On this planet of health, few names resonate as profoundly as Don Wildman’s. A trailblazing visionary who revolutionized the business, Wildman reimagined the idea of well being golf equipment, making health accessible and mainstream in lots of inspiring methods.

Identified for his legendary high-intensity exercises and as an Ironman age group winner, Don is credited with introducing music to group health lessons, a pivotal change that considerably enhanced the welcoming environment of gyms, notably for girls. He additionally pioneered circuit coaching and was the primary in our business to leverage the ability of celebrities to propel America towards a more healthy, fitter way of life. Finally, he constructed the primary well being membership chain to exceed a billion {dollars} in income yearly, with over 4 million members. Past his improvements, Don cherished health for its energy to construct self-confidence and rework lives.

In tribute to Don’s groundbreaking work, Nationwide Academy of Sports activities Drugs (NASM) established the Don Wildman Dedication to Excellence Award in 2021. This prestigious award honors people in our group who’ve made modern and impactful contributions to health and wellness.

With a deep sense of delight and duty, NASM is thrilled to announce that the 2024 Don Wildman Dedication to Excellence Award is posthumously awarded to Augie Nieto.

The Legacy of Augie Nieto

Subsequent time you’re feeling like giving up and quitting your private health journey, you may wish to bear in mind Augie’s story, which is as a lot about braveness and resilience as it’s about health.

Like Don Wildman, Augie was an innovator and pioneer within the subject. As one of many co-founders of Life Health and one of many world leaders within the health business, Augie developed and invented a lot of the expertise and train gear you see in gyms immediately. His imaginative and prescient and relentless work remodeled the complete business. Usually working alongside Don and others, Augie discovered a approach to assist advance the health business from its early days of free weights by introducing selectorized power coaching machines with a managed vary of movement, which have been biomechanically superior, plus much less threatening and empowering. 

For those who known as Augie Nieto the Steve Jobs of health, nobody would argue. They’d merely smile, realizing it was true. Strolling into any fitness center immediately, you see the results of the imaginative and prescient and transformative expertise that Augie launched a few years in the past.

For all those that have been fortunate sufficient to know Augie, it was clear that his life was about extra than simply modern machines and developments in expertise; it was about how these instruments may empower others to construct the perfect model of themselves by train, enhance self-confidence, and luxuriate in a extra love-filled life. His legacy is considered one of serving to others obtain their objectives and notice their potential as they pursue their desires.

Turning Problem into Change: Augie’s ALS Combat

On the apex of his profession and within the means of reshaping the health business, Augie’s life took a dramatic and sudden flip when he was recognized with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative illness. 

Initially shocked and devastated by the tragic information, true to his boundless spirit and resilient nature, Augie vowed to train so long as he may, inspiring others to confront their very own challenges. He remodeled his prognosis right into a campaign for a remedy by establishing the nonprofit “Augie’s Quest to Remedy ALS ” together with his spouse, Lynne. This initiative has raised over $95 million for analysis, highlighting Augie’s dedication to creating a big distinction within the lives of these affected by ALS in addition to different life-threatening disabilities.

Turning his sickness right into a catalyst for change, Augie discovered a renewed goal in life. He devoted himself to giving hope, defying limitations, and passionately trying to find a remedy for this devastating illness. His inspiring work is sustained immediately by his spouse, Lynne, who tirelessly advances the efforts of “Augie’s Quest to Remedy ALS.”

“Augie’s story will proceed to encourage others inside and out of doors of the ALS group, and it’s a privilege to current his household with this award,” stated Colleen Morris, VP of Strategic Advertising and marketing at NASM. “His legacy is a testomony to what it means to be a relentless chief in combating for a remedy, whereas making our health and wellness business higher for all within the course of.”

We’re particularly honored to announce this award throughout ALS Consciousness Month, a time when Augie’s spirit and tireless efforts resonate much more deeply. Augie would have been overjoyed to know that his mission lives on, inspiring extra individuals to hitch the battle and uphold the muse’s perception that ‘incurable is unacceptable.’

NASM extends profound gratitude to Augie and his household for exemplifying the true energy of merging love with goal. They’ve proven us all what it means to remodel private challenges into alternatives that profoundly impression the lives of others. Augie Nieto’s legacy is just not solely in how he lived but in addition within the enduring hope he instills in all of us.

Wish to study extra about Augie’s unimaginable journey or how one can help ALS analysis? Go to “Augie’s Quest to Remedy ALS” for extra info.