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FORM S-8 12/19/2002
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<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>As filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on December 19, 2002</B></FONT></CENTER>
<H3 ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Registration No. 333-</FONT></H3>
<BR>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549</B></FONT></CENTER>
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<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4><B>FORM S-8</B></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>UNDER</B></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B></FONT></CENTER>
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<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>BALLY TOTAL FITNESS
HOLDING CORPORATION</B></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>(Exact name of
registrant as specified in its charter)</B></FONT></CENTER>
<BR>
<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH=7%>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=25% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=25% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4><B>7991</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=25% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4><B>36-3228107</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=8%>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(State or other jurisdiction of</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Primary Standard Industrial</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Classification Code Number)</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Identification Number)</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>8700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue</FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Chicago, Illinois 60631</FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(773) 380-3000</FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>(Address, including zip code,
and telephone number, including area code, of registrant&#146;s principal executive offices)</B></FONT></CENTER>
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<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN OF</B></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>BALLY TOTAL FITNESS HOLDING CORPORATION</B></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Full title of plan)</FONT></CENTER>
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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=50% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Cary A. Gaan</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=50% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Irv Berliner, Esq.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Kahn Kleinman</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>8700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>2600 Erieview Tower</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Chicago, Illinois 60631</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>1301 E. 9th Street</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(773) 380-3000</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Cleveland, OH 44114-1824</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(216) 696-3311</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>(Name, address, including zip code,
and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)</B></FONT></CENTER>
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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE</FONT></H1>
<PRE>
   =====================================================================================
                                |               | Proposed  |  Proposed   |
                                |               | Maximum   |  Maximum    |
                                |   Amount      | Offering  |  Aggregate  |  Amount of
     Title of each Class of     |   to be       | Price per |  Offering   | Registration
   Securities to be Registered  | Registered(1) | Share (2) |  Price (2)  |     Fee
   -----------------------------|---------------|-----------|-------------|-------------
   Common Stock, $.01 par value |               |           |             |
   per share                    |    250,000    |  $ 6.98   | $ 1,745,000 |   $ 161
   =====================================================================================
</PRE>
<OL>
<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2> This Registration
Statement also includes an indeterminable number of shares of Common Stock which
may be issued under the anti-dilution provisions of the plan.</FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2> Estimated in
accordance with Rule 457 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, solely
for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, on the basis of the closing
price of the Common Stock on December 18, 2002 as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange. </FONT></P></LI>
</OL>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<PAGE>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
This Registration Statement registers shares of common stock, par value $.01 per
share (the &#147;Common Stock&#148;) of Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation
(the &#147;Company&#148;) to be issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
of the Company (the &#147;Purchase Plan&#148;). Securities registered on this
Registration Statement are the same class of securities for which a Registration
Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 25, 1997, SEC File No. 333-40947, is
effective relating to the Purchase Plan, which is incorporated by reference into this
Registration Statement. </FONT></P>
<BR>
<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>PART II</FONT></H1>
<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</FONT></H1>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Item 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The following documents filed or to be filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (&#147;Commission&#148;) are hereby incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement.</FONT></P>

<OL>
<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>The Company&#146;s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and filed with the
Commission on March 27, 2002 (file no. 0-27478);</FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>The Company&#146;s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, and filed with the
Commission on May 15, 2002 (file no. 0-27478);</FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>The Company&#146;s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, and filed with the
Commission on August 14, 2002 (file no. 0-27478);</FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>The Company&#146;s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, and filed with the
Commission on November 14, 2002 (file no. 0-27478);</FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>The description of the
Company's Common Stock contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form
8-A/A filed with the Commission on January 3, 1996, (file no. 0-27478);</FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>The Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on November 25,
1997, SEC File No. 333-40947, for the Purchase Plan; </FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>All reports filed by
the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") since the end of the fiscal year
covered by the Annual report on Form 10-K referred to in subsection (a) above;
and </FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>All documents
subsequently filed by the Company or the Plan pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(a) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Registration Statement
and prior to the termination of the offering made hereby or the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been
sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part
hereof from the respective date of filing each such document. </FONT></P></LI>
</OL>
<BR>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>1</FONT></CENTER>
<BR>
<BR>
<PAGE>
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by, or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration
Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Item 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Description of Securities.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Not Applicable per General Instruction E. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Item 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Not Applicable per General Instruction E. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Item 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Not Applicable per General Instruction E. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Item 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Exemption from Registration Claimed.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Not Applicable per General Instruction E. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Item 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Exhibits.</FONT></P>

<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Amendment No. 2
to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Company.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Opinion of Kahn Kleinman,
Counsel to the Company, regarding legality.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Consent of Ernst &amp; Young
LLP, independent public accountants.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Consent of Kahn Kleinman,
(contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration
Statement).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Power of Attorney
(included in Part II of this Registration Statement).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Item 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Undertakings.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Not Applicable per General Instruction E. </FONT></P>
<BR>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>2</FONT></CENTER>
<BR>
<BR>
<PAGE>

<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>SIGNATURES</FONT></H1>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<B>Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, on the 19th day of
December, 2002</B> </FONT></P>

<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=50%>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=50%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>BALLY TOTAL
FITNESS HOLDING CORPORATION</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Registrant)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=50%>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=4%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=46%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
/s/ John W. Dwyer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><HR NOSHADE WIDTH=100% SIZE=1></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>John W. Dwyer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Officer and Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Principal Financial Officer)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3></FONT></CENTER>
<BR>
<BR>
<PAGE>

<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>POWER OF ATTORNEY</FONT></H1>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints Paul A. Toback and John W. Dwyer, or either of them,
his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution
and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and
to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact, agent,
or their substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Company in
the capacities and on the dates indicated. </FONT></P>

<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=30% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B><U>Signature</U></B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=30% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B><U>Title</U></B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=25% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B><U>Date</U></B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=15%>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>/s/ Paul A. Toback</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>President and Chief Executive
Officer</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>December 19, 2002</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT><HR NOSHADE WIDTH=80% SIZE=1></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2> (Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Paul A. Toback</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>/s/ John W. Dwyer</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Executive Vice
President, Chief</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>December 19, 2002</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT><HR NOSHADE WIDTH=80% SIZE=1></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Financial Officer and Director</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>John W. Dwyer</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Principal Financial Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>/s/ Theodore P. Noncek</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Vice President,
Controller</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>December 19, 2002</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT><HR NOSHADE WIDTH=80% SIZE=1></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Principal Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Theodore P. Noncek</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>/s/ George N. Aronoff</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>December 19, 2002</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT><HR NOSHADE WIDTH=80% SIZE=1></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>George N. Aronoff</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>/s/ J. Kenneth Looloian</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>December 19, 2002</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT><HR NOSHADE WIDTH=80% SIZE=1></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>J. Kenneth Looloian</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>/s/ James F. McAnally, M.D.</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>December 19, 2002</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT><HR NOSHADE WIDTH=80% SIZE=1></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>James F. McAnally, M.D.</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>/s/ Liza M. Walsh</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Director</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>December 19, 2002</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD ALIGN=LEFT><HR NOSHADE WIDTH=80% SIZE=1></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Liza M. Walsh</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3></FONT></CENTER>
<BR>
<BR>
<PAGE>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B></FONT></CENTER>
<BR>
<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=25%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>EXHIBIT</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=75%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><U><B>NO.</B></U></FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><U><B>DESCRIPTION</B></U></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Second Amendment
to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Company.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Opinion of Kahn Kleinman,
Counsel to the Company, regarding legality.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Consent of Ernst &amp; Young
LLP, independent public accountants.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Consent of Kahn Kleinman,
(contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration
Statement).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Power of Attorney
(included in Part II of this Registration Statement).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3></FONT></CENTER>
<BR>
<BR>
<PAGE><BR>
<H2 ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>EXHIBIT 4.1</FONT></H2>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>AMENDMENT NO. 2</B></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>TO THE EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN</B></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>OF</B></FONT></CENTER>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3><B>BALLY TOTAL FITNESS HOLDING CORPORATION</B></FONT></CENTER>
<BR>
<BR>
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Section 3 of the Plan is
amended as necessary to increase the aggregate amount of shares reserved for use
upon the exercise of the Options (as defined in the Plan) from 250,000 shares to
500,000 shares.</FONT></P>

<BR>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3></FONT></CENTER>
<BR>
<BR>
<PAGE>

<H2 ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>EXHIBIT 5.1</FONT></H2>
<BR>
<BR>

<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>December 19, 2002</FONT></CENTER>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Board of Directors<BR>
Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation<BR>
8700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue<BR>
Chicago, Illinois 60631</FONT></P>

<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Re:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Registration Statement on
Form S-8</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Ladies and Gentlemen:</FONT></P>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
In connection with the filing by Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation (the
&#147;Company&#148;), with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities
Act&#148;), of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the &#147;Registration
Statement&#148;) with respect to a maximum of an additional 250,000 Common
Shares, $.01 par value (the &#147;Shares&#148;) of the Company to be issued
under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Company (the &#147;Plan&#148;),
we have examined the following:</FONT></P>

<OL>
<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>The Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company and the Amended and Restated By-Laws
of the Company, each as currently in effect;</FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>The records relating to
the organization of the Company and such other records of corporate proceedings
and such other documents as we deemed it necessary to examine as a basis for the
opinions hereinafter expressed;</FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>The Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (including Exhibits thereto); and</FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Copies of the Plan,
including all amendments thereto, and the records of the proceedings of the
Board of Directors of the Company relating to the adoption and approval thereof,
and the increase of authorized shares thereunder.</FONT></P></LI>
</OL>
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Based upon that examination, we are of the opinion that:</FONT></P>

<OL TYPE=A>
<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>The Company is a
corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware.</FONT></P></LI>

<LI><P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>The Shares have been
duly authorized and, when issued and delivered pursuant to the Plan and in the
manner contemplated by the Registration Statement, will be validly issued, fully
paid, and non-assessable.</FONT></P></LI>
</OL>
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
We hereby consent to the filing of this Opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name therein. </FONT></P>

<BR>
<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=50%>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH=40%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Very truly yours,</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><HR SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Kahn Kleinman</FONT></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3></FONT></CENTER>
<BR>
<BR>
<PAGE>
<BR>

<H2 ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>EXHIBIT 23.1</FONT></H2>
<BR>
<BR>
<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>CONSENT OF
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS</FONT></H1>

<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
We consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated February 12,
2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) of Bally Total
Fitness Holding Corporation for the registration of 250,000 shares of Bally
Total Fitness Holding Corporation common stock to be issued pursuant to the
Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Bally Total Fitness Holding
Corporation.</FONT></P>
<BR>
<BR>
<CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Ernst &amp; Young LLP</FONT></CENTER>
<BR>
<FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Chicago, Illinois</FONT><BR>
<FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>December 13, 2002</FONT><BR>


</BODY>
</HTML>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "BALLY TOTAL FITNESS HOLDING CORP", "cik": "0000770944", "assigned-sic": "7997", "irs-number": "363228107", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-101999", "film-number": "02863118"}, "business-address": {"street1": "8700 WEST BRYN MAWR AVENUE", "street2": "SECOND FLOOR", "city": "CHICAGO", "state": "IL", "zip": "60631", "phone": "7733997656"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "8700 WEST BRYN MAWR AVENUE", "street2": "SECOND FLOOR", "city": "CHICAGO", "state": "IL", "zip": "60631"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "BALLYS HEALTH & TENNIS CORP", "date-changed": "19940526"}}
FORM S-8 12/19/2002
As filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on December 19, 2002
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
BALLY TOTAL FITNESS
HOLDING CORPORATION
(Exact name of
registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
7991
36-3228107
(State or other jurisdiction of
(Primary Standard Industrial
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Classification Code Number)
Identification Number)
8700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60631
(773) 380-3000
(Address, including zip code,
and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN OF
BALLY TOTAL FITNESS HOLDING CORPORATION
(Full title of plan)
Cary A. Gaan
Irv Berliner, Esq.
Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation
Kahn Kleinman
8700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue
2600 Erieview Tower
Chicago, Illinois 60631
1301 E. 9th Street
(773) 380-3000
Cleveland, OH 44114-1824
(216) 696-3311
(Name, address, including zip code,
and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE
=====================================================================================
                                |               | Proposed  |  Proposed   |
                                |               | Maximum   |  Maximum    |
                                |   Amount      | Offering  |  Aggregate  |  Amount of
     Title of each Class of     |   to be       | Price per |  Offering   | Registration
   Securities to be Registered  | Registered(1) | Share (2) |  Price (2)  |     Fee
   -----------------------------|---------------|-----------|-------------|-------------
   Common Stock, $.01 par value |               |           |             |
   per share                    |    250,000    |  $ 6.98   | $ 1,745,000 |   $ 161
   =====================================================================================
This Registration
Statement also includes an indeterminable number of shares of Common Stock which
may be issued under the anti-dilution provisions of the plan.
Estimated in
accordance with Rule 457 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, solely
for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, on the basis of the closing
price of the Common Stock on December 18, 2002 as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange.
This Registration Statement registers shares of common stock, par value $.01 per
share (the "Common Stock") of Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation
(the "Company") to be issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
of the Company (the "Purchase Plan"). Securities registered on this
Registration Statement are the same class of securities for which a Registration
Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 25, 1997, SEC File No. 333-40947, is
effective relating to the Purchase Plan, which is incorporated by reference into this
Registration Statement.
PART II
INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3.    
Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following documents filed or to be filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("Commission") are hereby incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement.
The Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and filed with the
Commission on March 27, 2002 (file no. 0-27478);
The Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, and filed with the
Commission on May 15, 2002 (file no. 0-27478);
The Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, and filed with the
Commission on August 14, 2002 (file no. 0-27478);
The Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, and filed with the
Commission on November 14, 2002 (file no. 0-27478);
The description of the
Company's Common Stock contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form
8-A/A filed with the Commission on January 3, 1996, (file no. 0-27478);
The Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on November 25,
1997, SEC File No. 333-40947, for the Purchase Plan;
All reports filed by
the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") since the end of the fiscal year
covered by the Annual report on Form 10-K referred to in subsection (a) above;
and
All documents
subsequently filed by the Company or the Plan pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(a) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Registration Statement
and prior to the termination of the offering made hereby or the filing of a
post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been
sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be a part
hereof from the respective date of filing each such document.
1
Any statement contained in a document incorporated by, or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration
Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
Item 4.    
Description of Securities.
Not Applicable per General Instruction E.
Item 5.    
Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not Applicable per General Instruction E.
Item 6.    
Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Not Applicable per General Instruction E.
Item 7.    
Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not Applicable per General Instruction E.
Item 8.    
Exhibits.
4.1
Amendment No. 2
to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Company.
5.1
Opinion of Kahn Kleinman,
Counsel to the Company, regarding legality.
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young
LLP, independent public accountants.
23.2
Consent of Kahn Kleinman,
(contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration
Statement).
24.1
Power of Attorney
(included in Part II of this Registration Statement).
Item 9.    
Undertakings.
Not Applicable per General Instruction E.
2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, on the 19th day of
December, 2002
BALLY TOTAL
FITNESS HOLDING CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ John W. Dwyer
John W. Dwyer
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial
Officer and Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints Paul A. Toback and John W. Dwyer, or either of them,
his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution
and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and
to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact, agent,
or their substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Company in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Paul A. Toback
President and Chief Executive
Officer
December 19, 2002
(Principal Executive Officer)
Paul A. Toback
/s/ John W. Dwyer
Executive Vice
President, Chief
December 19, 2002
Financial Officer and Director
John W. Dwyer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Theodore P. Noncek
Vice President,
Controller
December 19, 2002
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Theodore P. Noncek
/s/ George N. Aronoff
Director
December 19, 2002
George N. Aronoff
/s/ J. Kenneth Looloian
Director
December 19, 2002
J. Kenneth Looloian
/s/ James F. McAnally, M.D.
Director
December 19, 2002
James F. McAnally, M.D.
/s/ Liza M. Walsh
Director
December 19, 2002
Liza M. Walsh
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NO.
DESCRIPTION
4.1
Second Amendment
to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Company.
5.1
Opinion of Kahn Kleinman,
Counsel to the Company, regarding legality.
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young
LLP, independent public accountants.
23.2
Consent of Kahn Kleinman,
(contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration
Statement).
24.1
Power of Attorney
(included in Part II of this Registration Statement).
EXHIBIT 4.1
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO THE EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
OF
BALLY TOTAL FITNESS HOLDING CORPORATION
Section 3 of the Plan is
amended as necessary to increase the aggregate amount of shares reserved for use
upon the exercise of the Options (as defined in the Plan) from 250,000 shares to
500,000 shares.
EXHIBIT 5.1
December 19, 2002
Board of Directors
Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation
8700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60631
Re:
Registration Statement on
Form S-8
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with the filing by Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation (the
"Company"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration
Statement") with respect to a maximum of an additional 250,000 Common
Shares, $.01 par value (the "Shares") of the Company to be issued
under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Company (the "Plan"),
we have examined the following:
The Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company and the Amended and Restated By-Laws
of the Company, each as currently in effect;
The records relating to
the organization of the Company and such other records of corporate proceedings
and such other documents as we deemed it necessary to examine as a basis for the
opinions hereinafter expressed;
The Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (including Exhibits thereto); and
Copies of the Plan,
including all amendments thereto, and the records of the proceedings of the
Board of Directors of the Company relating to the adoption and approval thereof,
and the increase of authorized shares thereunder.
Based upon that examination, we are of the opinion that:
The Company is a
corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of
Delaware.
The Shares have been
duly authorized and, when issued and delivered pursuant to the Plan and in the
manner contemplated by the Registration Statement, will be validly issued, fully
paid, and non-assessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this Opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name therein.
Very truly yours,
Kahn Kleinman
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated February 12,
2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) of Bally Total
Fitness Holding Corporation for the registration of 250,000 shares of Bally
Total Fitness Holding Corporation common stock to be issued pursuant to the
Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Bally Total Fitness Holding
Corporation.
Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
December 13, 2002