Health and Fitness Club Industry News: HFA
Thursday, June 18th, 2026
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...
IHRSA Takes Additional Steps to Keep You Safe During IHRSA 2021
Posted: September 15, 2021 in HFA
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 HFA
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 HFA
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 HFA
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 HFA
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 HFA
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 HFA, 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...
