Fitness Industry Roundup: Managing COVID-19’s Impact

During the past 15 months, COVID-19 has undeniably left a lasting mark globally. This week’s roundup focuses on COVID-19’s impact on population health, wellness, and the overall fitness industry.

Gov. Newsom: All Californians Need to Focus on Physical & Mental Health

In a recent trip to In-Shape Health Club in Southwest Bakersfield, CA, Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Fitness Alliance announced a collaboration to get people moving again. 23ABC News reports that the governor’s team and a new local council, the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being, will establish fitness goals for the state. Gov. Newsom said, “While we work hard to exercise the physical [health], we don’t do enough to address our mental health. And that’s been exposed—significantly exposed—during this pandemic for everybody.”

The Advisory Council’s goals are to encourage Californians and families to exercise and reconnect residents after dealing with isolation during the pandemic. Co-chairs Jen Siebel Newsom and former NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott will lead the council along with 15 diverse mental and physical health experts.

Watch the entire press conference.

New NASM Online Fitness Course Focuses on Managing COVID-19’s Impact

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), an IHRSA Industry Partner, released a free six-part course to guide fitness professionals through managing a client who had COVID-19. “Given the reach of the pandemic and the numbers of those infected, it is important for exercise professionals to understand how to monitor some of the effects of the virus for the proper application of exercise principles for their clients,” said Ian Montel, manager of product management at NASM. According to Business Wire, the online course highlights essential topics, such as:

• fitness programming strategies,

• the role of technology in monitoring clients,

• strategies to improve mental health and well-being, and more.

Check out Witness The Fitness’s YouTube Channel.

Vaccine Incentives: Missourians Could Win One Year Gym Membership

To vaccinate 60% to 70% of the Missouri population, Natural Impact, a new gym in Wentzville, MO, is giving away a free year of membership—worth $1,000. Anyone vaccinated between June 11 and July 31 can enter to win. "Everything we do is geared toward health and fitness, obviously. But, it's also geared toward family and community,” Natural Impact Coach Becky Noto said to 5 On Your Side. The gym is hoping this will encourage other local businesses to promote the vaccine. Natural Impact will draw a winner on July 31.

Read 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.