NASM Honors Augie Nieto With Don Wildman Commitment To Excellence Award
The award highlights Nieto’s legacy in fitness innovation and his inspiring dedication to ALS research and awareness
Recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the fitness industry and his relentless fight against ALS, Augie Nieto has been named the 2024 recipient of the Don Wildman Commitment to Excellence Award.
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), which has been providing evidence-based learning and certifications for fitness and wellness professionals for over 35 years, made the announcement in recognition of Nieto’s enduring legacy.
This award, established in 2021, celebrates individuals whose lives and contributions epitomize the spirit of innovation and determination championed by the late visionary Don Wildman, who reimagined the concept of health clubs, making fitness accessible and mainstream in many inspiring ways, helping to shape the industry from the ground up.
Wildman’s legacy includes pioneering high-intensity workouts, introducing music to group fitness classes, and creating the first health club chain to exceed a billion dollars in annual revenue, with over 4 million members. He also pioneered circuit training and was the first in the fitness industry to leverage the power of celebrity influence to inspire people to be healthier and fitter.
Augie Nieto’s selection as this year’s award recipient underscores his profound influence on the fitness industry. As co-founder of Lifecycle, Inc. (now Life Fitness) and a 2008 Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame inductee, Nieto revolutionized exercise equipment, setting new standards for innovation and quality. His visionary approach and relentless pursuit of excellence have left a lasting impact on the industry.
At the height of his career, in 2005, Nieto faced a life-changing diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Undeterred by this devastating news, he transformed his diagnosis into a crusade for a cure, founding Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS with his wife, Lynne. This initiative has raised over $95 million for research, contributing significantly to advancements in ALS treatment development, including the promising drug Tegoprubart (formerly AT-1501).
“Augie has changed many lives through his work to find a cure for this devastating disease and he is missed every day,” said Lynne Nieto, Chair of Augie’s Quest. “He was dedicated to improving the health and wellness of those around him, and it’s our privilege to accept this award on behalf of Augie and his legacy.”
Colleen Morris, vice president of strategic marketing at NASM, highlighted Nieto’s enduring legacy.
“Augie’s story will continue to inspire others inside and outside of the ALS community, and it’s a privilege to present his family with this award,” Morris said. “His legacy is a testament to what it means to be a relentless leader in fighting for a cure, while making our fitness and wellness industry better for all in the process.”
The announcement of this posthumous award during ALS Awareness Month in May underscores the significance of Nieto’s contributions to both the fitness industry and ALS research.
Nieto and Wildman, who were close friends, shared a commitment to improving lives through fitness and a determination to overcome life’s challenges. Nieto’s passing in February 2023 at the age of 65 marked the end of a remarkable journey, but his impact continues to resonate within the fitness community and beyond.
NASM has supported Augie’s Quest, partnering in efforts to raise funds and awareness to advance ALS research. The award presentation recognizes not only Nieto’s contributions to fitness but also his extraordinary efforts in the fight against ALS, ensuring that his legacy will inspire future generations of fitness professionals and researchers.
“We are especially honored to announce this award during ALS Awareness Month, a time when Augie’s spirit and tireless efforts resonate even more deeply. Augie would have been overjoyed to know that his mission lives on, inspiring more people to join the fight and uphold the foundation’s belief that ‘incurable is unacceptable,’” Morris said.