Stock Repurchase Plan

                   PR Newswire - August 06, 1998 08:15

                   CHICAGO, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation (NYSE:
                   BFT), the nation's largest commercial fitness center operator, today announced that it is
                   authorized to repurchase up to 1,500,000 shares of its Common Stock on the open market
                   from time to time. 

                   President and CEO, Lee Hillman, commented, "This action underscores our Board's
                   optimism about the Company's continued improving performance and commitment to the
                   Company's future prospects. We believe the purchase of our Common Stock represents an
                   attractive opportunity to benefit the long-term interests of the Company and its
                   shareholders." 

                   Bally Total Fitness is the largest, and only nationwide, operator of fitness centers, with
                   approximately four million members and 325 facilities in 27 states and Canada.