Iron Grip and RetroFitness Announce Partnership

Source: Iron Grip Barbell Company ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - April 18, 2012 - Iron Grip Barbell Company, the industry leading manufacturer of durable, innovative, American-made free weight equipment, and RetroFitness, America's rapidly growing fitness chain offering the industry's most innovative equipment and motivating workout environment, announced today that RetroFitness has selected Iron Grip to be the preferred supplier of dumbbells, barbells, and Olympic plates to RetroFitness franchise locations nationwide.

"After much research and comparison, we determined Iron Grip free weights to be the best fit for our franchisees," said Matthew Schultz, vice president of operations for RetroFitness. "As we've continued our aggressive national expansion, we realized that choosing the right equipment partner was critical in every category, and with Iron Grip's long-standing reputation for quality, reliability, and outstanding customer service, they were the logical choice."

RetroFitness features a full collection of top-of-of-the line strength equipment and cardio machines complete with individualized LCD television monitors. Each RetroFitness location houses a RetroTheatre where members can work out in a darkened room on cardio machines while watching movies. In addition, members can enjoy personal training, tanning, full-service locker rooms, a RetroBlends juice bar and onsite chiropractic and massage therapy services.

"From the member perspective, Iron Grip equipment offers several user-friendly features that are sure to enhance our members' fitness experience," added Schultz. "For our franchisees, Iron Grip provides an excellent value to the gym operator because it's extremely durable and requires little-to-no maintenance, which helps our franchisees reap the benefits of lower operating costs down the line."

RetroFitness has chosen to install Iron Grip's premium line of American-made free weight equipment, which includes their patented Urethane Olympic plates with opposing handgrips, maintenance-free Urethane dumbbells, and heavy-duty Olympic bars. In addition, the plates and dumbbells will be custom-engraved with the RetroFitness logo to reinforce the brand within the clubs.

"We're very excited to be working with the RetroFitness team," said Michael Rojas, president of Iron Grip Barbell Company. "Having high-end equipment in the gym sends the message to members that the club cares about their experience. This attention to detail will help RetroFitness' rapidly growing franchisee base attract and retain members."

For more information or to find the nearest RetroFitness location, please visit www.retrofitness.net or call (800) RETRO-04. To learn more about Iron Grip Barbell Company, please visit www.irongrip.com or call (800) 664-4766.

About Iron Grip Iron Grip Barbell Company, based in Santa Ana, Calif., is the largest provider of commercial free weight equipment worldwide and the only manufacturer with a complete line of exclusively American-made free weight equipment. Iron Grip equipment can be found in premier fitness facilities in over 60 countries, including major health club chains, independent gyms, YMCAs, professional and university strength-training facilities, corporate wellness centers, hospital and physical therapy facilities, and police, firefighter and military fitness facilities worldwide. For more information, contact the company at 800-664-4766 or visit www.irongrip.com.

About RetroFitness Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Eric Casaburi, RetroFitness has evolved from a regional Mid-Atlantic gym concept into a national fitness system with more than 120 gyms in its development pipeline. Under Casaburi's leadership, RetroFitness has grown to nearly 80 gyms in 10 states. Expansion plans call for 300 gyms in the next three years and growth into new major markets such as Chicago, Dallas and Washington, D.C. Each RetroFitness location is equipped with a full-service fitness center including 60-100 pieces of equipment supplied by leading manufacturers. RetroFitness was ranked in the top of the 2012 Entrepreneur "Franchise 500" annual ranking, marking the brand's second-consecutive appearance on the prestigious list. The company was also recognized as one of the "Top Fastest-Growing Franchises," and "Top New Franchise" In the publication's 32nd annual ranking. For more information, please visit www.retrofitness.net, and to learn more about franchise opportunities visit www.retrofranchising.com.