Health and Fitness Club Industry News
Saturday, March 28th, 2020
COVID-19: Best Practices for Your Gym
Posted: March 24, 2020 in Suppliers
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has everyone on edge right now. It is a scary time for many during this uncertain, anxiety-inducing season. As of March 24, there have been over 50,000 confirmed cases in the United States, and experts say the number is likely to keep growing. This virus has exponentially taken the world by storm, and so far, it is unclear when we will see the end of its spread. Fitness centers and gyms across the country are quickly having to adapt during this pandemic. Many have been temporarily forced to close their doors, as others are changing their hours or limiting class sizes in response. As your gym is facing these challenges, consider the following suggestions for minimizing the spread of illness and improving member retention... Read More...
IHRSA Announces 2nd Webinar in Coronavirus Conversations Series
Posted: March 24, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - As soon as the outbreak became apparent, IHRSA began providing the fitness industry, clubs and suppliers, with resources so they could protect their gyms, customers and members from COVID-19. Following the success of the first webinar in the series to help clubs with their preparedness, IHRSA is now announcing the second webinar, Coronavirus Conversations: Legal FAQs & Staffing Operations, on Wednesday, March 25, at 3 PM EDT. This webinar will be made available as an on-demand video for those who cannot join live. Read More...
Town Sports International Holdings, Inc. Announces Appointment of Phillip Juhan as Chief Financial Officer
Posted: March 22, 2020 in Chains
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Town Sports International Holdings, Inc. (“TSI” or the “Company”) has announced the appointment of Phillip Juhan as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Juhan, age 45, has served as Vice President of Business Operations for the Company since August 13, 2018. Read More...
IHRSA Implores Congress to Include Fitness Industry In Stimulus
Posted: March 20, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - The entire fitness industry is looking at you for your support. Congress is rapidly putting together a stimulus package that needs to include the health and fitness industry. Help IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, gain momentum in Congress by sending a letter to your Senators and Representatives for health clubs that need relief, and don't forget to spread the word! Read More...
Fitness International, LLC, Operator of LA Fitness, City Sports Clubs and Esporta, Announces Gym Closure Update
Posted: March 20, 2020 in Chains
IRVINE, CA - Earlier, it was announced that we made the difficult decision to temporarily close all of our clubs to the public through at least March 31, 2020, even where not mandated by government orders. If we are unable to open on April 1, we will suspend all member billings until clubs in the member's market reopen. Read More...
ACE Urges Policymakers to Not Leave Independent Contractors, Sole Proprietors and Small Family Businesses Behind
Posted: March 20, 2020 in Suppliers
SAN DIEGO, CA - ACE commends the U.S. Congress and state legislatures for the recent rapid exploration of legislative relief for small businesses and their employees who are either affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or are likely to be. We are encouraged by the bipartisan commitment to this cause. At the same time, ACE urges policymakers, as relief legislation options are considered, to take great care to avoid leaving independent contractors and self-employed people behind. Read More...
Why COVID-19 Treatments May be Coming in Months, While ALS Research Takes Years
Posted: March 19, 2020 in Other News
CAMBRIDGE, MA - For those who have been waiting years, even decades, for a cure for a disease like ALS, it can be both hopeful and frustrating to hear about the possible rapid development of treatments for COVID-19. Assuming that an effective treatment can be found, there are many reasons why a treatment for an infectious disease like COVID-19 might be easier to develop than one for a condition like ALS. Read More...
Fitness Streaming Experts Offer Solution for Fitness Clubs and Instructors to Stay Connected to Members During Covid-19 Shutdown
Posted: March 19, 2020 in Suppliers
TAMPA, FL - Fitness studios and gyms are closing their doors in an effort to bridle concerns over the spreading of coronavirus, while opening their screens in search of streaming opportunities. Endorphinz, a fitness streaming agency with integrated services, content, production and publishing, is deploying resources and teams to help fitness organizations continue offering exercise programs and fitness classes to members while they are practicing social distancing. Read More...
Planet Fitness Provides Update on COVID-19
Posted: March 18, 2020 in Chains
HAMPTON, N.H. - Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT), one of the largest and fastest-growing global franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, has announced updates to its business operations. In response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and with the majority of stores system-wide temporarily closed as March 17, Planet Fitness has made the decision to close the remainder of its corporate stores through March 31st and is strongly urging its franchisees to do the same. The Company will reevaluate the timing of reopening on an ongoing basis. Planet Fitness has recently enhanced the functionality of its mobile app to include access to fitness content and over 500 exercises for in-home workouts. The company is encouraging members to utilize this amenity during this time of social distancing. Read More...
Blink Fitness Launches “Get Up and Blink,” Free Livestreaming Fitness Classes for All Amid Nationwide Gym Closures
Posted: March 18, 2020 in Chains
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Blink Fitness has launched "Get Up and Blink," a daily virtual workout session that gives members and non-members alike access to industry-leading fitness instruction from Blink Fitness' Certified Personal Trainers. With COVID-19 forcing gym closures across the nation, Blink will provide daily tools and resources they need to stay moving and motivated. Classes will air daily Monday through Friday at 8:00AM EST on Facebook Live. Read More...
Snap Fitness Bringing Free At-Home Workouts To All Gym Junkies
Posted: March 18, 2020 in Chains
CHANHASSEN, MN - Snap Fitness, one of the world's premier 24/7 fitness brands, has announced a partnership with FitnessOnDemand to offer free 90-day global access to the market-leading virtual fitness platform for all those looking to "stay fit, stay healthy and stay home" amidst growing coronavirus concern and recommended social distancing efforts. Read More...
IHRSA Announces Webinar Series: Conversations on Coronavirus
Posted: March 17, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association is collecting and sharing best practices from clubs all over the world to help the entire fitness industry deal with the repercussions of Coronavirus, to help clubs that are open as well as those that have been forced to close. IHRSA Membership is not required. The first webinar in the series to help clubs with their preparedness is Coronavirus Conversations: Club Operations Part 1 on Wednesday, March 18, at 5 PM ET. This webinar will be made available as an on-demand video for those who cannot join live. Read More...
How Are You Managing COVID-19 at Your Facility?
Posted: March 17, 2020 in Suppliers
LOMBARD, IL - As the nation’s largest medical fitness management company, Power Wellness prioritizes the health and safety of our members and associates. Medical fitness centers typically serve a higher percentage of at-risk members than commercial gyms, including seniors and those living with chronic conditions or immunocompromised systems. Medical fitness centers also serve a high percentage of hospital employees and physicians, on the front-line fighting COVID-19. As such, many medical fitness centers have made the difficult decision to temporarily close, if not closed by governmental decree. If you have made the decision to remain open, we suggest taking the following precautions... Read More...
24 Hour Fitness Temporarily Closes All Locations Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted: March 17, 2020 in Chains
SAN RAMON, CA - As we all grapple with the enormous scale and impact of the Coronavirus in the U.S., it reminds us of how precious life is and the importance of protecting our own health. For the health and safety of our members, team members and guests, we are closing all 24 Hour Fitness clubs until further notice. Please be assured that your membership will be extended for the same period that our clubs will be temporarily closed. Read More...
acac Temporarily Closes All Locations Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted: March 17, 2020 in Chains
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - It is with a heavy heart that we announce all acac locations will close for a minimum of a week. We know how many people, members, guests and team members depend on our club every day. While we have not had any outbreak of the virus occur in our acac community, in light of the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and in an effort to be responsible stewards for our community at large, we feel continued operation at this time is inadvisable. Read More...
Active Sports Clubs Temporarily Closes All Locations Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted: March 17, 2020 in Chains
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - We continue to monitor the latest updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, federal, state and local agencies to help reduce risks related to the spread of COVID-19. At this time, Active Sports Clubs is temporarily closed in accordance with the shelter in place order. We remain an outlet for our community to take good care by offering virtual training, daily workout videos to do at home, walking challenges, as well as tips and inspiration to stay well. Exercise for healthy individuals remains highly encouraged to boost your immune system and manage anxiety or stress during these uncertain times. Read More...
Club Fit Temporarily Closes All Locations Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted: March 17, 2020 in Chains
BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. and JEFFERSON VALLEY, N.Y. - As you know, this has been an incredibly challenging time for our country and the world as we struggle with the outbreak of COVID-19. Our hearts go out to all who have already been affected by this terrible virus and those who may be affected in the future. As we’re sure you already know New York State is requiring us to close our doors. While we understand the need for this action, we can’t help but feel that the products and services we offer are part of the long-term solution to illness. It has been proven through science-based research that exercise and healthy living habits are associated with lower rates of illness as well as better treatment outcomes when people fall ill. Read More...
Columbia Association Temporarily Closes All Locations Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted: March 17, 2020 in Chains
COLUMBIA, MD - All Columbia Association facilities are CLOSED and all programs, classes and events are CANCELED through Sunday, March 29 in order to protect our members, program participants and employees during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Read More...
Equinox Temporarily Closes All Locations Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted: March 17, 2020 in Chains
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The health and safety of our members, employees and their families as always remains our top priority. As this highly dynamic situation evolves, we continue to monitor and adapt our approach to serve the best interests of our community as new solutions and information become available. A this time, all Equinox club locations and showrooms are temporarily closed until further notice. Read More...
Fitness Formula Temporarily Closes All Locations Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted: March 17, 2020 in Chains
CHICAGO, IL - As we continue to navigate through the unique challenges posed by COVID-19, I’d like to share an update on how Fitness Formula Clubs is responding. The safety and health of the FFC Community, members and staff alike, is our number one priority. As you are aware, we have been taking additional proactive steps for the last several days. In further effort to safeguard our members, staff and their families, we have decided to temporarily suspend services at all FFC locations until at least March 31. At this time, none of our staff have tested positive for COVID-19. Read More...