Health and Fitness Club Industry News: IHRSA
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
IHRSA Joins America’s Recovery Fund Coalition
Posted: May 4, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) announced it has joined America’s Recovery Fund Coalition, an alliance of more than 100 trade associations and business organizations advocating for a grant-based federal assistance program to power the resilience of American enterprise. Together, the coalition’s members span 30 business sectors and employ 45% of the nation’s workforce, more than 58 million workers. Read More...
Fitness Industry Contacts State Governors on Safely Reopening
Posted: April 27, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - After approximately a month of forced closures, states are slowly but surely opening for businesses. To help the more than 40,000 U.S. clubs, employing nearly 800,000 Americans pre-shutdown, open as soon as is safely possible, IHRSA is reaching out to governors across the country. These efforts are putting the health of staff, members and communities first. When reaching out to each state’s governor, IHRSA shared the following rationale for the importance of health clubs to the health of the state... Read More...
A Small Victory: Gyms Included in Phase 1 of Reopening Plan
Posted: April 21, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - In a recent press conference, the White House Coronavirus Task Force announced that health clubs are to be included in Phase 1 of reopening. IHRSA sends gratitude to President Trump for recognizing the importance of the fitness industry. The inclusion of health clubs speaks volumes on the central and essential role health clubs, their staff and their suppliers play in enhancing the health and wellness of the population. Although reopening U.S. businesses is a process that will not happen overnight, and will differ throughout each county, this is a small step in the right direction towards normalcy. Read More...
Take Advantage of Federal & State Relief for Your Fitness Club
Posted: April 6, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - With mandated health and fitness facility closures spanning the globe, the fitness industry is on the frontline of the impact of COVID-19. In the U.S., there are over 40,000 health and fitness facilities that together employ over 800,000 part- and full-time employees. That’s 40,000 facilities that are now frantically seeking answers to keep their health clubs open and 800,000 Americans in danger of losing their jobs. The entire fitness industry is at risk. We need to find a viable solution to keep health clubs, studios and the companies that supply them in business until they can reopen. If we don't, it's the future health of the country we'll be putting at risk. We aren’t trying to scare you, but we need to bring attention to how devastating the Coronavirus pandemic could be to the fitness industry. That’s why IHRSA is working around the clock to put together resources, answer questions, solve problems and keep the industry alive and working together. Read More...
New IHRSA Resource Connects Fitness Industry Amid Crisis
Posted: March 26, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - The IHRSA community is vast, comprising nearly 10,000 members from over 70 countries. The wider fitness industry is even broader, with over 200,000 facilities according to the 2019 IHRSA Global Report. And now, just about every one of those 10,000 IHRSA members and 200,000 worldwide facilities has questions and concerns about how to handle the coronavirus crisis. With thousands of members and hundreds of thousands of clubs in all shapes and sizes located all over the world, IHRSA staff asked the question, “How do we bring the global fitness industry together to ask questions, collaborate and share information?” 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...
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...
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...
IHRSA 2020 Is Canceled. Read IHRSA’s Official Statement.
Posted: March 12, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - After careful consideration, it is with a heavy heart that IHRSA and the IHRSA Board of Directors have made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel IHRSA 2020, scheduled to take place March 18-21 in San Diego, CA, USA. It will not be rescheduled. IHRSA exists to serve its members and the health and fitness industry. The Convention is one of the primary ways in which we do that, which is why we were holding out hope that the event could go on. We originally believed that continuing with IHRSA 2020 was the best course of action so that we could bring the industry’s best minds together, to talk about and discuss solutions to the virus’ impact on our global industry. Now, based on the latest guidance and official declarations, it is clear that canceling is the right course of action. Thankfully, IHRSA is more than just one event. Our mission is to grow, protect, and promote the industry and with or without a Convention, that is exactly what we will continue to do through the strength of the IHRSA membership, association, and community. We thank the entire IHRSA community for understanding the extreme difficulty of this situation. We are grateful for each and every one of you. It is your passion for the industry that helps make the IHRSA event a success year after year. And, it is that same passion that will drive us into the future. Read More...
IHRSA 2020 Is On! Read the Latest Coronavirus Update
Posted: March 3, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA is looking forward to a great IHRSA 2020 in San Diego, proceeding as planned, March 18 - 21, 2020 at the San Diego Convention Center. IHRSA is carefully monitoring developments related to coronavirus and will adhere to any policies put forth by the United States federal government. IHRSA is, therefore, following the Presidential Proclamation on travel restrictions. IHRSA will not be implementing any further restrictions beyond the Presidential Proclamation. IHRSA executive staff are meeting daily and will continue to closely review all guidance from global, federal, and local health authorities to implement what is needed for the good of the show and the good of the industry. IHRSA is committed to ensuring our response during this challenging time is responsibly based in facts, not driven by fear. The following are important and helpful resources to monitor as you finalize your travel plans... Read More...
A Decade of Growth: Health Club Membership Reaches 64.2M Americans
Posted: February 21, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - More than one out of five Americans belonged to a health club or studio in 2019, totaling 64.2 million consumers ages 6 and older. The latest data shows a fifth consecutive year of growth in membership, while the total number of members has grown by 28% since 2010. In all, 21.2% of Americans were members of a health club or studio in 2019. Read More...
Panelists Announced for the 24th Annual IHRSA Financial Panel
Posted: February 19, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, and Rick Caro announce four new panelists for the annual IHRSA Financial Panel, taking place during IHRSA 2020. One of the most highly anticipated annual events of the IHRSA Convention, the Financial Panel not only provides attendees the opportunity to hear market reports from highly-regarded financial experts but advice on how to apply this knowledge to current issues impacting their health clubs and fitness businesses. Read More...
IHRSA Teams Up With Leading Italian Fitness Association
Posted: February 10, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA has entered into a strategic agreement with ANIF, Italy’s leading association representing over 500 sports clubs and fitness operators. ANIF was created in 1996 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy. This agreement paves the way for a stronger collaboration between IHRSA and the Italian fitness industry, with ANIF members gaining access to IHRSA’s educational resources and global networking opportunities and IHRSA gaining a greater understanding of the Italian market. Read More...
IHRSA 2020 Prominent Sponsorships Still Available, including the IHRSA 5K Run/Walk
Posted: February 2, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA 2020 is sure to attract the broadest spectrum of qualified decision makers from around the globe. Take advantage of the promotional options IHRSA has developed that will strengthen your brand recognition, maximize your reach and significantly impact your business before, during and after IHRSA 2020! Read More...
IHRSA Announces 2020 Industry Award Recipients
Posted: January 29, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association has announced that four award recipients will be honored during IHRSA 2020, the association’s 39th Annual International Convention & Trade Show in San Diego, CA, March 18-21, 2020: The Associate Member of the Year Award will be presented on Wednesday, March 18, to SportsArt. The Woman Leader Award in honor of Julie Main will be presented on Thursday, March 19, to Paula Neubert, president and general manager, Club Greenwood. The President’s Award will be presented on Friday, March 20, to Richard Bilton, owner and president, Companhia Athletica. The Outstanding Community Service Award will be presented on Friday, March 20, to Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) Oak Park. Read More...
IHRSA Launches 2020 Global Survey
Posted: January 22, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - To maintain the most up-to-date research on the global health club industry, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub (IHRSA) recently launched the 2020 Global Report Survey. Industry leaders who participate in the survey will have a chance to be recognized among global leaders in the “Company Profiles” section of The IHRSA Global Report, IHRSA’s most requested research publication. Read More...
IHRSA Names SportsArt as 2020 Associate Member of the Year
Posted: January 20, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, is pleased to announce SportsArt as the 2020 Associate Member of the Year. The Associate Member of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize an IHRSA member for their significant contributions to the advancement of the health club industry, as well as their support of IHRSA, its members, and its mission through program and event participation, advertising, and sponsorship. SportsArt, an IHRSA member since 1999, was selected as this year's honoree due to its outstanding achievements, innovations, and support of the health and fitness industry and its unwavering support of IHRSA and its members. Read More...
Support the IHRSA Foundation
Posted: December 30, 2019 in IHRSA
As 2020 begins, we are thankful for the ongoing support of the IHRSA Foundation. We hope you will support us in working toward an important goal: Making the benefits of physical activity accessible to everyone. Read More...
Industry Leaders from Across the Globe Connected at IHRSA Women’s Leadership Summit
Posted: November 27, 2019 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - On November 14th, women and men from across the globe came together for the IHRSA Women’s Leadership Summit hosted by Athletic Business in Orlando, Florida. The event kicked off with a networking activity that set the tone for an afternoon of connection and sharing. During the interactive keynote presentation that followed, business coach, author, and speaker, Debbie Peterson, offered attendees tips to create clarity for their career and discover strategies for being more productive in ways that work with a demanding lifestyle. Read More...
IHRSA Releases 2019 Profiles of Success
Posted: November 7, 2019 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has released its annual Industry Data Survey (IDS) results and the accompanying publication, IHRSA Profiles of Success. The report provides a detailed analysis of the annual performance of leading health and fitness clubs, including results in key metrics such as revenue, membership growth and retention, traffic, payroll, non-dues revenue and EBITDA. Club reinvestment and profit center analysis as well as income statement and balance sheet data are also provided. Read More...
