About Us

We represent a global community of health and fitness professionals committed to building their businesses and improving their communities’ health and well-being.

Thousands of fitness facilities, millions of people all working toward one goal: helping more people get active.

Committed to the growth, protection, and promotion of the health and fitness industry, and the success of our members.

The mission of the Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA) is to grow, promote, and protect the health and fitness industry, and to provide its members with the benefits that will help them be more successful. The association and its members—health and fitness clubs, gyms, studios, sports and aquatic facilities, and industry partners—are dedicated to making the world healthier through regular exercise.

Shaping a Healthier World for All

The Health & Fitness Association and the industry are dedicated to increasing access to physical activity worldwide. There are many ways in which we strive to achieve this goal. We advocate for a universally inclusive fitness industry where all races, backgrounds, ages, orientations, and abilities feel intentionally welcomed and included. We actively partner with several national, international, and global organizations working to help more people get active, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, and we run global campaigns promoting inclusive physical activity, like the Get Active for All Campaign. Together, we can make a healthier world and create a better future for our industry.

Events That Power the Fitness Industry

The association's vibrant and dynamic events set the pace for the global health and fitness industry. From our annual Convention & Trade Show to our European Congress, our educational events and trade shows provide countless opportunities for professionals to come together, learn, and improve their businesses.

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Research That Drives Growth

The depth of our health and fitness industry research is unparalleled. We regularly study consumer behavior to understand why people join gyms and what motivates them to stay. Our groundbreaking publications go beyond mere statistics—they give you insight, KPIs, and actionable strategies to strengthen your bottom line.

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Leading the Fight for the Future

The Health & Fitness Association unites all types of fitness facilities, industry partners, and more globally to do work that makes a difference. We’re building the next generation of health and fitness advocates who commit to highlighting the vital role our industry plays in addressing chronic disease and physical inactivity while improving mental health.

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We're All About Our Members

The Health & Fitness Association is dedicated to helping its members succeed so that the industry can thrive. Headquartered in Boston, with staff scattered across the globe, we’re always willing to go the extra mile—or kilometer—for you.

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Trailblazing Board of Directors

The Health & Fitness Association Board of Directors is a prestigious group of business leaders who work together to set the strategic course for the association and the health and fitness industry. Board members serve the association and the industry by providing guidance, strategic direction, and insight that has a lasting global impact on the Health & Fitness Association, our members, and the industry at large. Their work is focused on the strategic, long-term direction of the organization, including external scanning, goal and strategy development, policy development, and overall evaluation and accountability.

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The IHRSA Foundation

In 2012, we established the IHRSA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization promoting good health through exercise. The foundation aims to build capacity across the health and fitness industry so fitness professionals can deliver evidence-based health promotion programs for disease prevention and chronic disease management purposes. Our programs and research will be available to the general public and support the platform adopted by the Health & Fitness Association to promote the health and fitness industry as a primary solution to the physical inactivity epidemic.

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