These numbers tell a compelling story in concise terms, explains Dunham.
“We use tables to show the importance of the industry and build
content points,” he said. “You've got five minutes in front of a
legislator to tell them what's important. Everything comes from the
data, and all of that is available, but in the end, they want to know
the bottom line.”
The report provides state-by-state statistics, which is designed to
be utilized by Health & Fitness Association members when
communicating with local and state policymakers. These are valuable data
points for grassroots advocacy and networking with industry colleagues.
“Knowing where your allies are can help when there are public policy
or public affairs issues,” he said. “It’s always better to have friends
with you.”
More than 115 attendees from health clubs, studios, and suppliers are
participating in the fly-in, with many leaders hailing the new report.
“When I was hired by the board almost three years ago, one of my
goals was to be able to share real numbers about the value our industry
creates in this country,” said Health & Fitness Association
President & CEO Liz Clark. “This data makes that goal a reality.”
Highlights from the report show that the industry:
- Creates 432,942 direct jobs in the country.
- Pays $10.7 billion in direct wages.
- Pays $5.29 billion in federal taxes.
- Pays $5.35 billion in state and local taxes.
Also figuring into the totals were the contributions of industry
suppliers. According to the report, suppliers are responsible for
creating 60,625 U.S. jobs, paying $4 billion in wages.
In the coming weeks, the report will be available on the Health & Fitness Association website and Club Business International
magazine.
In addition to the JDA report, the Health & Fitness Association provided more statistics from its 2024 U.S. Health and Fitness Consumer Report, which will be released in four installments throughout the rest of the year. The report found that:
- The U.S has more than 72 million health club and studio members.
- The U.S has a higher percentage of active members of fitness facilities than any country other than Sweden.
- Americans pay an average of $59 per month for membership, and 41% of facility users pay $25 or less per month for membership.
“The data from this economic impact study and from our next Consumer Report
show just how important the health and fitness industry is to the
economy of the country as well as to the physical and mental health of
Americans,” Health & Fitness Association Vice President of
Government Affairs Mike Goscinski said. “This data is an essential part
of our campaign to educate Representatives, Senators, and their staff,
about the mental and physical health benefits of exercise—and of the
size and scope of the businesses where consumers exercise.”
The agenda for the historic 2024 Health & Fitness Association
Fly-in and Advocacy Summit, the first under the new association name,
includes education sessions on proposed legislation important to the
industry, including the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, the
Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, and the AFFIM act, which promotes military
readiness and retention through community-based fitness initiatives. On
Wednesday, May 8, the 115 attendees will separate into 15 groups to
attend arranged meetings with members of Congress to discuss these bills
and other issues important to the industry.
Also scheduled at the two-day event is a briefing on current polling
for the upcoming presidential election; an Advocacy 101 session for
first timers; a session on the importance of youth fitness; and a
workout organized with members of Congress and their staff who are
participating in the Congressional Physical Activity Challenge
(sponsored by Myzone).
The Health & Fitness Association would like to thank the following sponsors of the 2024 Fly-in and Advocacy Summit.
Premier Level: ABC Fitness, Studio Grow, and Technogym
Industry Leader: Matrix Fitness
Advocate Level: Daxko, Myzone, and ROR Partners
Supporter Level: Alta Technology Group, ClubConnect,
DX Factor, EGYM, FitOn Health, NASM/AFAA, Precor, Tivity, Wellhub
(formerly Gympass), WellnessSpace Brands (formerly Hydromassage), and
Wexer
For more information, visit the 2024 Health and Fitness Fly-in and Advocacy page.
