Health and Fitness Club Industry News: HFA
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026
Expected Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Changes to Benefit Gyms
Posted: August 27, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - We have some positive developments regarding the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. IHRSA worked alongside health club owners and the SBA to make changes to the rules and requirements of the EIDL program which make it easier for businesses in the health and fitness industry to take advantage of the relief offered through the program. Though these changes have not yet been officially implemented by the SBA, we wanted to loop you in on the coming changes. Read More...
A Seat at WHO’s Table? How the GHFA is Proving the Fitness Industry’s Value
Posted: August 25, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - Work is underway on a major new report --The Economic Impact of the Health and Fitness Industry-- commissioned by the Global Health & Fitness Alliance (GHFA), conducted by Deloitte, supported by IHRSA, and with the World Health Organization as a key target audience. Initially covering around 60 countries, which between them account for the majority of the global health and fitness club market, the report will analyze the sector’s social and economic contribution and deliver a comprehensive view of its direct and indirect value to society. Read More...
IHRSA Sets the Record Straight on GYMS Act Rumors
Posted: August 13, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - A lot has been happening in DC, and we’ve heard some inaccurate rumors circulating in the industry. So, IHRSA is providing this update on what has been happening to set the record straight. There’s a lot of information to cover, but here are the highlights... Read More...
IHRSA, Mindbody Collaborate to Strengthen & Grow Fitness Studios
Posted: August 9, 2021 in HFA, Suppliers
BOSTON, MA - Fitness industry leaders, IHRSA and Mindbody, will collaborate to provide more content, education and networking opportunities for studio operators. Earlier this year, IHRSA, The Global Health & Fitness Association, debuted its Studio Membership to engage more meaningfully with fitness studios and deliver tools to improve and grow their businesses. A focal point of the new membership option is to assist and broaden the advocacy voice for fitness studios, which will strengthen the industry’s influence on Capitol Hill. Mindbody commits to provide education and content to promote and further the reach of the IHRSA Studio Membership. Read More...
IHRSA Addresses New Vaccine Mandates for Health Clubs
Posted: August 6, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - On Tuesday, August 3, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that proof of vaccination will now be required to enter all restaurants, fitness facilities and indoor entertainment venues. Beginning August 16, staff and customers alike will need at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose to access indoor businesses. Enforcement of the mandate will start on September 13. As the Global Health & Fitness Association, IHRSA released the following statement in regards to the new CDC guidelines and vaccine mandates... Read More...
The Next Fitness Consumer Demands Optionality and Personalization
Posted: July 29, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - The latest consumer research, commissioned by the IHRSA Foundation and ABC Fitness Solutions, shows motivation to stay fit post-pandemic is less about having a solid physique and more about achieving a holistic approach to physical exercise and mental wellbeing. A study conducted by ClubIntel in June 2021 shows that the active consumer motivation for a total fitness experience demands highly personalized delivery; the fitness industry can no longer provide a one-size-fits-all approach. Read More...
Health and Fitness Alliance Deploys New GYMS Act Strategy and Tools
Posted: July 24, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - Right now in Washington, D.C., lawmakers are discussing what to include in the next reconciliation bill. This bill is our best chance to get the GYMS Act passed, but we need to act fast. Government officials need to hear from you that health and fitness facilities cannot be left out again. Gyms, much like restaurants, were not only indirectly harmed by the pandemic’s impact on the economy but directly bore the brunt of government-mandated closures and restrictions. Unlike restaurants, relief packages have left gyms behind twice. We cannot be left behind again. Read More...
The Health and Fitness Industry Aims to Come Back Stronger Than Ever
Posted: July 9, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - On Tuesday, June 29, health and fitness industry stakeholders gathered for the second industry action event, United We Rise - Stronger Than Ever. The theme was “Relief and Recovery,” and the overarching message was clear: the world needs physical activity now more than ever, and we must capitalize on opportunities to emerge from the pandemic as a more united, more impactful, and more powerful industry. The distinguished speakers included... Read More...
2021 IHRSA Global Report: Fitness Industry Seeks Relief, Recovery
Posted: July 9, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA, The Global Health & Fitness Association, released The 2021 IHRSA Global Report. This year’s report provides a comprehensive overview of the worldwide health and fitness industry with a focus on COVID-19’s impact on health clubs, gyms and studios. Information in the report is separated in four sections: Industry Overview, Industry Research, Company Profiles and Partner Profiles. Key research takeaways from The 2021 IHRSA Global Report include... Read More...
Health and Fitness Organizations Send Letter to Congressional Leadership
Posted: July 8, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - On June 17, 2021, IHRSA sent a letter, cosigned by 15 other organizations, to congressional leadership. This letter highlights why the health and fitness industry still needs relief from the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re urging Congress to pass the GYMS Act (H.R.890/S.1613) and create a grant program for health and fitness businesses impacted by the pandemic. The letter builds on the GYMS Act's current momentum. Currently, 142 members in the House of Representatives and nine Senators have signed on, with more adding their names and supporting the GYMS Act each week. Read More...
Excitement Builds for IHRSA 2021: Full Program Now Available
Posted: July 7, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA’s 40th Anniversary International Convention & Trade Show (IHRSA 2021) website is now live and includes a registration portal, the complete three-day schedule and more. From October 13-15, 2021, the health and fitness industry will converge at IHRSA 2021 in Dallas, TX, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas. The occasion marks the association’s 40th anniversary, and the first time the industry will physically gather after a two-year hiatus. Read More...
