Health and Fitness Club Industry News: IHRSA
Saturday, May 4th, 2024
Reimagining IHRSA: An Open Letter From President and CEO, Liz Clark
Posted: December 13, 2021 in IHRSA
As we head into the holiday season grappling with yet another COVID variant, I hope that you, your colleagues, and your families remain healthy. I have recently wrapped up my first 100 days as IHRSA’s CEO and wanted to share some experiences, observations and actions underway to accelerate the modernization of our association. My first few months in this great industry have been amazing. I’ve learned a lot, heard from many of you, and worked with my IHRSA colleagues and our engaged board to chart a course to advance our association and our industry. Read More...
Emergency Temporary Standard on Biden Vaccine Mandate Released
Posted: November 4, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - On September 9, President Biden announced the “Path out of the Pandemic,” a set of wide-reaching regulations meant to contain the surge in cases of COVID-19 across the nation and move the country back towards normal. Amongst the announced regulations is a vaccine mandate for federal workers and contractors, healthcare workers and employees of large businesses. At the heart of these regulations is the directive to the Department of Labor to ensure that all businesses with 100 or more employees are either vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. This is estimated to cover over 80 million workers in the United States. Here are details of the announced Emergency Temporary Standard... Read More...
Reunited & It Felt So Good! IHRSA 2021 Ignites Fitness Industry Comeback
Posted: October 22, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - After a daunting two year hiatus, last week, fitness industry professionals gathered for IHRSA 2021, the 40th Anniversary IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show. For the first time ever, IHRSA 2021 attendees were able to join in-person in Dallas, Texas, or virtually to attend education sessions presented by industry experts, network, socialize with other fitness professionals and experience cutting edge fitness industry equipment and technology during the Trade Show. Read More...
IHRSA Foundation Mid-Year Updates
Posted: October 20, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - The IHRSA Foundation was established in 2012 with a core mission: to promote health through exercise. The importance of "health through exercise," has never been more apparent than in the last 18 months. As a global pandemic took its toll, the importance of physical activity for physical health, mental health and even protection against more severe COVID-19 outcomes became more evident, so too has the need to create inclusive, equitable access to opportunities to be physically active for people of all ages and abilities. The IHRSA Foundation shared many exciting updates in our 2020 Annual Report including... Read More...
Nine Fitness Industry Leaders Set to Advise on GHFA Initiatives
Posted: October 4, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - The Global Health & Fitness Alliance (GHFA), an IHRSA initiative launched to establish the health and fitness sector as an essential service and a key contributor within the healthcare continuum, announced its inaugural nine-member Advisory Council. The GHFA Advisory Council’s main priority is producing the first-ever Global Economic Impact Report, which GHFA members worldwide are currently developing and funding to benefit the global fitness industry. The report will analyze the industry’s social and economic contributions to society and deliver a comprehensive overview of its direct and indirect value. Read More...
Three Reasons International Gyms are Attending the IHRSA 2021 Hybrid Event
Posted: September 22, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - It’s time to get together again, and while we wish everyone could join us in person at IHRSA’s 40th Anniversary International Convention & Trade Show in Dallas, we understand that, for some, that may be difficult. That’s why we’ve created the IHRSA 2021 Hybrid Event. So, no matter where you are, you can celebrate the fitness industry’s revival with all the resources and networking opportunities IHRSA 2021 has to offer. The Hybrid Event is not a webinar or a bunch of on-demand videos. The virtual component will be held in conjunction with the in-person Dallas event, providing networking and learning 24-7 during all three days of IHRSA 2021, playing during four time zones. Here are three reasons why you’ll want to join us even if you can’t make it in person. Read More...
SBA Offers Gyms Safe Harbors for Loan Forgiveness
Posted: September 16, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - If you were one of the gyms, health clubs or studios fortunate enough to receive a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan in the first round of PPP back in the spring of 2020, you are probably getting ready to file your application for loan forgiveness. If you, like many other gyms, clubs, and studios, particularly those in California, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington, were closed by state mandate or operating under severe capacity restrictions during the period of this PPP loan, you may be concerned about meeting the requirement that 60% of your loan be spent on payroll to qualify for full forgiveness. Read More...
IHRSA Takes Additional Steps to Keep You Safe During IHRSA 2021
Posted: September 15, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - In an abundance of caution, IHRSA is taking every precaution to prevent the spread of the virus and prioritize attendee health and safety at the IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show (IHRSA 2021). We are continuing to closely monitor the situation for critical updates. We are committed to hosting a successful event by implementing new protective measures to help fitness professionals recover from this period of uncertainty, revive passions for their craft and reconnect with peers to move the industry forward together. In addition to the standard event steps listed, and updated frequently, on the health and safety page of the IHRSA 2021 website, our team has taken extra steps to ensure attendees feel protected. Read More...
IHRSA’s 40th Annual International Convention & Trade Show Goes Hybrid
Posted: September 8, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - In light of the challenging travel restrictions for many and the health and fitness industry’s important worldwide community, the 40th Annual IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show (IHRSA 2021) will offer a rich and robust in-person and virtual program. As many other associations, and even IHRSA member clubs, have pivoted to offer in-person and virtual options, the IHRSA 2021 hybrid program has been in the works for some time. This program will allow global attendees and partners, wherever they may be, to participate and connect in celebrating the industry’s revival. Read More...
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...
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...
