Elliptical marathon raises $5,000 for ‘Augie’s Quest’

Costa Mesa resident, personal trainer and gym owner Erik Flowers recently completed his goal of spending 24 hours on an elliptical machine to benefit “Augie’s Quest,” an organization raising money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Augie Nieto invented the Lifecycle, started the Life Fitness Company and was diagnosed with ALS two years ago at the age of 54.

“This was my tribute to Augie Nieto, a fitness industry icon and role model,” Flowers said.

After training six months for the event, Flowers burned more than 10,000 calories, and with the help of friends and gym members who pledged almost $200 per hour, Flowers raised about $5,000.

Flowers decided to coincide his event with the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Assn. Telethon, which takes place annually Labor Day weekend.

The telethon began Sept. 2, and Flowers celebrated his 48th birthday that day by beginning what he called, “Elliptisize for ALS.”

Nieto and his wife, Lynne, live in Corona del Mar, and serve as co-chairs of the MDA’s ALS Division.

For more information on Augie’s Quest, go to www.augiesquest.org. For information on Erik Flowers, go to www.athletewhisperer.com.

— Sue Thoensen