The fitness community is playing an increasingly pivotal role in the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Over the past two decades, it has raised more than $36 million to support ALS research, with the goal of finding a cure for this currently incurable disease.
In 2005, fitness industry pioneer Augie Nieto was diagnosed with ALS. Nieto, known for his transformative work in exercise innovation, had built Life Fitness into the world’s largest commercial fitness equipment company, only to face a diagnosis that would eventually rob him of his ability to move. However, rather than succumb to the disease, Nieto and his wife, Lynne, founded Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS, launching a movement that would bring together the fitness industry to drive forward critical ALS research.
Since its inception, Augie’s Quest has raised over $100 million, including contributions from fitness industry leaders that have collectively funded over $200 million in ALS research. This funding has helped bridge the gap between early scientific discoveries and tangible treatments.
20 Years of Impact
The contributions of the fitness industry have been crucial in advancing ALS treatment. Through nationwide events, partnerships, and community-driven fundraisers, the sector has made a lasting impact. One of the most prominent events is the BASH for Augie’s Quest, a fundraising gala that began in 2006 alongside the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) conference (now the Health & Fitness Association). The event has raised millions for ALS research while demonstrating the strength of industry unity. This year, Augie’s Quest is sponsoring the Athletech Cocktail Party on March 13.
While the BASH has become a symbol of collaboration among competitors, it is also a testament to the fitness community’s dedication to ALS research. Augie’s peers, including business rivals, have joined forces in the name of a shared mission: to end ALS.
The Bay Club, headquartered in San Francisco, has long supported the BASH and other Augie’s Quest initiatives. Matthew Stevens, President and CEO, highlighted the importance of remembering industry pioneers like Nieto: “The fact that Augie Nieto, one of our industry’s visionaries, was stricken with this awful disease means we can never forget his contributions.”
Life Time Fitness has been another long-time supporter. In September 2024, the company held the GO90 for Augie’s Quest event, a nationwide 90-minute workout that united clubs across the country in a show of solidarity and raised significant funds for ALS research. Life Time Fitness Founder Bahram Akradi summed up the company’s support simply: “Because I loved Augie.”
Crunch Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, Zumba, and Newtown Athletic Club have also been key contributors to the cause, raising millions through national campaigns and in-club events. Zumba’s co-founder, Alberto Perez, emphasized the importance of the fight, saying, “Anything that robs people’s ability to move is worth fighting against.”
The support from these companies and others has helped fund life-changing treatments, such as Tegoprubart, a promising drug that slows ALS progression by reducing neuroinflammation and protecting motor neurons.
What’s Next: A Call to Action
As Augie’s Quest celebrates its 20th anniversary, it looks forward to further advancing the cause. With progress already made, the next step is clear: galvanize the fitness industry to raise even more funds and awareness. In May 2025, which marks ALS Awareness Month, Augie’s Quest will launch a nationwide fundraiser inspired by the success of Life Time’s GO90 event. Fitness clubs across the country will participate in a 90-minute workout challenge to honor ALS patients and raise funds for ongoing research.
The initiative is designed to be easy for gyms to participate in, offering a customizable toolkit for owners to host special classes, set entry fees, and organize friendly competitions. Many gyms have already signed on to participate, and the movement is poised to expand.
Jim Rowley, CEO of Crunch Fitness, expressed excitement about the upcoming campaign: “We’re excited to unite the Crunch community this May with this special programming to not only honor the incredible 20-year impact of Augie’s Quest but also inspire an effort among our members and the fitness industry to drive meaningful change.”
The Augie’s Quest initiative is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and collective action — values that are deeply embedded within the fitness industry. As Rowley noted, “Partnering with Augie’s Quest reinforces the importance of community and making a difference, and we’re proud to continually support this cause.”
The fight against ALS is far from over, but as the fitness community continues to demonstrate, its impact extends far beyond the gym floor. The funds raised have already accelerated treatments, changed lives, and offered hope to thousands of families. As Augie Nieto has always said, “Incurable is unacceptable.”
With the support of the fitness industry, the search for a cure will continue — stronger together.
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