National Fitness Hall of Fame

The 2011 National Fitness Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony a Huge Success!

March 5, 2011 - Columbus, Ohio 

A crowd of over 175,000 fitness & bodybuilding fans packed the Columbus Convention Center last weekend for a very special event. The 2011 National Fitness Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony which is typically held in Addison, Illinois, was moved to Columbus, Ohio in conjunction with the Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival Weekend.

Friends, family members and fans traveled in from all across the country to welcome in the Hall of Fame Class of 2011.  The inductees in attendance included the following professionals:  Doris J. Barrilleaux – Jim Everroad –  Cathe Friedrich –  Lee Haney –  Bill Kazmaier –  Lenda Murray –  Mark Rothstein.  (The late Joseph Pilates was also inducted). 

This year’s Master of Ceremony, Dr. Bob Goldman (a 2006 HOF Inductee) presented two special awards.  The 2011 “Lifetime Achievement Award” was given to 2009 HOF Inductee, Jim Lorimer and the distinguished “Fitness Spokesperson of the Century” Award was presented former governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger who has devoted most of his life promoting fitness.

The National Fitness Hall of Fame’s founder and executive director, John Figarelli had this to say. “This was a tremendous opportunity for us to reach out to a huge audience and catapult our status as a top educational institution.  All of the feedback that I have received concerning this year’s event has been positive and uplifting.”

One attendee, Erica had this to say about the event.  “Wow!!!  What an awesome event!!!  I am still thinking about how much fun I had meeting all of the inductees!!!  This is an event that I will never forget!  You and your staff did an excellent job of organizing and pulling it all together!!”

Sue was also equally impressed, saying, “First, let me extend a HUGE thank-you for the fabulous weekend and the opportunity to be there!  It will be a weekend I will not forget.  I had the privilege of meeting extraordinary people who have contributed so much to so many!

Each recipient of the NFHOF Class of 2011 was so kind, humble and approachable!  The atmosphere you provided enabled all of the inductees, their family and friends to mingle and chat and thoroughly enjoy the induction ceremony!”

Thanks to our volunteers for helping to pull this all together: The Figarelli family, Donald, Julia, Don Jr., Fatima, Isabelle & Nicholas and our to our sponsors; Total Gym Company, Egglands Best, and Dr. Bob Goldman.

John, I first want to thank you for one of the most memorable high lights of my life.  I am humbled by the entire experience. I want to thanks you for and Dr. Bob for making this event one that remembers the efforts shown by those within our industry.”
 

Thanks again and God bless you, Lee Haney – 2011 HOF Inductee

Dear John,

First let me say it was nice meeting you and I have much appreciation for the hard work and loyalty you demonstrate to this event (The National Fitness Hall of Fame).As a personal friend of Mark Rothstein I want you to know what a dedicated and loyal inductee the Hall of Fame has in Mark.  As you have learned in just a short time Mark is a humble and loyal person and he demonstrates this in his work ethic and personal commitments.  My wife and I enjoyed the event and the people we met are great contacts/friends I hope forever. 

The Friday night "Meet and Greet" was a great opportunity to interact and meet not only the inductees but their family and friends.  Saturday’s event was exciting in the fact that the room was filled with a number of individuals that had dedicated their life to motivating, promoting, and informing our country about the benefits of Health and Fitness, a message that is so important to both the young and elderly.

John your hard work is appreciated and the new members of the National Fitness Hall of Fame will be great additions to the field of Fitness. Continue to tap these sources to promote the message. 

Sincerely, Pete and Janet Santora

John, induction into The NFHOF – Class of 2011 – is a great honor.  Beyond the honor, you have created a beautiful association of fitness professionals and enthusiasts – An association which has the feel of an extended family.  Thank you so much.  You are to be commended for your vision and work.”

Your friend, Jim Everroad, 2011 HOF Inductee