Fitness Industry Roundup: Every Peak Has a Valley

October proved to be a big month for the health and fitness industry and internally here at IHRSA: IHRSA 2023 is in less than five months, IHRSA and the National Health & Fitness Alliance’s advocacy efforts received a large sum of support, plus news on emerging research and reports.

Before we get into those topics, the global industry recently lost a tycoon in a devastating airplane accident. The IHRSA team sends its deepest condolences to everyone impacted by the loss of Rainer Schaller, his family, and passengers onboard the flight.

Global Fitness Industry Mourns Loss of Rainer Schaller & Family

On October 22, it was reported that a small plane carrying Rainer Schaller, founder & CEO of RSG Group, which includes McFit, John Reed, and Gold's Gym, and members of his family crashed off the coast of Costa Rica. The RSG Group confirmed the news earlier this week. Following the news, IHRSA President & CEO Liz Clark released a statement. “Rainer was a giant in our industry, an innovator, and entrepreneur, and he was a leader who worked to shape our industry and benefit the health and well-being of the public,” she said.

Read the full statement.

Welcome Back to San Diego: IHRSA 2023 Registration is Now Open

Join 300+ exhibitors, 6,000+ health and fitness industry professionals, and 100+ wellness and business expert presenters at IHRSA’s International Convention & Trade Show (IHRSA 2023) this March! This year’s event returns to sunny San Diego, CA—a fan favorite—from March 20-22. Experience three days of networking, education sessions, inspiring stories, and so much more. Plus, an exhilarating two-day Trade Show with 350,000-square-feet of space to check out the newest and most innovative products and technology.

Learn more and register for IHRSA 2023.

Fitness Technology Summit Donates $150K to IHRSA Advocacy Efforts

At this year’s Fitness Technology Summit, IHRSA and the National Health & Fitness Alliance were presented a check for $125,000. The generous donation, made possible by The Fitness Technology Summit and DXFactor, will support ongoing U.S. advocacy efforts, including a pivotal push for passage of the PHIT (Personal Health Investment Today) Act. When presenting the check, Al Noshirvani, IHRSA Board member and founder of The Fitness Technology Summit, told event attendees, "Let's not get caught flat footed again. Support IHRSA and the important work that our association is doing at the State and Federal level." The Fitness Technology Summit took place October 10-12 in Atlanta and was the most successful event in its history.

Learn more about the Fitness Technology Summit.

First-ever WHO Global Report Recognizes Industry's Role in Improving Overall Health

A large part of the global health and fitness industry's role is to reduce physical inactivity by providing a safe and effective space for consumers and members to be active. The recent Global Status Report on Physical Activity, released by the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes that public health is a concern and our industry is essential in increasing physical activity levels and improving overall health and well-being. “It is good for public health and makes economic sense to promote more physical activity for everyone,” said Ruediger Krech, DrPH, director, department of health promotion at WHO. We all share the same goals. IHRSA will use this report as a tool to leverage our seat at the table and promote programs and policies that support increasing physical activity.

Read the report.

Researchers Say Exercise & Nutrition are ‘Paramount’ During Chemo

New research urges patients to exercise during chemotherapy to ease the ravages of treatment. U.S. News reports that patients who exercised during chemotherapy felt less tired, exercised more, and had better heart and breathing function as well as greater muscle strength. “I emphasize to [patients] and their families that exercise and healthy eating is paramount and will be a great investment to their quality of life in the long run,” said Eric Yang, MD, director of UCLA's cardio-oncology program, who reviewed the research. “And, as this study demonstrates, if you can't exercise during your treatments, start after—it's better late than never.”

Find out more.

Has your health or fitness-related business been featured in the news recently? We want to know! Send a link to any news article or video that highlighted your business to pr@ihrsa.org, and we may include it in a future issue of the Fitness Industry Roundup.