Health and Fitness Club Industry News: IHRSA
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
47 Representatives Urge Speaker Pelosi to Provide Relief for Gyms
Posted: September 3, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - On September 2, 2021, Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL), the lead GYMS Act sponsor and champion in the House of Representatives, along with 46 other Democrats in the House, sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi urging her to include relief for gyms in the upcoming reconciliation bill. This letter will not only get the attention of the leadership it is directed to, it provides an opportunity to generate press coverage on must-read publications in D.C. Read More...
A Message From Liz Clark, IHRSA President and CEO
Posted: August 28, 2021 in IHRSA
Words cannot express the energy and excitement I feel as IHRSA’s new President & CEO. It is a tremendous honor to work alongside and on behalf of this dynamic and evolving industry. I would like to take this opportunity to personally invite you to join me at what is sure to be the best industry event this year: IHRSA 2021 in Dallas, October 13-15. Firstly, I want everyone to know that the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, speakers and colleagues is our number one priority. With nearly 1,600 attendees registered to date, we are confident that IHRSA 2021 will be a safe environment for all, and we encourage you to review our health and safety guidelines and contact us directly if you have any questions. All IHRSA staff in Dallas will be vaccinated. Read More...
Expected Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Changes to Benefit Gyms
Posted: August 27, 2021 in IHRSA
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 IHRSA
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 IHRSA
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 IHRSA, 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 IHRSA
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 IHRSA
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 IHRSA
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 IHRSA
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 IHRSA
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 IHRSA
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 IHRSA
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...
New IHRSA Board Members and Leadership Set to Revive the Industry
Posted: July 3, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - July marks a new fiscal year at IHRSA. It also marks the start of a four-year term for four newly elected board members. As previously announced, beginning on July 1, 2021, IHRSA welcomed the following fitness industry professionals who will serve on the IHRSA Board of Directors: Luke Carlson, CEO of Discover Strength in Minneapolis, MN; Aaron Moore, Director of operations at VIDA Fitness & Aura Spa in Washington, D.C.; Jose Teixeira, Head of Customer Experience for SC Fitness in Lisbon, Portugal, and; Loni Wang, CEO of Catic Wellness Group, Ltd. in Shenzhen, China. Each of these individuals comes from diverse backgrounds and will bring new ways of thinking to the IHRSA Board. Read More...
Headlight 111: A Heartfelt Thank You From IHRSA’s Interim President & CEO, Brent Darden
Posted: June 30, 2021 in IHRSA
As members of a Headlight Team(s), each of you have been vital to an inclusive, integral, and effective strategy in the story of IHRSA’s revival! Quite simply, the reimagination of the trade association would not have been possible without all of you. The volunteer groups you were part of included in total, one hundred spectacularly talented and unstoppably optimistic industry leaders who, without a doubt, played a fundamental role in shaping a brighter future for all of us. It has been a blessing to work with all of you and I am indebted for your support of IHRSA, and by extension, the broad health and fitness community. Read More...
What to Expect at IHRSA 2021: Celebrate the Industry’s Revival
Posted: June 29, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - To put it mildly, it’s been a long and stressful two years since the global health and fitness industry gathered in-person. All of us at IHRSA eagerly await the day that we can all come together. If you haven’t started your countdown just yet, the Annual IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show (IHRSA 2021) is coming quick, October 13 - 15! Read More...
Two Bills in Congress Could Change the Fitness Industry for the Better
Posted: June 28, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - Businesses, including gyms, have reopened in all 50 states, and a few local governments have rolled back mandates enough to allow for mask-free spaces. So, that's that, crisis over, we can finally return to normal, right? Unfortunately, no, not yet. But, I promise this article won't be all doom and gloom because within the devastation lies the seeds to rebuild a stronger, healthier and more diverse industry. Read More...
An Open Letter to the Health & Fitness Industry
Posted: June 18, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA 2021 in Dallas, October 13 - 15, is our time to relaunch the momentum of growth for our industry in a BIG way! We will be “Celebrating the Industry’s Revival,” and we need you there! Uniting for our common cause is arguably more urgent and vital than it has been for the last 16 months. Now is the time to pull together and get business flowing again for us all. With travel restrictions lifting and a flood of clubs already indicating they are coming, we are confident the turnout to this year’s convention and trade show will be strong! We will take every precaution to keep you safe and we will make a promise to deliver to you the ideas, the technology, equipment and customers that will help you to turn the world’s appetite for fitness into your business growth. Read More...
Fitness Industry Asks Congressional Leaders to Support GYMS Act
Posted: June 17, 2021 in IHRSA
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sixteen organizations, led by IHRSA, the Global Health & Fitness Association, and Community Gyms Coalition (CGC), released a letter calling on Congress to include H.R. 890 and S. 1613, the Gym Mitigation and Survival Act (GYMS Act), as part of any future economic recovery legislation. In addition to IHRSA and CGC, signatories to the letter included... Read More...
IHRSA Names Elizabeth Clark President & Chief Executive Officer
Posted: June 10, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA, The Global Health & Fitness Association, has announced the appointment of Elizabeth Clark as the Association’s next President and CEO. Clark, a seasoned association executive, joins IHRSA at a critical time for the fitness industry and the association. IHRSA is the world's leading authority on the commercial health club industry. Clark previously led government relations and advocacy at the National Confectioners Association (NCA), the trade association for the $44 billion candy industry. Beginning August 16, she will be the first female chief executive in the association’s 40-year history. Clark's appointment concludes a five-month national search process completed by a six-member search committee chaired by Greta Wagner, Executive Director, Chelsea Piers Connecticut and IHRSA Board Member. Read More...
