05/21/2003 FORM 8K
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):     May 15, 2003


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
  

Page 1 of 2
Exhibit Index on Page 2



BALLY TOTAL FITNESS HOLDING CORPORATION
FORM 8-K
Current Report


Item 5. Other Events
     
   Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation issued a press release announcing the appointment of Paul Toback as Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99 and is incorporated herein by reference.
     
Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits
     
   c.   Exhibits
     
          99     Press Release dated May 21, 2003

       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: May 21, 2003 /s/ John W. Dwyer
 
  John W. Dwyer
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (principal financial officer)



Page 2 of 2