Health and Fitness Club Industry News
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Chelsea Piers Temporarily Closes All Locations Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted: March 12, 2020 in Chains
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Based on the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in New York City and Connecticut, and on the advice of public officials who are strongly urging social distancing, we have made a decision to temporarily close the sports, fitness and recreation businesses at Chelsea Piers, Chelsea Piers Fitness and Chelsea Piers Connecticut effective tonight at 12:01AM, March 13, 2020. The current closure announcement is through March 31, 2020. Read More...
IHRSA 2020 Is Canceled. Read IHRSA’s Official Statement.
Posted: March 12, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - After careful consideration, it is with a heavy heart that IHRSA and the IHRSA Board of Directors have made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel IHRSA 2020, scheduled to take place March 18-21 in San Diego, CA, USA. It will not be rescheduled. IHRSA exists to serve its members and the health and fitness industry. The Convention is one of the primary ways in which we do that, which is why we were holding out hope that the event could go on. We originally believed that continuing with IHRSA 2020 was the best course of action so that we could bring the industry’s best minds together, to talk about and discuss solutions to the virus’ impact on our global industry. Now, based on the latest guidance and official declarations, it is clear that canceling is the right course of action. Thankfully, IHRSA is more than just one event. Our mission is to grow, protect, and promote the industry and with or without a Convention, that is exactly what we will continue to do through the strength of the IHRSA membership, association, and community. We thank the entire IHRSA community for understanding the extreme difficulty of this situation. We are grateful for each and every one of you. It is your passion for the industry that helps make the IHRSA event a success year after year. And, it is that same passion that will drive us into the future. Read More...
Wellbeats Offers Free Virtual Fitness Subscriptions to Employers Until April 30 to Help Fight Spread of Coronavirus
Posted: March 11, 2020 in Suppliers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) has shut down national events, slowed travel and caused a growing number of companies to enforce work-from-home policies until health officials are able to stop the spread of the virus. In addition to impacting workforce productivity and scheduling, coronavirus is making consumers reluctant to hit the gym. To support employers in their efforts to maintain employee health and well-being during this time, Wellbeats has announced that the company will offer its on-demand, virtual fitness subscriptions free of charge to U.S. employers through April 30, 2020. This offer is effective immediately. Read More...
Blink Fitness Puts its Members’ Wellness First by Unlocking Premium Mobile App Access for All, Encouraging Them to Workout Wherever They Feel Comfortable
Posted: March 11, 2020 in Chains
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Blink Fitness has unlocked all content on its mobile app, previously a premium membership benefit, to all new and existing members until April 30, 2020. For Blink Fitness, the health and safety of members is paramount, and with growing concerns around COVID-19 ruling the national conversation, the premium and affordable gym feels a larger responsibility than ever to support members through their wellness journey, both inside and outside of the gym. Read More...
IHRSA 2020 Is On! Read the Latest Coronavirus Update
Posted: March 3, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA is looking forward to a great IHRSA 2020 in San Diego, proceeding as planned, March 18 - 21, 2020 at the San Diego Convention Center. IHRSA is carefully monitoring developments related to coronavirus and will adhere to any policies put forth by the United States federal government. IHRSA is, therefore, following the Presidential Proclamation on travel restrictions. IHRSA will not be implementing any further restrictions beyond the Presidential Proclamation. IHRSA executive staff are meeting daily and will continue to closely review all guidance from global, federal, and local health authorities to implement what is needed for the good of the show and the good of the industry. IHRSA is committed to ensuring our response during this challenging time is responsibly based in facts, not driven by fear. The following are important and helpful resources to monitor as you finalize your travel plans... Read More...
Former Gold’s Gym Executive Turns Franchisee with Acquisition of 24 Company-Owned Locations
Posted: March 3, 2020 in Chains
DALLAS, TX - Gold's Gym, a trusted fitness authority, has announced that former Senior Vice President of Eastern U.S. Operations and longtime Washington D.C. resident, Matt Clifford, along with Gold's Gym corporate veterans, Brenda Jorgensen and Josh Fuglsby, has purchased the franchise rights to 24 company-owned gyms throughout the D.C. area. CFJ Holdings is the newest addition to the brand's portfolio of area franchisees, which now collectively covers more than 40 Gold's Gym locations across D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Read More...
EXOS Athletes Give It Their All at the 2020 NFL Combine
Posted: March 3, 2020 in Chains
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - EXOS athletes just wrapped the 2020 NFL combine events after eight weeks of training and preparation, which included corrective work and detailed nutrition plans in addition to their speed and strength training. Between the 95 EXOS athletes who participated in the combine, there were 214 top-15 performances across the six drills and 17 #1 performances for position groups. Read More...
Orangetheory Fitness Brings More Life to SXSW 2020
Posted: March 2, 2020 in Chains
BOCA RATON, FL - From March 13 to March 16, Orangetheory Fitness is bringing the magic of its workout to South by Southwest with the multisensory, dynamic activation "HypOThesis." Orangetheory Fitness will showcase its unique trifecta of science, coaching and technology through custom experiences created exclusively for the festival, including engaging, high-tech fitness activities, sought-after guest speakers and an intimate concert with electronic music sister duo Krewella. Read More...
Ecore Raises More Than $5,000 for Challenged Athletes Foundation
Posted: February 27, 2020 in Suppliers
LANCASTER, PA - Ecore recently raised $5,714 for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). CAF provides opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The fundraiser was held in conjunction with Ecore’s annual sales meeting in Los Angeles. Funds were raised through a combination of cash donations as well as a bowling competition where Ecore donated one dollar per pin knocked down. Read More...
ACSM Foundation Announces New Board Members
Posted: February 27, 2020 in Suppliers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Foundation recently elected four new members to its Board of Directors: Sam Browd, M.D., Ph.D., University of Washington; Michael McBrayer, DJO Global; David Myers, Wolters Kluwer; and Ralph Reiff, Butler University. The foundation also appointed Kristin Belleson, ACSM’s new Chief Executive Officer, as secretary. Read More...
ClubCorp and University of Arizona Athletics Department Partner to Open New Stadium Club
Posted: February 27, 2020 in Chains
DALLAS, TX - ClubCorp – The World Leader in Private Clubs – and The University of Arizona Athletics Department announce plans to open the Arizona Sands Club, a year-round private member club in Arizona Stadium. The Arizona Sands Club, slated to open its doors August 1, 2020, will serve as a gathering and dining spot for alumni, faculty and staff, and the Tucson professional, civic and social community, a valuable addition for the game day experience. Read More...
Steve Nash Fitness Clubs Celebrates a Decade of Success Stories
Posted: February 26, 2020 in Chains
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Steve Nash Fitness World and Sports Clubs, created around the ethos of 2x time MVP NBA All-Star Steve Nash, is kicking off a new decade of "Success Stories." The popular campaign chooses members of Steve Nash Fitness Club who have changed their lives through fitness. Designed by a world-class athlete, Steve Nash Fitness World and Sports Club aims to create a positive community and embody a holistic, healthy lifestyle. Read More...
FFC Park Ridge General Manager Janet Long Honored With Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce President’s Award
Posted: February 26, 2020 in Chains
CHICAGO, IL - Chicagoland-based Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) is proud to announce that FFC Park Ridge General Manager, Janet Long, received the President’s Award at the 2020 Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce Annual Night of Community Stars. This year’s event took place on February 15 at Cafe la Cave in Des Plaines, IL. Read More...
Club Fit Named One of Westfair Media’s 2020 Family-Owned Business Honorees
Posted: February 26, 2020 in Chains
BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. and JEFFERSON VALLEY, N.Y. - Club Fit is proud to have been selected by Westfair Media as one of their 2020 Family-Owned Business Awards honorees! President, Bill Beck, and Vice President, Ellen Koelsch, were on-hand February 25th at the event ceremony in White Plains to accept. Bill and Ellen both have a passion for fitness; they enjoy active lifestyles and recognize the importance of physical activity to overall wellbeing. Read More...
St. Jude and Life Time to Host 5th Annual Nationwide Ride for a Reason on Saturday, March 7
Posted: February 26, 2020 in Chains
CHANHASSEN, MN - On Saturday, March 7, the fifth annual Ride for a Reason will take place at more than 120 Life Time athletic resort destinations across the country. The indoor cycling event, open to both members and non-members of Life Time, will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Life Time Foundation with a goal of raising $2.4 million. Read More...
TruFit Athletic Clubs Celebrates 30th Location Milestone With Grand Opening of New Bryan Towne Center
Posted: February 24, 2020 in Chains
RYAN, TX - TruFit Athletic Clubs is pleased to announce that their much-anticipated location in Bryan, TX is now open for workouts. To celebrate the opening of its 30th location in Texas, TruFit Athletic Clubs will be hosting a Grand Opening Party on Thursday, February 27th. Read More...
A Decade of Growth: Health Club Membership Reaches 64.2M Americans
Posted: February 21, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - More than one out of five Americans belonged to a health club or studio in 2019, totaling 64.2 million consumers ages 6 and older. The latest data shows a fifth consecutive year of growth in membership, while the total number of members has grown by 28% since 2010. In all, 21.2% of Americans were members of a health club or studio in 2019. Read More...
Life Fitness Media Statement Regarding FIBO 2020 Attendance
Posted: February 21, 2020 in Suppliers
ROSEMONT, IL - After closely assessing global concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak, Life Fitness has made the difficult decision to withdraw attendance to FIBO in Cologne, Germany on April 2 - 5. Life Fitness takes the current situation very seriously, and the health and safety of its employees, customers and partners are always top priority. Read More...
First Hotel Installation of Octane Fitness’ Max Trainer Machine with LG TV at Anaheim Marriott
Posted: February 20, 2020 in Suppliers
VANCOUVER, WA - Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE: NLS), an innovation leader in home fitness for over 40 years, has announced that Octane Fitness recently completed its first hotel installation of the top-of-the-line Max Trainer machine, the MT8000, with the new LG TV screen, at the redesigned Anaheim Marriott near the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Read More...
Panelists Announced for the 24th Annual IHRSA Financial Panel
Posted: February 19, 2020 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, and Rick Caro announce four new panelists for the annual IHRSA Financial Panel, taking place during IHRSA 2020. One of the most highly anticipated annual events of the IHRSA Convention, the Financial Panel not only provides attendees the opportunity to hear market reports from highly-regarded financial experts but advice on how to apply this knowledge to current issues impacting their health clubs and fitness businesses. Read More...
