P90X creator will host free show in Keaney Gymnasium

KINGSTON, R.I. – Sept. 1, 2011 – The community is invited to join fitness guru and P90X creator Tony Horton for a free workout and seminar Monday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. in Keaney Gymnasium.

Horton – a University of Rhode Island alumnus – will start the show with a seminar on fitness, which will be followed by a fun community workout. Participants are encouraged to bring yoga mats if they have them, as some of the activities will take place on the gymnasium floor.

The event is free and open to the public. To register for the event, visit www.gorhody.com.

Horton will stay for a book signing session after the show. In early 2011, Horton released Bring It!, a fitness book that took him on a nationwide promotional tour. Bring It! is just the latest successful project for Horton.

Horton, who attended URI from 1976 through the spring of 1980, has established himself as one of the top fitness experts in the world, thanks to his work with Beachbody, the parent company for P90X. The success of the brand, which has made hundreds of millions of dollars, led to Horton working with U.S. Congress and military branches on specialized fitness programs.

“Having Tony Horton return to campus is going to be fantastic, not only for our student-athletes, but the entire campus community,” said Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn. “What Tony has done professionally since leaving URI is a true inspiration.”

Horton, who studied theater and communications at URI, took a weight lifting course at the University. The instructor of the class taught at a pace and speed that were conducive to Horton’s learning style, an approach that has greatly influenced his work with P90X.

“The opportunity to bring Tony Horton back to URI with an interactive event is very exciting for our community,” said URI Vice President for Student Affairs Thomas Dougan. “Tony’s focus on fitness got started right here at URI, and this is a great way to showcase his knowledge and success for our student body.”

The show is being co-sponsored by The Office of Student Life, URI Athletics, and the Division of University Advancement. All participants will be required to sign an official waiver prior to taking part in the public workout.

“Tony Horton epitomizes the kind of big thinkers we have here at URI, and we are proud to have him come back to the University,” said URI Vice President for Advancement Robert Beagle.

Photo courtesy of Tony Horton