Health and Fitness Club Industry News: HFA
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Reimagining IHRSA: An Open Letter From President and CEO, Liz Clark
Posted: December 13, 2021 in HFA
As we head into the holiday season grappling with yet another COVID variant, I hope that you, your colleagues, and your families remain healthy. I have recently wrapped up my first 100 days as IHRSA’s CEO and wanted to share some experiences, observations and actions underway to accelerate the modernization of our association. My first few months in this great industry have been amazing. I’ve learned a lot, heard from many of you, and worked with my IHRSA colleagues and our engaged board to chart a course to advance our association and our industry. Read More...
50+ Year Industry Veteran, Chuck Leve, Passes Away
Posted: November 23, 2021 in HFA, Other News
FBA - MINNEAPOLIS, MN - It's with great sorrow we inform you that on Thursday, November 11th at 1:11 am Chuck Leve, devoted husband, father, papa, and fitness industry veteran passed away in his home surrounded by his family. Chuck's contributions to the fitness industry span over 50 years. As Executive Director of NCCA, one of IHRSA's predecessors, and over the next 28 years Chuck helped usher in a new era in the fitness industry. His many accomplishments include... Read More...
Emergency Temporary Standard on Biden Vaccine Mandate Released
Posted: November 4, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - On September 9, President Biden announced the “Path out of the Pandemic,” a set of wide-reaching regulations meant to contain the surge in cases of COVID-19 across the nation and move the country back towards normal. Amongst the announced regulations is a vaccine mandate for federal workers and contractors, healthcare workers and employees of large businesses. At the heart of these regulations is the directive to the Department of Labor to ensure that all businesses with 100 or more employees are either vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. This is estimated to cover over 80 million workers in the United States. Here are details of the announced Emergency Temporary Standard... Read More...
Reunited & It Felt So Good! IHRSA 2021 Ignites Fitness Industry Comeback
Posted: October 22, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - After a daunting two year hiatus, last week, fitness industry professionals gathered for IHRSA 2021, the 40th Anniversary IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show. For the first time ever, IHRSA 2021 attendees were able to join in-person in Dallas, Texas, or virtually to attend education sessions presented by industry experts, network, socialize with other fitness professionals and experience cutting edge fitness industry equipment and technology during the Trade Show. Read More...
IHRSA Foundation Mid-Year Updates
Posted: October 20, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - The IHRSA Foundation was established in 2012 with a core mission: to promote health through exercise. The importance of "health through exercise," has never been more apparent than in the last 18 months. As a global pandemic took its toll, the importance of physical activity for physical health, mental health and even protection against more severe COVID-19 outcomes became more evident, so too has the need to create inclusive, equitable access to opportunities to be physically active for people of all ages and abilities. The IHRSA Foundation shared many exciting updates in our 2020 Annual Report including... Read More...
Nine Fitness Industry Leaders Set to Advise on GHFA Initiatives
Posted: October 4, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - The Global Health & Fitness Alliance (GHFA), an IHRSA initiative launched to establish the health and fitness sector as an essential service and a key contributor within the healthcare continuum, announced its inaugural nine-member Advisory Council. The GHFA Advisory Council’s main priority is producing the first-ever Global Economic Impact Report, which GHFA members worldwide are currently developing and funding to benefit the global fitness industry. The report will analyze the industry’s social and economic contributions to society and deliver a comprehensive overview of its direct and indirect value. Read More...
Three Reasons International Gyms are Attending the IHRSA 2021 Hybrid Event
Posted: September 22, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - It’s time to get together again, and while we wish everyone could join us in person at IHRSA’s 40th Anniversary International Convention & Trade Show in Dallas, we understand that, for some, that may be difficult. That’s why we’ve created the IHRSA 2021 Hybrid Event. So, no matter where you are, you can celebrate the fitness industry’s revival with all the resources and networking opportunities IHRSA 2021 has to offer. The Hybrid Event is not a webinar or a bunch of on-demand videos. The virtual component will be held in conjunction with the in-person Dallas event, providing networking and learning 24-7 during all three days of IHRSA 2021, playing during four time zones. Here are three reasons why you’ll want to join us even if you can’t make it in person. Read More...
SBA Offers Gyms Safe Harbors for Loan Forgiveness
Posted: September 16, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - If you were one of the gyms, health clubs or studios fortunate enough to receive a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan in the first round of PPP back in the spring of 2020, you are probably getting ready to file your application for loan forgiveness. If you, like many other gyms, clubs, and studios, particularly those in California, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington, were closed by state mandate or operating under severe capacity restrictions during the period of this PPP loan, you may be concerned about meeting the requirement that 60% of your loan be spent on payroll to qualify for full forgiveness. Read More...
IHRSA Takes Additional Steps to Keep You Safe During IHRSA 2021
Posted: September 15, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - In an abundance of caution, IHRSA is taking every precaution to prevent the spread of the virus and prioritize attendee health and safety at the IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show (IHRSA 2021). We are continuing to closely monitor the situation for critical updates. We are committed to hosting a successful event by implementing new protective measures to help fitness professionals recover from this period of uncertainty, revive passions for their craft and reconnect with peers to move the industry forward together. In addition to the standard event steps listed, and updated frequently, on the health and safety page of the IHRSA 2021 website, our team has taken extra steps to ensure attendees feel protected. Read More...
IHRSA’s 40th Annual International Convention & Trade Show Goes Hybrid
Posted: September 8, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - In light of the challenging travel restrictions for many and the health and fitness industry’s important worldwide community, the 40th Annual IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show (IHRSA 2021) will offer a rich and robust in-person and virtual program. As many other associations, and even IHRSA member clubs, have pivoted to offer in-person and virtual options, the IHRSA 2021 hybrid program has been in the works for some time. This program will allow global attendees and partners, wherever they may be, to participate and connect in celebrating the industry’s revival. Read More...
