Health and Fitness Club Industry News
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
The 2020 Club Industry Show Has Been Cancelled
Posted: September 8, 2020 in Other News
ST. LOUIS, MO - Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Club Industry has unfortunately been forced to cancel the 2020 Club Industry Show, which had been planned for October 14 - 16, 2020, in St. Louis, Missouri. Club Industry remains committed to delivering the Gold Standard in education, information, networking and resources for the fitness community during this unprecedented time. We are exploring other avenues to deliver to you the exceptional and relevant content that you have come to expect from Club Industry. Read More...
SIBEC North America 2020 Has Been Postponed
Posted: September 8, 2020 in Other News
CORONADO, CA - Due to the COVID-19 circumstances, we are disappointed to announce that we have been forced to postpone the 2020 Sibec North America event. While we are disappointed that we are unable to bring the industry together face-to-face this Fall, we are excited to announce that the next Sibec will be held on May 10-13, 2021, at Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, CA Read More...
Life Fitness Introduces Axiom Series: A New, Comprehensive Line of Strength Equipment
Posted: September 8, 2020 in Suppliers
ROSEMONT, IL - Life Fitness has unveiled Axiom Series, a comprehensive and versatile line of strength equipment featuring 10 single-exercise and eight dual-exercise selectorized machines, a dual adjustable pulley and 12 benches and racks. Now available globally, Axiom Series delivers simple and reliable biomechanics with an inviting, eye-catching design ideal for many fitness facilities, from health clubs to multi-unit housing, hospitality and more. Read More...
Matrix Fitness Announces Partnership with Strength and Conditioning Mogul Boyd Epley
Posted: September 8, 2020 in Suppliers
COTTAGE GROVE, WI - Matrix Fitness has announced a new partnership with Boyd Epley, the trailblazer for modern strength and conditioning and recently retired Assistant Athletic Director for Strength and Conditioning at the University of Nebraska. Epley also founded the National Strength and Conditioning Association, which has certified over 60,000 strength coaches. Read More...
Myzone Integrated into Qualification to Create Fitness Professionals
Posted: September 8, 2020 in Suppliers
U.K. - Myzone is being integrated into fitness qualifications to develop a new breed of industry-ready professionals in the first partnership of its kind in the U.K. The wearable technology leader has partnered with innovative new training provider Vector Training, which aims to transform the sports and fitness education sector. Read More...
USTA Announces Partnership With ThanksUSA
Posted: September 7, 2020 in Suppliers
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - The USTA has announced a partnership with ThanksUSA, a national charity that supports military families through education. The partnership was announced on US Open "Lt. Joe Hunt Military Appreciation Day." The purpose of the partnership program is to provide the opportunity for disabled veterans and service members to achieve therapeutic benefits and improve their overall health and wellbeing through adaptive tennis participation. Read More...
Brent Darden Sets a New Course for IHRSA as Interim CEO
Posted: September 3, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - Over the past several months, the world as we knew it has undergone changes many of us could never have imagined. The fitness industry was especially hard hit by the pandemic that the world has struggled to contain, resulting in an economic downturn, government restrictions on clubs and shaky consumer confidence. These challenges were also deeply felt at IHRSA, and the Board of Directors deemed that a new tact was needed to best serve the industry during this time. On August 21, they announced the appointment of Brent Darden as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Darden replaced Joe Moore, who served as IHRSA’s President & CEO since 2006. The IHRSA Board of Directors chose Darden for this role in large part due to his extensive leadership experience in the industry. Under Darden’s leadership, the IHRSA staff, working closely with the Board, will revisit "virtually everything." Read More...
National Study Confirms It’s Safe To Work Out At The Gym: Current Data Shows No Evidence of COVID-19 Spread in Gyms
Posted: September 2, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - After analyzing millions of member's check-in data across 2,873 gyms, sports clubs and boutique fitness centers over the course of three months, The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and MXM, a technology and knowledge transfer company specializing in member tracking within the fitness industry, conclusively found that fitness facilities are safe and are not contributing to the spread of COVID-19. Read More...
The Fitness Industry Demands Deal to Protect Workers
Posted: September 2, 2020 in IHRSA
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On September 2, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, while testifying before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, pledged to call Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to ask her to restart talks on a new COVID-19 relief package. In response, Brent Darden of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) released the following statement... Read More...
TG The Gym San Diego Celebrates 35th Anniversary
Posted: September 2, 2020 in Independents
SAN DIEGO, CA - TG The Gym San Diego celebrates 35 years as an owner-operated and independent gym. TG The Gym has been home to best fitness training for 35 years, offering men and women all across the community the opportunity to challenge their bodies and build strength every day. TG The Gym will continue to promote the fact that a good immune system is the first and most important element in the defense of this Covid–19 virus. Daily vigorous exercise, a healthy well-balanced diet, proper amount of sleep, Vitamin D (get in sun and outdoors) and managing stress are the main ingredients to maintaining a good immune system. Read More...
In-Shape Health Clubs Partners With Special Olympics
Posted: September 2, 2020 in Chains
STOCKTON, CA - In-Shape Health Clubs, California’s top community destination for health and fitness, has announced a partnership with The Special Olympics Northern California and Nevada to provide free virtual fitness classes and sponsorships for In-Shape’s virtual races. Read More...
Crunch Franchise Announces Its Newest Location In Kissimmee, Florida
Posted: September 1, 2020 in Chains
KISSIMMEE, FL - Crunch Franchise has announced the opening of a 40,000 square-foot gym with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities in Kissimmee, Florida. The modern, expansive gym is in a location that's a former 24 Hour Fitness space. Crunch Kissimmee is owned by veteran fitness industry operators Vince Julien, Geoff Dyer, Tony Scrimale and Jeff Dotson, who currently own and operate 26 Crunch locations in the Tampa Bay community as well as in Orlando and Atlanta. Read More...
IHRSA Introduces Interim President & CEO Brent Darden
Posted: September 1, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - On August 21, the IHRSA Board of Directors announced the appointment of Brent Darden as interim president and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Darden is a well-known advocate and leader in the fitness industry and has a vast background of experience. Although the role was not taken lightly, Darden has made it clear that he does not intend to serve as IHRSA president & CEO on a permanent basis. Speaking on behalf of IHRSA’s future, Darden feels confident that evolution is necessary for the association to achieve sustainable success. Read More...
ClubIntel Announces Launch of Follow-up Study to March 2020 Study and Report Entitled: The Fitness Industry’s Response to COVID-19
Posted: September 1, 2020 in Suppliers
DALLAS, TX - ClubIntel, a global leader in conducting market research related to the health/fitness industry, has announced that it is launching a follow-up study to explore where the fitness industry stands nearly six months to the day after clubs and studios were initially closed due to government mandated closures. Some of the topics the study will generate clarity on include... Read More...
IHRSA Releases 2020 Health Club Consumer Report: Executive Summary
Posted: August 31, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has released the 2020 Health Club Consumer Report: Executive Summary. This annual publication, based on a nationwide sample of 18,000 interviews, is an overview of health club usage, participation and demographics over the past decade. Early findings from the 2020 Physical Activity Council (PAC) survey shed light on activity during shutdowns and attitudes regarding health clubs reopening. Read More...
Blink Fitness Plans to Reopen Gyms in the New Jersey Market
Posted: August 31, 2020 in Chains
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Blink Fitness has announced that, in accordance with local and state reopening guidelines in New Jersey, the Union, Irvington, East Orange, Perth Amboy, Willingboro, Passaic, South Orange, Clifton, Parsippany, Journal Square, Lodi, Paramus, Plainfield, Ironbound, Nutley and Linden gyms will be reopening. Read More...
USTA to Make Major Changes to Membership Model
Posted: August 28, 2020 in Suppliers
ORLANDO, FL and WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - USTA CEO Mike Dowse sent out a letter on Friday, August 28, to the USTA Family, explaining key changes to USTA membership. Here’s the full letter from Dowse... Read More...
Gold’s Gym Wins Distinguished Franchise Update Media 2020 Innovation Award
Posted: August 27, 2020 in Chains
DALLAS, TX - Gold’s Gym, one of the world’s most trusted fitness authorities, was recently honored with Franchise Update Media’s 2020 award for “Most Innovative Use of Customer-Facing Digital Tools.” Gold’s Gym received this award in recognition of its response to the temporary new normal of COVID-19 with the launch of “Gold’s Gym Anywhere,” a digital platform offering various virtual fitness options for at-home exercise. Read More...
Lift Brands Wins Distinguished Franchise Update Media 2020 Innovation Award
Posted: August 27, 2020 in Chains
CHANHASSEN, MN - Franchise Update Media conducted its second annual Franchise Innovation Awards contest this spring. The goal of the awards is to identify and recognize the franchisors creating and implementing the most original and successful innovative strategies and tactics to build their brand. Lift Brands tied for first in the Best PR Campaign category of the Marketing Innovation Awards for their Free 90-day FitnessOnDemand trial offered globally to the general public through Snap Fitness. Read More...
New Recommendations Steer Doctors Away From Opioids to Treat Pain in Adolescent Athletes
Posted: August 27, 2020 in Suppliers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Athletes at all levels and ages commonly experience pain during practice and in competition. Identifying and appropriately managing acute and chronic pain is fundamental for short- and long-term health. This is especially true for adolescent athletes in whom inadequate or inappropriate pain management can lead to a lifetime of consequences including an increased risk of opioid misuse. A team physician consensus statement just released by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and five other professional sports medicine organizations shares guidelines to identify and manage pain in athletes ages 10 to 18. It urges team physicians and pediatricians to use non-pharmacologic treatments before prescribing opioids. Read More...
