Making the Case for Inclusivity
Two experts explain how to expand diversity in the fitness industry as both employers and public-facing businesses.
Wellness & Community Programming
Wellness & Community Programming Supplier Content
The Key Role of Exercise in Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and there’s no better time to reinforce the importance of exercise in emotional well-being.
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Making Healthcare Referrals Profitable (Part 2)
In this follow-up from last month, we go deeper into the healthcare insurance reimbursement system and shed light on the complex processes that operators will encounter in providing this vital service to members.
Research Reports & Publications
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Growing Your Gym’s Revenue with Children’s Programming [WEBINAR]
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Making Healthcare Referrals Profitable
While medical referrals offer potential new member and revenue opportunities, you need to approach building provider relationships strategically.
The Fitness Industry Is Worth $22.4 Billion to the U.S. Economy, Says New Report
Just released economic impact data reveals the enormous financial power of the industry
Top 2 Trends From Health & Fitness Industry Executives
Members of IHRSA’s Industry Partner Advisory Council offer their take on the evolution of health and fitness in 2024.
No-cost Strategies to Make Your Health Club More Inclusive
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.
Fitness Veterans Explain How Gyms Can Attract All Generations
With 30+ years of experience between Sarah and Sal Pellegrino, their joint session at IHRSA 2023, 4 Gens by 2 Gens: How to Drive Four Generations to Your Gym, is sure to leave you with a toolbox of ideas to attract consumers of all generations.
Lake Nona Performance Center has developed an extensive facility designed to offer wellness, fitness, and medical care to everyone who walks in the door.
Paralympic Athletes Train at HFA-Member Clubs
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games begin today, and FFC Gold Coast in Chicago, Downtown Athletic Club in Eugene, Oregon, and Club Fitness in St. Peters, Missouri, each have a club member competing for Team USA.
Health & Fitness Association Secures Seat in GLP-1 Policy Discussion
The HFA urges Congress to view the expansion of Medicare coverage for GLP-1 drugs not as an isolated solution but as part of a broader, integrated approach to health and wellness.
HFA Joins Call for Action to Fight Growing Physical Inactivity Crisis
Nearly one third of adults worldwide, approximately 1.8 billion people, did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022.
24 Best Practices on Group Fitness Classes at Health Clubs
Group fitness classes can be a key driver of attendance and revenue at your fitness center or studio. However, it’s essential that your group fitness program is well run to reap the benefits of a top-notch offering.
27 Best Practice Guidelines on Saunas & Steam Rooms
Make sure you follow these best practices for designing a new sauna or steam room or maintaining an existing one.
3 Ways Gyms Can Attract & Retain the Inactive Population
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.
Untapping the U.K. Fitness Industry’s Social Prescribing Plan
Untapping the U.K. health, fitness, and leisure industry’s contribution to social prescribing can help deliver our shared ambition for growth.
12 Best Practice Guidelines on Running Medical Fitness Programs
Medical fitness programs can be a great way to help your community and bring in new members. Review these best practice guidelines to help ensure your programs are successful.
COVID and the Next Generation of Fitness Consumers
Young adults—specifically, Gen Z—are the next generation of fitness consumers. Sarah Marion, Ph.D., director of syndicated research at Murphy Research, gives us insight into Gen Z’s approach to health and how fitness facilities should target this market.
16 Best Practices for Providing Food & Beverage Service at Your Gym
Food and beverage service can be an important profit center for your health club, gym, or studio as well as a way to extend the member experience at your facility. Be sure to follow these best practices!
Better Mental Health Starts With Physical Activity
COVID has brought on what some may call another global pandemic—mental health. Focus on you this year; boost your mental health by maintaining a physically active lifestyle.
To Lift or Not to Lift: Addressing Arthritis Myths
As an instructor or personal trainer, it’s important to get to know the clientele you work with—beyond their visible restrictions. Christine Conti, CEO of Conti Fitness & Wellness, LLC, and IHRSA 2022 speaker, addresses arthritis and provides direction for fitness professionals.
Exercise is Medicine for COVID-19
A retrospective observational study from Kaiser Permanente shows that those who consistently met physical activity guidelines before their COVID-19 diagnosis were about 2.5 times less likely to die.
Talks & Takes: Positive Psychology & Transformative Fitness Trends
This month’s episode highlights the importance of maintaining overall wellness, covers 2022 industry trends to keep your eye on, and more.
Fitness: The Solution to the Healthcare Crisis in America
The growing U.S. healthcare crisis can be depleted with simple exercise and prevention methods.
How Your Members—and Club—Can Benefit from Wearable Tech
Wearables are creating the personalized experience that active consumers crave. Your gym can benefit from this technology.
The Medical Fitness Difference to Improve Population Health
Lori Deemer, M.D., explains the Hancock Wellness Centers’ strategy to integrate medicine and fitness to improve population health.
Talks & Takes: Retaining Your Team, Human Connection, & More
This month’s episode discusses hot topics surrounding the fitness industry including retaining good team members, what Americans look for in a new gym, and more.
How Behavioral Design Can Transform Your Business
Research led by Daniel Krieglstein, Ph.D., executive director of behavioral design for ClearView Insights, reveals the power of emotional return on investment (eROI).
Bringing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to the Fitness Industry
How club operators can promote and implement strategies for a more inclusive industry.
Exercise is Key in Mental Health & Well-being
Key findings of a recent John W. Brick Foundation report reviewing 30 years’ worth of studies and what this data means for fitness industry professionals.
Multidisciplinary Hypopressive Method: A New Trend in Exercise
Some are giving more attention to exercise for health enhancement, calling for a change in the exercise paradigm. Now, there's a new tool that can be adapted and applied to health, fitness, and sports professionals—the MHM.
What is Population Health & How Does it Connect to Fitness?
Population health and the fitness industry are more connected than many realize, and making 'physical activity for all' a reality will require both.
Community Support Key to Including People with Intellectual Disabilities in Fitness
Key findings and recommendations on how clubs and trainers can better serve people with intellectual disabilities.
Integrating Blue Zones Concepts in Health Clubs
Jason Beck, M.D., member of IHRSA’s Medical, Science, and Health Advisory Council, examines the concept of Blue Zones and how they can be applied to the fitness industry.
Nicole Golden, owner of FWF Wellness, gives us insight into how fitness can help the millions suffering from substance use disorder.
New Report: Exercise Plays Key Role in Mental Health & Well-being
Current evidence suggests physical activity and exercise benefit mental health. In June 2021, the John W. Brick Foundation released their Move Your Mental Health Report, a scoping review of studies conducted over the last thirty years. This article outlines the key findings of the report and what this data means for fitness industry professionals.
Why Physical Activity Should Be Vital in Public Health Policy
Mikel Izquierdo, Ph.D., explains the importance of physical activity in public health policy, especially during the pandemic.
Understanding Today’s Health Club Consumers
As many people begin to return to their pre-pandemic fitness routines, it’s more crucial than ever to understand their habits, their wants, and their needs.
What We Know About Exercise & Success with Weight Management
Dr. James Annesi shares his research on exercise habits, healthy eating, and how it affects weight management.
Fitness Is Essential: Supporting Clubs and Members
Fitness is more critical now than ever. Here’s how the message supports the industry and clubs support the message.
Physical Activity Linked to Better Immune Health
We review three studies that find associations between physical activity and lower risk of infection and hypertension, and how exercise mediates obesity-related mortality risks.
Physical Inactivity a Top Predictor of Severe COVID-19 Outcomes
We review three studies that show a link between physical inactivity and odds of more severe COVID-19 outcomes, the potential benefits of resistance training for people with rheumatoid arthritis, and Pilates’ efficacy as a fall risk prevention strategy.
5 Facts About Mental Health & Exercise During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated collective awareness around mental health and wellness. This article highlights research and evidence showing the effect of COVID-19 on mental health, the benefits of physical activity, and the role fitness centers can play.
New WHO Guidelines Emphasize Vital Role of Physical Activity
The World Health Organization’s revamped standards can help guide fitness facilities and health clubs that play a key role in promoting physical activity, providing a safe space with knowledgeable staff, and supportive programming.
Physical Activity During COVID-19 Linked to Mood
We review three studies that show a link between low physical activity during COVID-19 to anxiety and depression, the potential for exercise to improve sleep quality in older adults, and how higher objectively measured fitness and strength levels lower the odds of anxiety and depression.
Higher Activity Tied to Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Events
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.
Resistance Exercise Lowers Anxiety Symptoms in Young Adults
We review three studies that show resistance exercise can lower anxiety symptoms in young adults, higher levels of moderate-vigorous physical activity can mitigate the risks of lengthy sitting time, and physical activity is linked to lower rates of diabetic neuropathy and improved kidney function in people with type 1 diabetes.
Medically Referred Exercise Program Provides Health Benefits
We review three studies showing how medical referrals to an exercise program can benefit health outcomes, the influence of exercise on brain DNA damage and related neurological conditions, and the potential for physical activity as a helpful adjunct treatment for COVID-19 recovery.
Medical & Fitness Experts: Gyms Are Crucial to Fight COVID-19
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.
How Gyms’ Childcare Programs Support Hybrid School Schedules
Gyms across the U.S. are making an impact in their communities and to their bottom line by adapting childcare services to support schools and families struggling due to COVID-19-related changes.
The Preventive Role of Exercise in the COVID-19 Outbreak
We review three studies showing how physical activity positively impacts overall health in the general population, cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes in people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia, and quality of life in breast cancer patients.
Exercise Fights Off Disease Now & Lowers Risk Later in Life
Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., has been promoting preventive medicine and disease prevention long before the coronavirus pandemic. Now, he says, it’s time to heighten the need to keep health and fitness levels up.
A Pandemic & Decades of Science Show Exercise Is Vital
Activity levels are slumping, unhealthy lifestyles are on the rise, and a pandemic is ravaging the world. Tyler Cooper, M.D., MPH, shares how exercise can help improve quality and quantity of life.
Why Gyms Need Active Aging Programs to Rebuild Membership
The industry must broaden its service proposition. It’s time to aggressively court the older generation.
More Activity, Lower Mortality in People with Chronic Disease
We review three studies showing how physical activity provides benefits to people with chronic disease, Parkinson's disease, and gestational diabetes.
A Healthy Nation Needs Exercise & Quality Healthcare
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.
Why Making Your Gym More Inclusive Is Good for Business
Broadening your club’s reach and including people of all ages and abilities in your programming benefits both your club and your community.
Lockdowns Cause Severe Mental & Physical Health Consequences
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.
Health Clubs Are Valuable, Policymakers Need to Make Changes
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.
Physical Inactivity & the COVID-19 Pandemic
We review three studies showing how physical inactivity can affect COVID-19 outcomes, what the evidence says about physical activity and Alzheimer’s disease risk, and the benefit of adding exercise to behavioral therapy for depression treatment.
Doctor Says Gyms Can Help Prevent COVID-19 & Lessen Its Impact
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.”
How Health Clubs Still Serve At-risk Groups Amid Pandemic
IHRSA spoke with four health and fitness centers leading the industry in health and wellness programming. Here's how they're continuing to serve at-risk populations.
What Your Gym Needs to Know About Physician Referral Programs
An increasing number of studies are pointing out the benefits of physician referrals for exercise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some clubs who could prove they were offering health services were allowed to remain open, even as others closed. Here's the evidence your club can use to continue to build relationships with the medical community.
5 Reasons Why Your Health Club Should Have Kids Camps
A family-friendly brand can reap dividends that can last years. Here’s how to create a successful kid-friendly program.
How COVID-19 Changed Kids Programming in Health Clubs
Health clubs around the world are making changes to all aspects of their business in response to COVID-19. Here’s how some clubs are adapting to new protocols as they apply to a special population: children.
Exercise Benefits Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Learn about three studies showing how exercise can alleviate adverse side effects for some cancer patients, be used as a prevention and mental health promotion strategy, and how it can help lower depression and hostility in sedentary adults.
How Does Exercise Fit Into an Age- & Gender-neutral Army
Army Major General Lonnie G. Hibbard discusses your club and military readiness.
Cancer Expert: Working with the Fitness Industry the 'Holy Grail’
Cancer research experts have a vision for the future where cancer treatments include tailored exercise prescriptions.
As gyms begin to reopen amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many are wondering whether it is safe to resume pre-closure activities, including working out in the gym. Here are four evidence-based reasons why exercise is beneficial for immune and overall health.
5 Reasons Your Club Should Hire a Dietitian in 2020
Having a registered dietitian on staff at your health club is good for your members and your bottom line.
7 Things Your Gym Can Do for Cancer Patients and Survivors
Many gyms offer specialized programs to help cancer patients manage their health. Here are some ideas to help you start a program of your own.
Fitness & Accessibility: Why It Is Important
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.
5 Things That Will Help Your Gym Members Stick to Their Exercise Habits
Nearly 11% of all health club members join their gyms in January, but 80% of New Year's resolutions are abandoned by February. Here's how to help your members beat the odds.
7 Ways to Keep Your Gym’s Members Engaged Over the Holidays
Help your members stay motivated and fight the urge to drop their fitness routine with these seven tips.
Fitness Sector Can Play a Key Role in Dementia Prevention
As more studies link exercise with reduced risk of developing dementia, the question becomes, “What role can health clubs play in helping their communities stay physically and mentally fit?”
The Important Role Diet & Nutrition Play at Your Gym
Respecting ‘scope of practice’ protects and pays dividends for your staff and your members.
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Health Insurance Exercise Incentives: An Opportunity for Gyms
More and more health insurance companies are encouraging customers to be healthier and more physically active through incentives and reimbursement programs. These programs can benefit your members and business.
An Open Letter to the Fitness Industry on Inclusivity
If you want to reach the 80% of people who aren't exercising at a gym, then you need to join health clubs around the world that are working to make facilities more accessible to people of all abilities.
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Kids in Gyms: 7 Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Health clubs can attract whole families when they offer children's programming. Discover how to get started while ensuring the safety of kids in your club.
Fitness Industry Can Help Make Physical Activity Contagious
The World Health Organization is turning to the fitness industry to help prevent the leading causes of death globally. First, we need to innovate to get more people into gyms, says the WHO’s Dr. Fiona Bull.
4 Ways to Help Your Gym’s Members Stay Fit While Traveling
When your members keep in shape while they travel, they’re more likely to return to your gym once they come home. Here’s how you can help them stick with it.
How 'Get Fit' Helped 3 Clubs Connect with Their Community
Commit to Get Fit launched 30 years ago. What lessons can we learn from three of the original participating clubs?
Wellness Programs Open a New World of Opportunities for Clubs
And the payoff can reach beyond health club members into revenue streams.
3 Ways Gyms Can Help Members Maintain Their Weight Loss Success
Not only are gyms the perfect place for people who want to lose weight, they’re also in an ideal position to their help members keep it off.
Why Your Gym Needs to Be a Community Center
Your members need social connection. Give it to them and watch your club thrive.
New Physical Activity Guidelines Focus on Idea of Moving More
The new guidelines stress that “doing something is better than doing nothing,” says project lead Katrina Piercy, Ph.D., RD, ACSM-CEP.
How to Create a Medicare-reimbursed Diabetes Program
In three steps, your club could tap into a new opportunity and help address a significant health problem.
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How Your Club Can Leverage Diabetes Prevention Programs
In 2018, Medicare changed the rules to allow non-clinical centers (like gyms) to be reimbursed for Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) services. Let's talk about how your club can leverage new opportunities in diabetes prevention.
7 Ways Your Health Club Can Help Members Meet Their Goals
Help your members accomplish their goals with these seven easy tips from club owners like you.
3 Reasons Gyms Should Explore Offering Worksite Wellness
Worksite wellness, also called corporate wellness, may be the solution to sedentary lifestyles. And gyms—a natural partner—stand to benefit.
Public Outreach Has Unexpected Perks for You and Your Gym
Investments in the community and the political arena pay dividends, writes IHRSA Assistant Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Perkins.
Using Fitness to Help Our Veterans, According to Science
A pilot study called the Warrior Wellness program is shining light on how exercise can help veterans manage PTSD symptoms.
How Health Clubs Can Help Members with All Types of Diabetes
Regular exercise benefits people with Type 2 diabetes, but it can also help people with other forms of diabetes maintain good health.
7 Ways to Get Kids and Teens Active in Your Gym
Whether you are looking to create new youth initiatives or you are looking to revamp your current programs, these seven ideas will help you get kids and teens moving.
7 Ways to Run an Amazing Medical Wellness Program
Want to make your medical wellness program stand out from the rest? We’ve got seven tips to get you on your way.
7 Fitness & Wellness Class Ideas to Keep Older Adults Moving
There are 960 million people around the world over 60 years old who are interested in living their healthiest life. Here are seven ideas to keep your older membership active and engaged.
Creating an Active Workforce with Corporate Partnerships
Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness uses these four tiers of corporate wellness services to encourage more employees to get active during the workday.
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How To Run Effective Corporate Wellness Programs
Learn what companies around the world are looking for in corporate wellness programs and find all the strategies you need to implement one of your own.
7 Fun Ideas for Corporate Wellness Challenges
Health clubs are in perfect positions to help local employees get active through corporate wellness challenges. Here are some fun-filled ideas to get you started.
Does Your Health Club Need to Comply with HIPAA?
If your club runs health and wellness programs you may need to comply with HIPAA, which regulates the use and sharing of health information.
5 Ways to Make Your Health Club More Inclusive
Here are five questions you can ask yourself to see how your facility can become more welcoming for different types of special populations.
Implementing Fitness Programs for People with Disabilities
Can your health club be more inclusive? Learn four key strategies from experts at leading clubs that serve members with disabilities.
7 Ways Your Gym Can Get Involved in the Community
It's easier than ever to integrate your club into the local community. Get started with these ideas for a community outreach project.
5 Ways You Can Celebrate National Nutrition Month in Your Gym
Start a conversation with your members about nutrition with these easy-to-implement suggestions.
5 Ways Your Gym Can Promote Heart Health
Since February is American Heart Month, we've put together some easy ways your gym can promote healthy hearts for your members well past Valentine's Day.
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Sample Circuit Training Workout for Aging Members at Your Gym
Don't let your aging members fall back on the same routine every time they come to your gym. Give them a circuit training workout that will continue to challenge them!
How 3 Gyms Are Helping Members Get Better Sleep
Three essential ingredients are required to achieve a healthy lifestyle, but one of them—sleep—is too often overlooked.
7 Ways Your Gym Can Improve the Lives of Members with Diabetes
More than 100 million Americans live with diabetes. That's why IHRSA has put together a list of ways your gym can improve the lives of your members who live with diabetes.
Mission: Readiness and Health Clubs Help Prepare Future Generations to Serve
70% of U.S. adults are unfit to serve in the armed forces. We asked U.S. Army Brigadier General Blake Williams how gyms can help reverse this trend.
3 Ways Your Gym Can Encourage Physical Activity in Schools
There are many ways your gym can work with local schools to encourage and instill healthy habits in children. Learn from three successful programs.
Ready to Create a Medical Wellness Program? Start Here.
Wondering how your club can form a relationship with the medical community? We've compiled everything you should consider to get started.
What Makes Health Club Weight Loss Programs Successful?
It’s never too early for club operators to start planning for the post-New Year influx of people ready to get healthy and lose weight as part of their resolutions.
I Want to Launch a Health Promotion Program... Where Do I Start?
Launching a health promotion program may seem like a big undertaking, but these three simple steps will help you determine where to begin.
Club Fit Uses Storytelling to Engage Cancer Survivors and First Responders
Clubs Fit proves that gyms provide the perfect place for people to gather and share their stories about their fitness journeys.
4 Ways Health Clubs Benefit from Offering Community Programs
Many clubs that offer community programs aren't in it for the business benefits. But giving back often has its perks.
GIVE Fitness Stresses Purpose Over Profit
GIVE Fitness challenges the conventional health club business model by prioritizing the needs of the people they service over financial gains.
How Franco’s Athletic Club Became Mandeville’s ‘Community Place’
The Francos created a health club culture centered around families and community long before other clubs got on board.
How Health Clubs Can Help Seniors Get Active
Exercise is beneficial for older adults who want to stay healthy as they age, and health clubs provide opportunities to help them meet their fitness goals.
