Discovery Fit & Health to get new format and name, Discovery Life Channel, in January

Discovery Communications Inc. says its fitness network will undergo a transformation to Discovery Life Channel early next year.

The new network will focus on ordinary people in extraordinary situations as they overcome hardships and take risks. These include medical mysteries as well as extreme human conditions, Discovery said Tuesday.

Discovery Life Channel will retain some programming from Discovery Fit & Health, the channel it supplants.

New shows include "Ripped Kids," which will profile the world's strongest kids, and "Tales from the Maternity Ward."

The network, which premieres Jan. 15, will be available in 47 million homes. The announcement was made during the summer TV critics' tour.