Cybex International to raise funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Cybex International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYBI), a leading manufacturer of premium exercise equipment, is treading for a cause. Hundreds of the Medway, Massachusetts-based Company’s pink 750T treadmills will be moving at varying speeds in fitness clubs and YMCA’s across the country beginning today, October 1 – and with a purpose – to raise funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

In an effort to promote the importance of walking and exercise as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of breast cancer, CYBEX Pink Ribbon Run/Walk will donate funds (10 cents) for every mile logged on any pink CYBEX 750T treadmill around the country throughout the month of October 2009 to BCRF.

“This is an example of wonderful corporate citizenship,” states Myra J. Biblowit, President of The BCRF. “These pink treadmills will remind people about the need for breast health awareness, breast cancer screening and the importance of exercise.”

The pink treads, which were manufactured in Medway, have been shipped to health clubs, YMCA’s and other fitness facilities around the country to promote the benefits of exercise, particularly as it relates to breast cancer. Local clubs are using the pink treadmills for member walk-a-thons; others are matching CYBEX with fundraising efforts.

In Richmond, Virginia, Victory Lady Fitness is putting its 10 pink CYBEX treadmills into high gear and motivating members to be the first to walk 40, 50 and even 60 miles throughout the month of October to win prizes. Visit: http://www.cybexintl.com/promotions/PinkRibbonRun/FacilitiesUSA.aspx for a list of clubs with pink treadmills.

“We are committed to raising funds and awareness on the benefits of exercise, particularly as it relates to improving long-term survival for those who have been treated for breast cancer,” states Joan Carter, Executive Director of the CYBEX Pink Ribbon Run. “Research strongly suggests that, at all ages, physical activity, and in particular cardiovascular activity, reduces the risk of developing breast cancer later in life.”

When it comes to preventing breast cancer recurrence, Dr. Carolyn Kaelin, a Harvard surgeon and author of The Breast Cancer Survivor’s Fitness Plan, states, “Brisk walking (about 3.0 mph on a treadmill) for three to five hours per week for about 30 minutes a day has netted the biggest benefits for breast cancer survivors.”

According to the Journal of Breast Cancer Research (November 2008), of the more than 32,000 postmenopausal women, vigorous exercise may cut risk of breast cancer by 30 percent in normal-weight women. Furthermore, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (May 2008) cited that girls and young women who exercise regularly between the ages of 12 and 35 have a substantially lower risk of breast cancer before menopause compared to those less active.

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