Health and Fitness Club Industry News: HFA
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
New Mental Health Tools Now Available to All Fitness Centers
Posted: February 15, 2022 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - The IHRSA Foundation has developed two new resources to assist health and fitness facilities when designing initiatives and programs to address consumer mental health and wellbeing. The IHRSA Foundation created the following resources thanks to a generous grant from the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation: Supporting Mental Health & Well-being: A Toolkit for Health & Fitness Centers; and Perspectives on Supporting Mental Health & Well-being in Health & Fitness Facilities: A Survey of Fitness Professionals. Read More...
New IHRSA Data Shows High, Growing COVID-related Closure Rates for Fitness Facilities
Posted: January 29, 2022 in HFA
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, IHRSA, the Global Health & Fitness Association, unveiled new industry data showing yet another increase in the number of health clubs, gyms, studios that have closed since this time last year. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, 25% of all fitness facilities have closed across the country, and 30% of studios closed as of January 1, 2022, an increase of 11% since January 1, 2021, which has left the industry looking to Congress for support. Read More...
Tireless Efforts in 2021 Provides Fitness Industry Hope for 2022
Posted: December 28, 2021 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - Congress and legislatures across the country are home for the holidays, which means there will be little happening before the New Year. So, let’s review all our advocacy actions accomplished in 2021 that lay the groundwork for success in 2022... Read More...
Reimagining IHRSA: An Open Letter From President and CEO, Liz Clark
Posted: December 13, 2021 in HFA
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 HFA
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 HFA
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 HFA
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 HFA
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 HFA
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 HFA
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...
