Leading With Innovation

From tech entrepreneur to industry thought leader, Al Noshirvani has helped mold the 21st-century fitness industry.

- Leadership
- HFA Show
HFA Show 2025 Photo Recap
The HFA Show 2025 is in the books, and it did not disappoint! Here are photos of some of the highlights.
Remembering Red Lerille
A pioneer in the industry as a champion bodybuilder and owner of Red Lerille's Health & Racquet Club, Red Lerille was honored at The HFA Show 2025 in Las Vegas as part of the first class of inductees into The HFA Hall of Fame.
- Leadership
- HFA Show
HFA Show 2025 Daily Recap: Thursday, March 13
Day 2 of The HFA Show 2025 is in the books, and it did not disappoint!

Research Reports & Publications

Dr. Kenneth Cooper: The Understated Father of Aerobics
The father of modern aerobics (he coined the term in 1966), Dr. Ken Cooper was a dedicated proponent of exercise as medicine long before the phrase was an accepted truism. He is part of the first class of inductees into the The HFA Hall of Fame.
Julie Main: An Industry Trailblazer with a Legacy of Healing
Julie Main served as the second female board president on the HFA board of directors. She is part of the first class of inductees into the The HFA Hall of Fame.
Rick Caro: The Indispensable Architect of the Modern Health Club Industry
A co-founder of IHRSA, the precursor to the HFA, Rick Caro's career spans more than 50 years, and he remains an essential force in the industry, serving as mentor and advisor to multiple generations. He is part of the first class of inductees into the The HFA Hall of Fame.
Augie Nieto: A Man for All Seasons
The co-founder of industry mainstay Life Fitness, Augie Nieto is part of the first class of inductees into the The HFA Hall of Fame.
John McCarthy: The Visionary Leader Who Made the HFA
For 25 years, John McCarthy led the growth of the trade association for commercial clubs, and, really, the entire fitness industry. He is part of the first class of inductees into the The HFA Hall of Fame.
Mission Fitness Brasil
The first-ever Brazilian Forum at The HFA Show will highlight the strength of the industry in the region.

Despite the increased memberships, three in four Americans still fall short of recommended physical activity levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The HFA Board of Directors will turn over on July 1 with a new chair, vice chair, treasurer, and secretary, plus five new board members.

HFA advocacy was integral in ensuring fitness was part of several key discussions on public health and fitness accessibility that occurred this month in Washington, DC.

Cutting-edge sessions offer numerous opportunities for advancement in Las Vegas, March 12-14

Club Fitness CEO and President Eric Schreimann oversees an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) business that is also a community hub.

European Congress keynote speaker Aidan McCullen is a former pro rugby player who reinvented himself to become an innovation thought leader and global business consultant

Here’s what’s behind the global growth of franchises.

With Karachi as his launching pad, TriFit CEO Ahmar Azam, a new HFA board member, hopes to create a juggernaut in South Asia

After a hiatus of four years, CBI’s Rising Stars franchise is back. These 13 up-and-coming professionals are already making their mark in the industry.

Chris Smith will serve as chair for the next board term while Luke Carlson and Al Noshirvani will be officers for terms beginning July 1.

The Health & Fitness Association recently hosted a town hall for the Industry Partner Advisory Council (IPAC).

Change was the name of the game at the historic IHRSA 2024 Convention & Trade Show March 6-8, 2024, in Los Angeles.

Members of IHRSA’s Industry Partner Advisory Council offer their take on the evolution of health and fitness in 2024.

Many of the largest companies posted solid results in 2022 and the first half of 2023, fueling optimism about the trajectory of the health and fitness industry. Get a glimpse into the 2023 IHRSA Global Report, available now.

Member Exclusive

Successful health and fitness industry leaders provided market insights, growth opportunities, and strategies that improved business the past few years.

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We’re back in Europe—Lisbon to be exact! Join the health and fitness industry for three days of education, expert presentations, networking, testing products, and more.

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Richard Beddie, CEO of Exercise New Zealand and vice chair of the Global Health & Fitness Alliance Advisory Council, takes his place as a representative on the IHRSA Board.

Records were broken, champagne was popped, and nothing will be the same for the health and fitness industry again.

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Erik Lindseth, senior vice president and general counsel of Life Time and National Health & Fitness Alliance Advisory Council member, joins the IHRSA Board as a representative.

As a part of IHRSA 2023, BFS @ IHRSA offers a full day of programming specifically tailored to boutique studio owners and professionals.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is important for any industry. IHRSA members explain DEI initiatives that work for them and how other health clubs can build programs to serve underrepresented groups.

Physically active lifestyles are for everyone—learn how to open up your fitness facility to those with Intellectual Disabilities. IHRSA 2023 speakers discuss no-cost strategies for inclusive environments.

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Scott Gillespie, founder & president of Saco Sport & Fitness, addresses a few key methods to speak to your former members. To learn more, join Scott at IHRSA 2023 for his session, Bring Back Your Former Members.

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Bill Davis, CEO of ABC Fitness Solutions and chair of the Industry Partner Advisory Council, tells us what he hopes to accomplish as a representative on the IHRSA Board of Directors.

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How to gain buy-in for success, find unicorns, and create an optimal employee experience.

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Gen Z and the Alpha Generation are seeking sustainability, and they’re willing to work to create the environments they want.

Energy shortages are affecting the global fitness industry, with Europe being the hardest hit. Here’s how health club operators can reduce their energy consumption and costs.

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Amped Fitness was born of a desire to offer something truly different and out of owner Travis LaBazzo’s desire to build it his way and never deviate from who he is.

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For SportsArt, the company it keeps reflects its commitment to its mission and vision.

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To recruit the 80% of the population that doesn’t participate in regular physical activity, the health and fitness industry needs to change its behavior.

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In 2021, the IHRSA Foundation focused on projects addressing mental health and well-being in fitness centers and expanding access to physical activity. This annual report highlights 2021 activities and discusses future IHRSA Foundation initiatives.

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Untapping the U.K. health, fitness, and leisure industry’s contribution to social prescribing can help deliver our shared ambition for growth.

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Sen. Patrick O’Connor says gyms should have been essential from the beginning. He also tells us what he’s doing moving forward to ensure the fitness industry is part of the healthcare solution.

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Your employees can mean the difference between a successful and a failing fitness business. Ensure you are following these best practices for hiring, training, and developing your staff.

At SportsArt, sustainability is a core value, and it extends to creating relationships.

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Hosts Brent Darden, Bill McBride, Sara Kooperman, and Blair McHaney shared their thoughts on the impact of lockdowns, look back on COVID predictions from a year ago, and more!

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Learning what your members think about your club or studio—and making positive changes based on their feedback—can help you improve the customer experience and increase satisfaction rates.

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In the first of two articles related to implementing DEI strategy into fitness clubs, Michaela Brown encouraged readers to understand the language around DEI. In Part 2, these next steps are ways to take action once you’ve established your understanding and helped your staff to educate themselves.

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A recent canfitpro webinar covered the importance of diversity in representation, DEI being a key factor in growth, and how to promote DEI efforts throughout the year.

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This month’s episode highlights the importance of maintaining overall wellness, covers 2022 industry trends to keep your eye on, and more.

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The growing U.S. healthcare crisis can be depleted with simple exercise and prevention methods.

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are driving factors for clubs across the globe and cover many facets of minority groups. Michaela Brown shares key steps she recommends in guiding your DEI strategy at your gym.

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This edition of Talks and Takes with fitness industry experts Brent Darden, Bill McBride, Blair McHaney, and Sara Kooperman, in collaboration with IHRSA and REX Roundtables, broke down the most recent news around marketing trends, the bounceback of the industry, medical breakthroughs, and more.

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Good marketing can be the deciding factor between a successful business and a failed business. Ensure that you are following these best practices.

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In this month’s episode, the hosts discussed knowing your gym’s data, why you need to perform a compliance audit on your business, and more.

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Establishing an organized accounting process is not an easy task, but implementing these general best practice guidelines can help you make sure your operation’s ledger is accurate and up-to-date.

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Federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates have gym owners facing steep fines for non-compliance—and the potential loss of unvaccinated employees. Dennis Mathias shares strategies from 10 years of managing flu vaccine mandates.

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Welcome to the Playbook for Best Practice Guidelines, an evolving product that will be the ultimate go-to resource for ensuring best practices in health and fitness club operations.

Why Passion Makes You a Successful Fitness Advocate IHRSA org Column Width Listing Image

Two studio owners take their passion for fitness and use it to fight for the survival of the whole fitness industry.

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A data-driven session loaded with research on his own client base at Cooper Clinic & Cooper Fitness Center, Kenneth Cooper, M.D., shared an informative and inspiring session with convention attendees about ways to impact their club members in a practical way.

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The IHRSA SMART Summit brings a new concept to fitness industry conferences.

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This edition of Talks and Takes with fitness industry experts Brent Darden, Bill McBride, Blair McHaney, and Sara Kooperman, in collaboration with IHRSA and REX Roundtables, broke down the most recent news around the GYMS Act, McKinsey’s theory on when the pandemic will end, McDonald’s fitness approach, finding your MVP, and more.

The energetic new leader of the association is determined to help lead the industry to a brighter future.

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We sat down with Chris Stevenson and Marisa Hoff for a quick Q&A where they give tips on how to create an excellent member experience and why a little effort goes a long way.

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IHRSA's new president and CEO marks 30 days with the organization on September 16. Here’s a look at what she’s been up to during her first month at IHRSA.

If reasons 11-40 have not fully convinced you to join us at IHRSA 2021, we hope our top 10 will make you want to kick off our industry’s comeback with us this October.

Still on the fence about attending IHRSA 2021 in Dallas? Maybe ten more reasons will make you want to join in on the fun this October.

The hosts discuss the industry’s hot topics including climate change, industry tailwinds, and a lot more in the August episode of Talks & Takes.

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If you’re still on the fence about attending IHRSA 2021, we are counting down the top 40 reasons why you should join in on the fun this October.

If you’re still on the fence about attending IHRSA 2021, we are counting down the top 40 reasons why you should join in on the fun this October.

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If you’re an IHRSA member club operator interested in promoting the association and the fitness industry, now is the time to consider applying to the IHRSA Board.

IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden gives an update on how IHRSA 2021 registration is going, looks back on projects and initiatives tackled by the industry since last year, and gives thanks to everyone who has helped IHRSA and the fitness industry through the difficult times, in this week’s Take 5.

IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares a big update on IHRSA 2021, discusses the Small Business Administration’s efforts to provide relief to the health and fitness industry, and gives some behind-the-scenes insight on the industry in this week's IHRSA Take 5.

IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden discusses a new study that suggests exercise promotes a higher sense of purpose, shares details on an upcoming industry-wide event, and gives an update on IHRSA 2021.

In 2020, the IHRSA Foundation focused on projects expanding access to physical activity, specifically club-based physical activity opportunities. What will the years to come bring?

IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden encourages viewers to sign up for the WHO webinar, shares news on the GYMS Act dashboard is being recognized by a software company, and discusses new research that can help turn digital fitness fans into members at your club week’s IHRSA Take 5.

IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares details on IHRSA’s new collaboration with the WHO, announces GHFA’s new membership, and discusses the IHRSA Advocate’s new look and direction in this week’s Take 5.

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“Achieving the goal of being recognized as part of the healthcare continuum and reaching the inactive population may be bolstered by shifting our perspectives on health, fitness, wellness, and well-being,” writes interim President and CEO Brent Darden.

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It is now safe for fully vaccinated people to “resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing” except where required by state and local laws, rules, and regulations and/or local business and workplace guidance.

IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares a big update on the GYMS Act, announces a new partnership, and shares details on an upcoming webinar in this week’s Take 5.

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While clubs continue to struggle with the pandemic’s impact, several indicators point to a bright future for the industry.

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Fitness centers in many areas are beginning to wonder when they can start to allow members to exercise without face coverings. Considerations vary depending on a number of factors, but a few key metrics can help inform the case for easing mask restrictions for gym members.

IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden talks about recent data that shows how eager people are to return to the gym, announces a new partnership, and more in this week’s Take 5.

There are “some emerging global themes that have risen to prominence and should be given significant attention by our industry,” writes interim President and CEO Brent Darden.

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Medical and health experts nationwide agree that health clubs and gyms are crucial to overall health and safe to visit amid a pandemic when proper safety guidelines are in place.

IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden introduces IHRSA’s new membership options, gives us an update on the GYMS Act, shares exclusive research from McKinsey & Company, and more in this week’s Take 5.

IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden discusses the congressional physical activity challenge, new data on exercise habits during the pandemic, and if being fully vaccinated means we can go back to pre-pandemic normalcy.

IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden discusses updates to the 40th annual IHRSA Convention, new research on the rise of chronic health conditions due to COVID-19, and much more in this week’s Take 5.

Is inactivity a key risk factor for severe COVID-19? What do industry insiders predict for the future? IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden discusses these topics and more in this week’s Take 5.

This week, IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares exciting news about IHRSA’s growing relationship with the World Health Organization, announces the members of the National Health & Fitness Alliance Council, and more!

This week, IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares results from several surveys further revealing the pandemic’s impact on well-being. Brent also talks about a new COVID-19 risk calculator, ACE’s new campaign, and more!

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As some health authorities lift COVID-19 restrictions, these considerations can help you implement a phased, data-driven approach to rolling back COVID-19 protocols while prioritizing member safety.

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Looking to amplify your lobbying efforts but don’t know where to start? Hosting a lobby day can be a great way to gain momentum and is easier than you think.

This week, IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares data on the fitness industry and discusses in-person events, health clubs in Texas after the lifting of all pandemic-related mandates, and more.

The U.S. Congress failed to include the GYMS Act in the latest relief package—a sign for the industry to push even harder to get it passed in the next round of talks. This week, IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden discusses what you can do to help and more.

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“There is a wealth of resources to support the reasons for optimism” in the fitness industry, writes interim President and CEO Brent Darden.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden gives updates on IHRSA’s efforts to bring the industry together, discusses studies showing the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, and more.

Helping people has always been what the fitness industry is all about. This week, Brent shares some examples, including the response to multiple crises, a push to strengthen the industry’s voice, and more.

We review three studies that show a link between higher levels of physical activity and incident cardiovascular disease, outline the vital role physical activity plays for breast cancer patients and survivors, and find an association between higher levels of exercise capacity and lower odds of COVID-19 hospitalization.

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State Fitness Alliance leaders have been working hard to protect the health and fitness industry in their states. Here are some tips and strategies from their efforts.

U.S. leaders show their commitment to fitness—will that translate to more support for the GYMS Act? This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden discusses that and reveals more startling stats on exercise levels.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden discusses the GYMS Act and what you can do to get it passed. Plus, some top trends from market experts and an impactful IHRSA Foundation project.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden gives insights on how clubs are faring so far in 2021. He also announces a just-released IHRSA resource on sharing industry data, legislative updates, and a new partnership with REX Roundtables.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares some good news on the state of member confidence, positive research and polling outcomes, a new dedication to the IHRSA Foundation, and what U.S. clubs can do as the new Congress begins.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, epidemiological evidence continues to suggest that physical activity is vital and essential, and that health clubs are not primary drivers of COVID-19 transmission.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden answers some top PPP questions, gives an updated number on club closures, unveils a new industry talk show called “Talks & Takes,” and more.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden introduces resources that will spark ideas in the fight against inactivity, assure indoor safety, strengthen lobbying know-how, and announces the launch of a new event in Europe—the IHRSA SMART Summit.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden remembers the late Stephen Tharrett, who contributed to the industry in a multitude of ways. Brent also introduces five initiatives and changes IHRSA is taking on to better serve members and the industry.

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In this case study, Pure Group CEO Colin Grant writes how misconceptions around health clubs, gyms, and studios were set straight; how facts speak for themselves; how customers were safe and informed; and how the industry rallied together and worked to create a better future.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares new research and data related to the fitness industry that is sure to lift your spirits.

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“This is an industry that can once again show its resilience, come together in ways it never imagined back in March 2020, and set new standards for governmental agencies and our current and future club members,” writes Industry stalwart, Rick Caro.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden asks you to make the Active & Safe Commitment.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares how you can help spread the word that gyms are safe.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden not only shares updates on IHRSA and the industry, but also takes a moment to give thanks and share what he is grateful for.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden discusses news of a COVID-19 vaccine, introduces the Global Health & Fitness Alliance, shares data from ClubIntel, REX Roundtable, McKinsey & Company, and more.

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With the next wave of COVID-19 forcing world governments to consider shutdowns again, we've put together eight steps gyms can take to help keep their clubs open or reopen as soon as possible.

Could health clubs play a role in COVID-19 contact tracing? Plus the latest check-in data, an update on letters to U.S. governors, new studies from the U.K. and Boston University, and more!

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The physical, mental, and emotional damage from the pandemic is increasing nationwide. Experts are pushing data and facts to keep gyms open as part of a solution to fight the negative effects brought on by the virus, lockdowns, and isolation.

IHRSA continues to fight to keep clubs open around the globe and promote the message that exercise is essential—now more than ever.

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Physicians say a healthy lifestyle is the closest thing to a vaccine we have, and give more reasons to prove health clubs are safe and essential.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares research findings on current club revenues, revenue projections for 2021, and information on online bookings and appointments. He also gives an update on the presidential debate, the Health & Fitness Recovery Act of 2020 (H.R. 8485), and more.

In the final part of our series with Catic Wellness Group Owner Loni Wang, we cover the topic of leadership. Below are the challenges and opportunities that she faced.

This week, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares a message from U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, new research findings, as well as more information from a recent COVID-19 outbreak.

Leadership 20 CV Crystal Washington column

"It's time to innovate or fold," writes Crystal Washington, futurist, technology strategist, and IHRSA Innovation Summit keynote speaker. Learn her perspective on the way ahead for the fitness industry.

On this week’s Take 5, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden shares how clubs are helping to tell the public that they are safe. He also shares updates on research, The Health & Fitness Recovery Act of 2020, and more.

In the first installment of a new weekly video update, Darden covers legislation to save the fitness industry, state fitness alliances, a health club air quality study, and more.

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America was unhealthy before the pandemic, now it’s out of control. One expert hopes to see healthcare reform by promoting physical activity in the future.

It’s time to push the throttle in order to secure success and longevity. With that in mind, we’ve put together nine focus areas that you should keep your eye on to guarantee your club’s success in the future.

Lori Deemer, M.D., concludes that social isolation, decreased physical activity, and loss of function—all factors of the pandemic—are leading Americans to an unhealthy future.

Some health and fitness clubs in the U.S. have been closed since March. One doctor believes it’s time that policymakers see—once and for all—how important clubs are to overall health.

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“In these times more than ever, we need the ability to get back up when we fall,” says Sundquist, who will share his inspiring story at the IHRSA Innovation Summit on September 17.

Robert Sallis, M.D., says, “Whatever it takes to get places where people can exercise and be active to open, we have to do it, it's an essential part of life.”

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Cancer research experts have a vision for the future where cancer treatments include tailored exercise prescriptions.

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As states begin opening their economies, IHRSA and U.S. fitness clubs make the case that health clubs are vital and well-prepared for opening as soon as safely possible. IHRSA lays out four areas of focus to safely and successfully reopen clubs across the country.

Leadership Sports Art 20 CV Award Winner Listing

The Associate Member of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize an IHRSA member for their significant contributions to the advancement of the health club industry.

Leadership Richard Bilton 20 CV Award Winner Listing

Richard Bilton, owner and president of Companhia Athletica, has served on the IHRSA board of directors and was instrumental in helping IHRSA launch IHRSA / Fitness Brasil in 2000.

Leadership FFC Oak Park 20 CV Award Winner Listing

FFC Oak Park has demonstrated a passion for helping people, through event hosting, sponsorship, and generous giving.

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We celebrate the legacy of Julie Main by offering the Woman Leader Award to a woman who exemplifies Julie's qualities of leadership and drive.

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America’s fitness industry is one of the hardest hit by the forced closures mandated by the coronavirus crisis. To ensure the inclusion of every health and fitness club in relief efforts, IHRSA and industry leaders are ramping up federal lobbying.

Industry veteran Theo Hendriks says to survive this crisis, don't be too proud to share your problem, and communicate, communicate, communicate.

“Pushing the reset button and planning your revival will help ensure a successful future,” writes Brent Darden to gyms struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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You can help position the industry for decades of success by getting involved and being the leader the industry needs.

CBI and IHRSA are pleased to present 20 of the industry’s most accomplished and promising young fitness professionals.

Being a leader means you can “advocate for one of the best products being ‘sold,’” according to ILC member Paula Neubert.

Michelle P. King, director of inclusion at Netflix, will discuss gender inequality in the workplace at the 11th Annual IHRSA Women’s Leadership Summit, sponsored by Club Automation.

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The IHRSA Expert Series shares knowledge, tips, and experience to help you grow, protect, and promote your business and the whole health and fitness industry.

Crystal Washington, an author, futurist, and charming guide to all-things-internet, will “Imagine the Future” with the attendees of IHRSA 2020.

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Scott Stratten, business provocateur and president of UnMarketing, Inc., gives us a sneak peek at his IHRSA 2020 keynote, "UnSelling: The New Customer Experience."

Author, UnLearning expert, and business provocateur Scott Stratten will define and describe “The New Customer Experience” during IHRSA 2020.

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It is critically important for club operators to know about pending litigation, court decisions, and legislation that impacts their business, says Mark Durall, general manager at Olympic Athletic Club.

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IHRSA and CBI are proud to highlight 20 women who have made the industry what it is today and are defining what it will be tomorrow.

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Protect the profitability of your health club and become a fitness leader at the same time with this advice from Dr. David Rehr, professor and director of the Center for Business Civic Engagement at George Mason University.

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Scott Gillespie of Saco Sport & Fitness recalls the day he rediscovered his passion for training at one of his first IHRSA conventions.

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Author and comedian Josh Sundquist will discuss the meaning behind and the importance of “1mt1mt” at IHRSA 2020.

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Every facet of the industry can have an impact on someone’s life. You “have the opportunity to make a career of helping people help themselves,” says David Van Daff of Fusionetics.

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Olympic Athletic Club General Manager Mark Durall saw a problem brewing and took steps to stop it. What happened next saved his club and the industry time and money—and it’s something anyone could do.

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The fitness industry impacts lives every day, going “far beyond the calories burned, the inches lost or gained, dumbbells, treadmills, and walls,” according to ILC member Anna Welsh.

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Your local and national legislators want to hear from you. IHRSA Assistant Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Perkins has some advice on the best ways to reach with lawmakers.

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Two IHRSA European Congress speakers share their strategies to lead strong teams in a changing world and unlock the secrets of elite sellers.

Surround yourself with the best people and build a stellar team by first recognizing your own strengths and weakness, Steve Capezzone of Healthtrax International advises.

How do you realize your career goals when you have no direction? Debbie Peterson breaks it down.

People do not operate the same way. Give your staff the details and tools they need in order to succeed, advises ILC member Karen Raisch-Siegel of LifeWorks of Southwest General.

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It’s vital health clubs build a relationship with their representatives and senators, but don’t just take our word for it. Congressman Ron Kind agrees and he’s been sponsoring the PHIT Act for 10 years.

Leadership Nick Coutts Fitness Hut column

Award-winning fitness industry professionals share their insights on how to create a successful club brand.

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These three franchise leaders spotlight how ownership of small chains of fitness franchises is quickly becoming the new normal.

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To deliver experiences that go beyond members’ expectations, you need to first cultivate a team of great people, says Derek Gallup, EVP of GFORCES at UFC Gym.

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Starting your journey with the end in mind isn’t the only advice Lynne Brick of Brick Bodies has, but it’s one everyone in the fitness industry needs to remember.

From the front desk staff to the CEO, every health club employee plays a part in making a difference in the big fight against the global physical inactivity epidemic.

Past IHRSA Institute attendees share what made the event one to remember and one to experience.

The next generation of health club leaders can take their career to the next level by attending The IHRSA Institute. And two scholarships can help you get there.

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The industry is in a state of change unlike anything Healthplex Sports Club General Manager Dennis Mathias says he has experienced—making it an exciting time to be a business leader.

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Growing your business is great for your bottom line, but it's also great for the health of your community and the world. That's why even if you're a small town health club, international organizations could help your business.

IHRSA and CBI are pleased to introduce 22 of the industry’s most accomplished and promising young fitness professionals.

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For Greta Wagner, every crisis is just a problem ready to be solved. The trick is reminding yourself that one way or another, the solution will always come. Move through each challenge calmly, and never be afraid to ask for help.

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For Rochester Athletic Club’s Matt Remick, the ability to spread positivity and impact members’ lives is what makes being a leader in the fitness industry so rewarding.

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Michele Melkerson-Granryd uses her voice to influence and shape the future direction of the industry as an IHRSA board member and a member of the ILC.

In-Shape CEO Francesca Schuler is here to challenge your preconceptions about fitness industry employees, career paths, and leaders.

HealthQuest’s Wade Williams says “being a hungry student of the industry” will help you continually grow and evolve as a business leader in the fitness industry.

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What can be done to get more women in positions of leadership in the fitness industry? Helen Durkin, J.D., IHRSA’s executive vice president of public policy, has some ideas.

Working behind the scenes is great, but according to Larry Conner, you must also lead by networking with others in the industry and in the community.

European health clubs have faced several changes in the past year. While change can be challenging, it’s also an opportunity for savvy business leaders.

Helping to make members’ lives better is the most fulfilling part of being a business leader in the fitness industry, says Universal Athletic Club’s Rick Casselbury.

Brandon Bean was given the task of evolving the world’s most venerable brand while protecting its unique legacy.

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Once you connect your personal purpose to the work that you do, everything changes.

Colin Grant, the CEO of the Pure Group, which has 35 yoga and fitness facilities in South Asia, has never considered failure an option.

The IHRSA Institute, a highly focused ‘leadership boot camp,’ will give you all the tools you need to take your club and career to the next level.

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Fitness industry leaders can use these six strategies to think bigger than ever before and take their businesses to new heights.

Above all, highly effective fitness industry leaders are proactive—especially when it comes to their health club's culture.

The recipient of the 2018 IHRSA Woman Leader Award in honor of Julie Main leads by example and by offering the kind of support she lacked early on.

Losing his sight yielded unique insights that allowed Isaac Lidsky to succeed at life. He'll tell how at IHRSA 2018.

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Member Exclusive

Learn how to take the pulse of your gym and jump into building a fierce people culture.

Understanding how you, and your employees, communicate is vital to your success as a leader—especially in the fitness industry.

IHRSA and Club Business International are pleased to introduce our readers to 22 of the industry’s true “Rising Stars.”

We asked five fitness industry leaders (who just so happen to be women) to share their thoughts on how gyms can foster a supportive environment for female employees.

Entrepreneur and jazz virtuoso Josh Linkner will explore the connection between improvisation and innovation in his IHRSA 2018 keynote address.

Leah Busque, the founder of TaskRabbit and an on-demand service star, knows how to turn brilliant epiphanies into reality.

When clubs stop doing things the way they've always been done, they start winning.

IHRSA 2018 keynote speaker Lisa Bodell, the founder of futurethink, insists that you need to sacrifice the status quo in order to create space for true innovation.

For ACE's Graham Melstrand, the most fulfilling part of being a business leader in the fitness industry is creating "more meaningful relationships with the healthcare and public health communities."

Luke Carlson of Discover Strength tells us that "being a manager or a leader is ... the most important calling or work that we can engage in."

The company’s CEO praises employees who cry at work, and the president hams it up as Star Trek’s Captain Kirk in satirical videos.

Dave Bundy, owner of the Global Fitness Center, tells us the most fulfilling part of being a business leader in the fitness industry is "working in an industry where most people want to be there every day and are excited about helping more people get active."

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Brad Wilkins, senior vice president of operations at Cooper Aerobics, reminds fitness industry leaders to "stop every once in a while and reflect on what you’ve accomplished."

Women have been making strides in the fitness industry, but not without facing challenges along the way. We asked five recipients of IHRSA's Woman Leader Award to share their advice.

Mark Miller, COO with Merritt Clubs, explains that you won't know everything starting out, and that's okay. Stay open and humble and you can make a major impact on individual and community lives.

Midtown Athletic Clubs COO Jon Brady gives advice on working in the fitness industry and shares what the most fulfilling part of being in the fitness industry is for him.

The Atlantic Club COO Kevin McHugh takes us back in time, sharing the one piece of leadership advice he wishes he had when starting out in the fitness industry.

CEO of Little Rock Athletic Club, Frank Lawrence, shares his business expertise and what's been the most fulfilling part of being an industry leader.

The fitness industry has produced—and benefited from—many strong, pioneering women. It was hard to pick just four!

The IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show brings together influential health and fitness industry leaders every year, where they share tips and tricks on leading the field and your company to the top.

Stevenson Fitness Chris Stevenson Article

From big box stores to mom-and-pop shops, employees are apt to goof around when their boss’ back is turned. But it doesn't have to be that way at your club.

Being a leader is more than just owning a successful business. Meredith Poppler offers her thoughts on what people can do to become industry leaders.

IHRSA’s 2016 Woman Leader Award recipient has spent 32 years striving to provide a GoodLife for all of the citizens of Canada.

There's a lot of advice on how to be a leader out there, but not all applies to the fitness industry. That's why we spoke to successful club owners and fitness professionals.

"While you need to have a passion for fitness, you also need a solid understanding as to what ultimately drives profitability," says Janine Williams of Leisure Sports.

Jim Worthington of Newtown Athletic Club tells us that a benefit of being a leader is “there is something to be learned from everyone…Innovation and inspiration comes when it is often least expected and often it can be found in unusual places.”

Business owners must spend some time away from operational discussions and engage in larger, creative conversations to effectively lead the industry into the future.