Don't Think Out of the Bun - Just Think About Your Buns

According to a press release, Yum! Brands, the restaurant conglomerate behind fast food phenoms Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver's and more, are trying to clean up their decidedly unhealthy image in the new year. Here's their strategy:

Starting on January 1, customers that visit any one of the five restaurant chains can obtain a free, four-week membership from Bally Total Fitness by simply presenting a proof-of-purchase receipt (for any amount) at one of Bally's more than 400 nationwide facilities. The offer is valid through January 31, 2005.

"We're proud to team with five world class restaurants and provide the ultimate fitness experience for their customers," said Rob Wildman, Ph.D. RD, Bally Total Fitness.

"Our mission is to motivate and enable as many people as possible to become more physically fit. We know we can help individuals succeed by identifying their personal fitness goals, providing motivational instructors and a variety of programming to suit every need at our state-of-the-art facilities," said Wildman.

"As the new year approaches, many people start thinking about getting in shape," said Dr. Marilyn Schorin, Chief Nutrition and Regulatory Officer for Yum! Brands, Inc. "What better way to help them achieve their New Year's fitness resolution than to offer a free, four-week membership at the nation's leading fitness company," said Schorin.

Somehow, I just can't get my head around the combo platter of Taco Bell and dumbbells, or Pizza Hut and Pilates.

Mind you, it's not as bizarre as a "you've got your chocolate in my peanut butter" scenario between a pharmaceutical company and a popcorn/snack foods firm.