IHRSA Health Clubs & Suppliers Speak Out Against Racism

Over the past several weeks, we’ve been moved by the call to dismantle our society’s racial injustices that has swept the U.S. and other countries around the world. As both a global trade association and an employer, we at IHRSA have spent this time listening and learning. There is a long way to go, and much to learn. To quote Gold's Gym below, "Racism has no place in our gyms, our communities, or in our country." To that, we add that racism or any kind of discrimination has no place in our great industry. For 40 years, IHRSA has advocated for the rights of people of all backgrounds and abilities to improve their health and wellness at health clubs. We will continue to fight for this right as we develop a better understanding of the barriers Black people face in the fitness sector.

As we create a broader strategy on diversity and inclusion, we are working to highlight IHRSA member clubs and suppliers that are taking a stand and making a difference. Below are just a few examples of clubs and suppliers making statements. We hope that together we will continue this conversation and work to create a better future for our industry.

Anytime Fitness

On June 1, Anytime Fitness shared a statement on their social media channels. It read:

“We want you to know—our beloved members, coaches and community—that we believe racial injustice in any form is wrong and we stand with the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.”

The company also joined others on #BlackOutTuesday and shared an image of a black square to show support.

Blink Fitness

On Tuesday, June 3, Blink Fitness along with millions of others, posted a black square on Instagram for #BlackOutTuesday. Along with the image, the company wrote, “We believe emphatically and without question that Black Lives Matter. That’s why Blink stands today and every day with our employees, our members and the communities we serve in the fight for justice and equality.”

Brick Bodies Fitness

Brick Bodies Fitness in Baltimore, MD published several social media posts stating that they will not remain silent in the face of racism.

The caption of a black square posted to Instagram on #BlackoutTuesday read, "Today is greater than fitness - it's about mourning, listening, and bringing about change. We stand with our community and will be rescheduling today's Instagram and Facebook live classes."

Castle Hill Fitness

Castle Hill Fitness in Austin, TX announced they are hosting several live-stream donation classes in support of the Austin Justice Coalition.

"The first in our lineup of donation live-stream classes benefiting the Austin Justice Coalition is tonight at 6:45pm," they wrote in a June 4 Facebook post. "We hope you can join us in this invigorating Yoga flow with Erin Feil, and help support efforts to end racism and injustice to BIPOCs."

Crunch Fitness

Crunch Fitness announced that they will donate to the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit that works to end mass incarceration, excessive punishment, and racial inequality.

In a statement, CEO Jim Rowley wrote, “Our work on this issue is not temporary. We are committed to implementing these changes for the long-term and adding to them as we reopen our gyms. And it is our commitment to our employees, our members, and our communities that we will stand with the Black community to address these issues and become the changes we seek.”

Fit Factory

In a June 9 statement, Fit Factory, which has locations in Massachusetts and Texas, tied their company mission to the larger cause. They wrote, “At Fit Factory, our mission is and has always been to radically serve our members, empower our team through employment and opportunity, and to support our communities and others in need. ... We don't always get things right, and we understand that with a platform comes a responsibility to make a statement and take a stance—Black Lives Matter.”

Beyond the statement, Fit Factory is also organizing a series of virtual class fundraisers in which 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Color of Change, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the Black community.

“Hate, racism, and inequality have not, and will never be tolerated in our health clubs, we stand with you,” their statement ends.

Gold’s Gym

Gold’s Gym announced they are working on inclusivity and acceptance within the company by creating a task force, and by identifying community organizations to support.

In their statement posted to Facebook, the company wrote: “Black lives matter. Black lives are an important part of the Gold’s Gym family and the global fitness community. Gold’s Gym has always opened our doors for anyone who wants to be a part of our family. Now is the time to further open our hearts and minds and act as a brand to help spur change….”

Les Mills

In a June 1 post, Les Mills wrote "Our values are beyond fitness. Now is the time to be brave as One Tribe against racism of any kind."

Life Fitness

"Life Fitness stands strong and united with our community. We stand against racism and discrimination," the brand wrote in the caption of a plain black square on a #BlackOutTuesday post. "Together, we can all be part of the change. As we take time to listen and reflect, we will observe a week of silence on our social media channels to create space for these voices to be heard.

Lifetime Fitness

Lifetime Fitness heard the call and spoke up. Here’s what they posted on Facebook June 1:

“We say his name, George Floyd. Together, we feel unfathomable pain. And, what happened was well beyond reprehensible. In this time when our hearts grieve and our world feels broken, we must stand strong. We must take action. To move forward, Building a society that has zero tolerance for prejudice, a better world that upholds human decency, equality, kindness and love. A place where all people are treated the same, and with the utmost level of care. We understand the work is hard and the road ahead will be long. We embrace our responsibility to not only create a workplace, but a healthy way of life that honors, respects and champions all.”

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness made a $100,000 donation to their long-standing partner Boys & Girls Clubs of America, according to a statement posted across their social media channels.

“Racism has no place in our culture,” the company stated. “The Judgement Free Zone was built upon the belief that everyone should be included and celebrated regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or religion. These are not just words. These are our beliefs we’re committed to putting into action, and we stand with the Black Community.”

Precor

In a June 1 post, Precor wrote "When our communities are hurting, it would be wrong for us to ignore it. In solidarity with those seeking change and to have their voices heard, our social channels will be dark this week. In reducing a bit of the noise, we aim to provide space for these voices in hopes that meaningful conversations occur."

TRX

In a June 2 post with an image that read "We see you. We hear you. We stand with you. We can and will do more." TRX also stated: "We at TRX believe in respect, decency, equality and opportunity for all. But, we also recognize that we need to listen, learn, and do more – and we will – starting with a $25,000 donation to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. We stand in solidarity with the Black Community. Black Lives Matter."

Zumba

Zumba wrote this message to the Black community in a June 1 post. "To our Black Community- We see you. We stand with you. We hurt with you. We are working on ways to use our platform to make a difference and to start, we are donating $50,000 to the @NAACP. We will use our voice, we will move forward together. #BlackLivesMatter"

Tag us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to show us how your club is fighting racism and injustice in our communities.