Fitness Industry Leaders Heading to Washington to Champion Preventive Health
Posted: May 2, 2025 in IHRSA
The Health and Fitness Association
WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 125 senior executives from across the health and fitness industry will convene in Washington, DC, this week for the Health & Fitness Association’s (HFA) 2025 Fly-In and Advocacy Summit, bringing a powerful message to lawmakers: It’s time to prioritize prevention and pass the PHIT Act.
The Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, a bipartisan bill, would allow Americans to use pre-tax health accounts (FSAs and HSAs) to pay for fitness expenses—including gym memberships, youth sports, fitness classes, and exercise equipment. PHIT recognizes physical activity as a form of preventive care under IRS rules, making it more affordable for Americans to take charge of their health and reduce their risk of chronic disease.
“As policymakers focus on ways to control health care costs and improve population health, we’re reminding them of the most cost-effective tool we have—physical activity,” said HFA President and CEO Liz Clark. “Fitness is prevention. It reduces disease, strengthens mental and physical health, and saves lives and dollars. Congress can make a difference now by passing the PHIT Act.”
The US fitness industry is both a major health solution and a major employer:
- In 2024, 77 million Americans were members of fitness facilities—one in four people over age six.
- Nearly 96 million Americans used a fitness facility, demonstrating broad reach beyond membership.
- More than 94 million Americans are eligible to use FSAs or HSAs to cover medical expenses.
- 58% of non-gymgoers cite cost as a leading barrier to participation.
- Users of fitness facilities are 50% more likely to meet CDC physical activity guidelines.
If passed, the PHIT Act could:
- Prevent 500,000 cases of chronic disease annually;
- Save the health care system $12.2 billion per year;
- Support 230,000 new jobs;
- Generate $12.3 billion in new consumer spending;
- Empower individuals to use up to $1,000 annually in pre-tax funds (or $2,000 per family).
“Our fly-in is about more than gyms—it’s about the health of the country,” said Mike Goscinski, vice president of government affairs for HFA. “We’re showing lawmakers that fitness is essential public health infrastructure. PHIT is a smart policy that empowers families to be active, stay healthy, and avoid preventable chronic conditions.”
Fly-in participants will hold more than 100 meetings with congressional offices, urging members of Congress to co-sponsor the PHIT Act and support policies that improve health through physical activity. The summit also aligns with Physical Activity Month and the Congressional Physical Activity Challenge, reinforcing the importance of movement in national prevention strategies.
