Iraq War Veteran Trains His Way to Better Health

Credits Life Fitness Equipment in Reaching Fitness,

Weight-loss Goals

SCHILLER PARK, Ill. (July 17, 2008) – When Jeff Gordy retired from his post as a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to join the military operations in Iraq as a civilian, he simply assumed he was in decent enough shape for combat. A great competitor, the 45-year-old from Ellaville, Ga., was a triathlete, who at one time qualified for the World Police and Fire Games. But over the years this husband and father of two had all but given up on exercise in the midst of work and a busy family life. Once in Iraq, he quickly realized that at 220 pounds he was not in shape to carry his 60-pound pack and keep up with the other troops.

After months of training, and dropping 30 pounds, Gordy feels stronger and healthier than ever.

          “After I began working out, I started developing the stamina to keep up with troops half my   age in the harsh desert conditions,” said Gordy. “Training made me feel better both mentally and physically. I definitely function better at work, I sleep better at night and I can do things that most people at my age only dream about.”

In Iraq, Gordy first turned to what he knew from his earlier triathlon days and started running outside to train, but the dust and heat of the Middle Eastern desert were unforgiving. That’s when he took his workout inside and began exercising on a Life Fitness Lifecycle® Exercise Bike and treadmill, riding the stationary bike for 15 minutes, then running for 10 minutes.  He soon noticed his knees and lower back were getting stronger, so he added endurance training, hoping to drop the extra weight. 

Within four weeks, Gordy was riding on a Lifecycle Exercise Bike for 25 minutes three-to-four times a week, gradually increasing the resistance level each time. On days he wasn’t riding, he ran on a Life Fitness treadmill for 20 minutes, eventually discovering the machine’s variety of exercise programs to enhance his workout. Gordy even researched heart rate levels and tracked the quality of his workout with the heart rate monitors on the machines.

Today, Gordy is home from Iraq and continues to train using Life Fitness equipment. His routine includes running three-to-four miles on the treadmill followed by 45 minutes on his Lifecycle Exercise Bike four-to five times a week. This year he plans on participating in four triathlons.

Beyond improving his on-the-job performance, Gordy cites his family as his main motivator for getting fit.

          “The most important reason I train is for my wife and two daughters. I want to be around for a long time and be able to be active with them,” said Gordy. “I even look forward to having grandchildren one day and being an active part of their lives.”

Gordy was recognized by Life Fitness earlier this year as the most inspirational success story of the 2007 “I Live It!” campaign. This program celebrates individuals who demonstrate a commitment to lifelong health and well-being.  

          “Jeff’s story is an inspirational reminder of the power of fitness in helping people live life to the fullest,” said John Stransky, president of Life Fitness. “We’re proud to be a part of his success, but we know that Jeff’s hard work and dedication to his country, his family and to exercise make him the real winner.”   

As the most inspirational story of 2007, Gordy received a commercial- grade Lifecycle® Exercise Bike. Life Fitness is currently accepting applications for the 2008 “I Live It!” contest at www.lifefitness.com/iliveit.

About Life Fitness
Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corp. (NYSE: BC), is the global leader in designing and manufacturing a full line of high-quality fitness equipment for commercial and consumer use. It is the largest commercial fitness equipment provider in the world and the only fitness equipment manufacturer that has been providing premium equipment for 30 years. Life Fitness’ cardiovascular and strength-training products, including the renowned Lifecycle exercise bike, are used worldwide in health clubs, fitness centers and wellness facilities, as well as in homes. The company is headquartered near Chicago, in Schiller Park, Ill., and distributes its equipment in more than 120 countries.

Life Fitness and Lifecycle are registered trademarks of Brunswick Corp.

Life Fitness, 5100 River Road, Schiller Park, IL 60176. Phone: 847.288.3300, www.lifefitness.com

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