FORM 8-K - 08/09/2004 PRESS RELEASE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.



FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported):     August 9, 2004


BALLY TOTAL FITNESS HOLDING CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Commission file number:   0-27478

Delaware 36-3228107


(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
8700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60631


(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
     
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (773) 380-3000
  

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Exhibit Index on Page 2



BALLY TOTAL FITNESS HOLDING CORPORATION
FORM 8-K
Current Report


Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits
     
   c.   Exhibits
     
          99     Press Release dated August 9, 2004
     
Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition
     
  

On August 9, 2004, Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation issued a press release announcing a delay in reporting its results for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 and in the filing of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for that period. A copy of the release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99 and incorporated by reference herein.



           Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.



  BALLY TOTAL FITNESS HOLDING CORPORATION  
 
  Registrant
   
Dated: August 9, 2004 /s/ William G. Fanelli
 
  William G. Fanelli
  Senior Vice President, Acting Chief Financial Officer



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