Health and Fitness Club Industry News: Other News
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
ALS TDI Board of Directors Appoints Fernando Vieira, M.D. as Chief Executive Officer
Posted: April 14, 2021 in Other News
CAMBRIDGE, MA - The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) Board of Directors has announced that Fernando G. Vieira, M.D., was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ALS TDI during its April 7 meeting. Dr. Vieira has spent 20 years at ALS TDI conducting preclinical, translational and clinical research in ALS. As CEO, he is now stepping into the role held for the last 12 years by Steve Perrin, Ph.D., who will remain at ALS TDI as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Read More...
Paul Grzymkowski Passes Away at Age 72
Posted: April 13, 2021 in Other News
Fitness industry veteran and icon, Paul M. Grzymkowski passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on April 1, 2021 in Woodland Hills, California. He is survived by his devoted wife, Joanna Gunst Grzymkowski; brother Peter Grzymkowski; and sisters Margaret Halstead, Christine Grzymkowski and Karen Grzymkowski, as well as aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his godchildren. Paul and his twin sister Christine were born on March 5, 1949 in Rochester, New York to Mary (Jacula) and Peter Grzymkowski. Read More...
Survey Released to Understand Software Preferences of Fitness Professionals at Clubs, Gyms and Studios
Posted: March 1, 2021 in Other News
MCLEAN, VA - Allison Flatley, Dr. Ted Vickey and Bonnie Patrick-Mattalian collaborate to create and release the 2021 Club Management System Survey. The survey looks at the purchasing decisions of those within the fitness industry regarding a club management system. The survey is Part I of the academic study. Part II will include roundtables. All respondents have the option of receiving the survey results. Read More...
Fitness Industry Council of Canada Asks Federal Government to Make Physical Activity Tax Deductible
Posted: February 11, 2021 in Other News
EDMONTON, CANADA - Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC) has taken its most powerful stance to improve the lives of Canadians, asking the Federal Government to include fitness memberships and services as a medical cost on personal taxes. This tax incentive would elevate Canada as a global leader by becoming a nation that supports and promotes health and wellness as part of a national health care strategy. Read More...
Community Gyms Coalition and IHRSA Applaud Introduction of Bipartisan GYMS Act to Save Thousands of Gyms and Fitness Studios from Bankruptcy
Posted: February 5, 2021 in HFA, Other News
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Community Gyms Coalition (CGC), representing more than 15,000 community gyms and fitness studios in the U.S., and the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), representing over 20,000 health and fitness facilities in the U.S., have welcomed the introduction of the bipartisan GYMS Act (H.R. 890) by Congressmen Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Read More...
Physical Activity Alliance Strengthens and Unifies Fitness Industry
Posted: February 4, 2021 in Other News
UNITED STATES - It is tempting for the health and fitness club industry to feel like lonely warriors while fighting to get the 80% of the American population who are inactive active. The reality is that a legion of organizations, coalitions and government agencies in the U.S. exist with the sole intention to increase physical activity. Yet, many of those organizations worked independently and without collaboration, until the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) formation in 2020. Read More...
Four Things to Look for in ALS Research in 2021
Posted: January 15, 2021 in Other News
CAMBRIDGE, MA - While 2020 left the ALS research community adjusting to unprecedented circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 is showing some early promise as an exciting year in the search for effective treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here are some of the most important research findings and advancements to look forward to as we move into the new year... Read More...
Pennsylvania Fitness Alliance Issues Statement on Lifting of Prohibition on Indoor Fitness Facilities
Posted: January 5, 2021 in Other News
NEWTOWN, PA - Governor Tom Wolf (D-PA) has lifted a set of COVID-19 regulations. These regulations included a ban on indoor operations at gyms and fitness facilities. In response, Jim Worthington, on behalf of the Pennsylvania Fitness Alliance, issued the following statement... Read More...
Global Wellness Summit Presents Leadership Award to Lynne and Victor Brick
Posted: January 5, 2021 in Other News
TIMONIUM, MD - Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the foremost gathering of international leaders in the multitrillion-dollar global wellness economy, presented Lynne and Victor Brick with The Debra Simon Award for Leader in Furthering Mental Health Wellness. The Bricks were recognized for creating the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation, Inc., honoring Victor’s brother John, who suffered from schizophrenia and died of complications from the disease. The Foundation’s purpose is to have holistic approaches—such as exercise, nutrition, and mind-body practices—integrated into the mental wellness delivery system. Read More...
Stephen Tharrett Passes Away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Posted: December 29, 2020 in Other News
We are extremely SAD to report to you that industry veteran and good friend, STEPHEN THARRETT, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Stephen died of complications from a heart attack he suffered on December 20th. MAY STEPHEN THARRETT REST IN PEACE. Stephen Tharrett, was one of the greatest and most dedicated teachers and educators in the history of our industry. Stephen’s vast depth of knowledge and the vast breadth of his contributions to our industry, an industry that he loved so very much, is rivaled by a very tiny few in our industry. Stephen was partners with MARK WILLIAMSON in a company they called CLUBINTEL. Read More...
