09/08/2009

Shape Magazine Partners with Gaiam to Launch The Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink Core Challenge DVD To Help Fight Breast Cancer

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 08, 2009) –  Shape Magazine, the leading women’s active lifestyle magazine, has partnered with lifestyle media company Gaiam to launch The Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink Core Challenge DVD benefiting breast cancer research. Together, Shape and Gaiam will raise awareness and money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation through sales of the new DVD release. Los Angeles-based new business development consultancy Brand Sense Partners, LLC (BSP) brokered the partnership.

The Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink Core Challenge follows the success of last year’s Pilates for Pink Workout DVD. Led by the renowned Pilates instructor and fitness instructor Mari Winsor, the new title will help viewers transform their bodies with four 10-minute Pilates routines designed to firm abs, tone legs and sculpt arms. The routines can be done in any order, so viewers can customize a fun workout that’s perfectly suited to their needs. With each DVD purchase, a portion of proceeds will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“One of the most important health issues our readers face today is breast cancer,” said Sabine Feldmann, Vice President and Publisher of Shape. “The Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink Core Challenge DVD allows Shape to support an important cause by funding necessary research, while also providing a worthwhile service to help our readers maintain healthy lifestyles through exercise.”

Started in 2006, Shape magazine’s Pilates for Pink program is a nationwide awareness campaign and fundraising initiative developed in tandem with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In addition to promoting The Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink Core Challenge DVD, Shape works with a network of Pilates studios throughout the U.S. to support fundraising events for breast cancer awareness.

“Through the strategic partnership with Gaiam, Shape will further its brand promise to empower more women to lead balanced, active lifestyles,” said Brand Sense Partners’ President Ramez Toubassy. “Pilates for Pink provides another opportunity for women to benefit from Shape’s wellness leadership while also funding important research to find a cure for breast cancer.”

From yoga and exercise DVDs to fitness products and services, Gaiam is a leader in the fitness and wellness market. The company provides information, goods and services to consumers who value healthy lifestyles and personal development.

“The Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink Core Challenge DVD is a great way for women to achieve a rejuvenating mind and body workout,” said William S. Sondheim, President of Entertainment and Worldwide Distribution for Gaiam. “We are thrilled to once again be working with Shape and one of the most renowned Pilates experts, Mari Winsor, to lead women through a challenging and safe exercise routine that allows them to benefit an important cause.”

Scheduled for release on September 1, 2009, The Mari Winsor Pilates for Pink Core Challenge DVD will be available at most major retailers and sold online through www.pilatesforpink.com, www.gaiam.com and www.shape.com for an SRP of $14.98. In observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Shape will release a special breast cancer awareness issue in October.

About Shape
Shape, the global leader in the active lifestyle category, provides today’s woman with inspiring, straight-talking editorial to enrich her mind and body. Shape is published by Weider Publications, Inc., the most influential publisher of the world’s leading health, fitness and active lifestyle magazine brands. Log on to www.shape.com for the latest in fitness, beauty and fashion.

About Gaiam
Gaiam, Inc. (NASDAQ: GAIA) is the leading independent distributor of special interest programming, with a 72,000 door retail distribution network and over 10,000 store in stores. With more than 40 percent of the fitness and wellness market, Gaiam is dedicated to providing solutions for the many facets of healthy, eco-conscious living. Since its founding in 1988, Gaiam has grown into a $250 million integrated brand. The company’s commitment to quality, coupled with an innovative approach to merchandising and distribution have allowed it to dominate the health and wellness category with fitness sensations Rodney Yee, Mari Winsor, Billy Blanks and The Firm. For more information about Gaiam, please visit www.gaiam.com, or call 1.800.869.3603.

About Brand Sense Partners, LLC
Established in 2001, Brand Sense Partners, LLC (BSP) is a strategic new business development consultancy with an integrated turnkey infrastructure designed to execute the firm’s recommendations. Headquartered in Los Angeles, BSP manages more than 200 partnerships for its Fortune 500 clients with approximately $1.5 Billion in retail sales in the consumer products, media, technology, celebrity and fashion industries. For more information, please visit www.bsp.com.