Health and Fitness Club Industry News: HFA
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
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...
IHRSA Addresses New Vaccine Mandates for Health Clubs
Posted: August 6, 2021 in HFA
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 HFA
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 HFA
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...
