win. Instead, he started a nonprofit called Augie’s Quest, which funds the ALS Therapy Development Institute and their efforts in finding a cure.

 

“The best gift I can give my wife and kids is to do something when you’re faced with adversity, and that’s a gift.”

Augie Nieto

Founder of Augie's Quest, Co-founder and CEO of Life Fitness, Chairman of Octane Fitness

Little is currently known about what triggers ALS, but scientists are working hard to better understand this disease and find methods to stop it. Those suffering from the disease start losing control of their voluntary muscle movement, but retain the functionality of their brain. There are two types of ALS: sporadic and familial. Sporadic is the most common and accounts for about 90% to 95% of all cases. This means it can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. As stated on the Augie’s Quest webpage, “ALS is not an incurable disease. It is an underfunded one.”1

Augie does a wonderful job of highlighting the charismatic personality and refreshing sense of humor that Augie carries with him while making the most out of his life. Augie’s upbeat demeanor acts as an inspiration by showing that no matter what we are faced with, a little humor can help us carry on. Aside from highlighting just Augie’s life, Augie introduces viewers to short interviews of others battling ALS. It is interesting to see the perspectives of both those diagnosed with the disease as well as how it affects the loved ones around them.

Augie is a love story. It is inspirational and educational. And it is the next must-see documentary on your watch list. Augie recently was screened at the Newport Beach Film Festival and will be released later this year. Find additional upcoming screenings here.

LA Fitness is proud to stand behind Augie and support his efforts in finding a cure for ALS. For over 6 years, LA Fitness has partnered with Augie’s Quest to help raise funds for a cure. Help LA Fitness in our efforts to support Augie’s Quest by donating here. To learn more, please visit http://lafitnesscares.com/.

Sources:

  1. “Fundraising.” Augie’s Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2017.
  2. “About The Film.” Augie. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 May 2017.

 

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What Is ALS? | A Recap on LA Fitness’ Annual Action for ALS Event

What Is ALS? | A Recap on LA Fitness’ Annual Action for ALS Event

by | Apr 3, 2017 | All, Community, Fitness, Home, News

“You can either celebrate what you can do, or mourn what you can’t. Every day I wake up and create a new normal. I don’t dwell on what has changed, but instead, I focus on keeping busy achieving my goals.”

Augie Nieto

“While there’s life, there is hope.”

– Stephen Hawking, English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author and Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology within the University of Cambridge

ALS, otherwise known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a debilitating disease that many never see coming. It’s a progressive neurodegenerative disease that typically begins with the slightest of changes to one’s daily routines. For some people, they may notice a change in their vocal pitch when speaking, for others, they may experience trouble trying to grasp onto objects or lifting things up. The gradual onset usually includes muscle cramps, spasms or twitching in the arm or leg, but the symptoms vary from case to case, making this disease hard to diagnose, as doctors have to rule out other diseases with symptoms similar to ALS.1

There are two types of ALS: sporadic and familial. Sporadic is the most common and accounts for about 90% to 95% of all cases. This means it can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. Familial ALS makes up the remaining 5% to 10% and is inherited. The offspring of those affected with ALS have about a 50% chance of inheriting the gene mutation and developing this crippling disease. Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS.2 A bit scary, right?

LA Fitness recognizes the importance of finding a cure for this devastating disease and partnered up with Augie’s Quest, an organization founded by Augie Nieto, Co-Founder and former CEO of Lifefitness. Augie was diagnosed with ALS in 2005 and has since worked relentlessly in finding a cure. Augie’s Quest funds the ALS Therapy Development Institute, which has made huge advancements towards finding a cure. Most recently, they have found an antibody therapeutic which “blocks specific immune cell activation and protects nerves against the progression of ALS and Alzheimer’s Disease.”3 While this is a major breakthrough for scientists and those living with ALS, there is still no cure.

 

On February 25th, all LA Fitness Group Fitness classes participated in an event called Action for ALS. From Bodyworks to Cycling to Kickbox Cardio to Yoga and Zumba® classes, our dynamic and diverse classes teamed up in the fight for a cure! Additionally, on Friday, February 24th, LA Fitness hosted three special Zumba classes at their Irvine Crossroads, Atlanta Brookhaven and Miami Flager locations, taught by marquee instructors. These special events featured a live DJ, complimentary snacks and giveaways. With the help of our caring and dedicated members, LA Fitness has been able to raise over $280,000 for Augie’s Quest since 2010. With your donations you helped those affected with ALS stay hopeful in the quest for a cure.

To continue these efforts, LA Fitness hosted an additional event following Action For ALS. On Saturday, March 11th, we held the Augie’s Quest Racquetball Tournament at the LA Fitness Santa Clarita location and raised an additional $2,040 – way to go guys!

If you still would like to donate or learn more about LA Fitness’ philanthropic efforts, please visit www.lafitnesscares.com.

 

To learn more about how ALS can impact a life, watch Chris Mehess story below.

group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness
group fitness glass, Action for ALS, LA Fitness Cares, zumba class, group fitness

Sources:

  1. “ALS Therapy Development Institute.” ALS Therapy Development Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2017. <http://www.als.net/what-is-als/>. 
  2. Ibid 
  3. “AT-1501.” ALS Therapy Development Institute. The ALS Association, n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2017. <http://www.als.net/at-1501/>.

 

 

 

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