IDEA And STOTT PILATES™ Join Forces To Promote Excellence In Fitness Education

San Diego – IDEA Health & Fitness Association and STOTT PILATES™ have formed a partnership to provide fitness professionals with high quality education as they work to Inspire the World to Fitness™ by motivating, challenging and retaining their clients on a long-term basis.

"IDEA surveys show that Pilates is the fastest growing exercise format while the American Sports Data's 16th Annual 'Superstudy' found that Pilates participation rose from 2.4 million participants to 4.7 million between January 2002 and January 2003," said Kathie Davis, Executive Director of IDEA Health & Fitness Association. "Fitness professionals - and their clients - need to know that their Pilates training is first-rate and with STOTT they have this assurance. IDEA is pleased to partner with STOTT PILATES since they are one of the leaders in this field."

"We are very pleased to be aligned so closely with IDEA for two main reasons: IDEA is the premier organization for fitness professionals -- many of whom are our clients or potential clients -- and IDEA has a goal that we as an organization also feel very strongly about: Inspiring the World to Fitness," said Lindsay Merrithew, President and CEO, STOTT PILATES.

"At STOTT PILATES we are passionately committed to being the world's most respected pilates brand by creating products and services that inspire participants and professionals in their pursuit of mind-body fitness and wellness. We believe our partnership with IDEA will help us to achieve these goals," added Mr. Merrithew.

Inspire the World to Fitness is a major initiative recently launched by IDEA and the goal of this program is to have IDEA's 19,000-plus membership reach over one-half million inactive people over the next five years. Through its educational conferences, four publications and educational products, IDEA is committed to giving fitness professionals the resources and tools they need to bring effective health and fitness programs to the physically inactive.

STOTT PILATES, a subsidiary of Merrithew Corporation, is the only full-service organization of its kind providing high caliber Pilates education, videos and equipment worldwide. For more information on STOTT PILATES, see www.stottpilates.com or contact: Alison Hope at (800) 910-0001, ext. 225 or alison@stottpilates.com.

STOTT PILATES will be a major presenter and exhibitor at the upcoming IDEA World Fitness & Personal Trainer Convention, being held in Anaheim, California, July 17-20, 2003. The company's trademarked slogan captures its vision succinctly: Intelligent
Exercise. Profound Results.®.

IDEA is the world's leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals with more than 23,000 members in over 80 countries. Since 1982, IDEA has provided health and fitness professionals with pertinent information, educational opportunities, career development programs and industry leadership while helping them enhance the quality of life worldwide through safe, effective fitness and healthy lifestyle programs. For more information on IDEA events, publications, educational products, member services or other activities, visit the IDEA website at: www.IDEAfit.com.