Work out for research

Danette Goulet

NEWPORT BEACH -- The more people that sweat today, the easier it will be

for researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to fight

disease.

Fitness guru Jill Balkam and her staff at TUF Productions Gym in Newport

Beach will lead a marathon of aerobic classes today to benefit the

hospital.

TUF Productions, at 2902 W. Coast Highway in Newport Beach, will offer a

choice of five one-hour sessions:

Body sculpting at 8:15 a.m.; spinning class at 8:30 a.m.; advanced step

class at 9:15 a.m.; kick-boxing at 10:15 a.m.; and salsa dance class at

11:15 a.m.

The event organizers are requesting a minimum $5 donation. Proceeds will

benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

St. Jude’s was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas in 1962 to

fight catastrophic diseases in children.

For anyone feeling intimidated by a strenuous workout, this event is for

first-timers and fitness buffs alike, Balkam said.

“It’s for everybody -- we’ll have classes for all levels,” she said.

“There’s a dance class; we have knockout, which is kick boxing; and body

sculpting, which is for all levels.”

With America’s toward health and fitness, hospital officials said, the

fund-raising event -- which is being held by gyms across the country --

will be a natural success.

Newport Beach will be no exception, Balkam said.

“I think it’s going to be pretty crowded,” she said. “People seem to be

pretty enthused about it.”

For more information, call TUF Productions at (949) 646-8828.