Organizations
We are an industry of high-fives and hugs and sharing equipment. ... If this is a year of not touching other people, the fitness industry is in trouble - Katie Gould
image by: IDEA Health & Fitness Association
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How COVID-19 Is Transforming The Fitness Industry
It’s been well established that, beyond its benefit to our physical health, exercise is also good for stress management and cognitive function. However, many people have struggled to make time, especially when having to factor in a work commute and professional, family, or social obligations. The cost of gym or studio memberships has also been a common barrier to exercise.
However, when the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic hit and at-home workouts suddenly became the norm, many who still wanted that group class experience turned to virtual wellness in the form of streaming live and pre-recorded classes.
I spoke with Amaya Weddle, who is the Vice President of Research and Product…
Resources
The Pandemic Is Turning Americans Against the Gym. That Could Be a Good Thing for the Nation's Health
Jack Raglin, a kinesiology professor at the Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health, has been a weightlifter for 45 years. But he stopped going to the gym during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now has “no interest in going back to the university weight room.” That doesn’t mean he’ll stop exercising—only that he won’t be hitting the gym. Raglin started working out at home during the pandemic, using weighted clubs for strength-training. “I intend to [use] them for the rest of my life,” Raglin says.
Organizational Health Or Organizational Fitness?
Fitness and health are not the same. You can have low cholesterol, no physical ailments, and be considered healthy, but still not be able to climb stairs because your fitness level isn’t up to par. Conversely, if you are indeed fit and can perform a wide array of exercises, then a healthy body and mind are the byproducts.
The Biggest Trends In Gyms And The Fitness Industry
With the concepts of wellness and mindfulness becoming ever more important for consumers, fitness has become a more relevant goal for many people.
The case against luxury gyms like SoulCycle
The rich are getting fitter while the poor are falling behind.
The Six Reasons The Fitness Industry Is Booming
According to the IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association), the $30 billion health and fitness industry in the U.S. has been growing by at least 3 - 4% annually for the last ten years and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. If anything, it’s accelerating. Currently about 20% of American adults have a fitness club membership, a number that in my opinion could easily double in the next 10 – 15 years. What is driving this historic boom?
The Y.M.C.A.’s Work Outside the Gym
As a Y.M.C.A. member since 1984, I know it as a great place to become and remain fit, make friends and receive encouragement and support. What I didn’t know, and I suspect you don’t either, is that the Y.M.C.A. of the U.S.A. is also a prime mover nationwide in creating opportunities for healthier lifestyles, especially for those living in poor communities with few options to exercise safely and eat healthfully.
How COVID-19 Is Transforming The Fitness Industry
It’s been well established that, beyond its benefit to our physical health, exercise is also good for stress management and cognitive function. However, many people have struggled to make time, especially when having to factor in a work commute and professional, family, or social obligations. The cost of gym or studio memberships has also been a common barrier to exercise. However, when the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic hit and at-home workouts suddenly became the norm, many who still wanted that group class experience turned to virtual wellness in the form of streaming live and pre-recorded classes.
8 Sports and Exercise Charities Changing the World
For some, a game of pick-up basketball after work or a quick run before dinner is simply a fun way to get exercise. But for these charities, sports is changing lives and providing hope for those who face adversity and challenges in situations we may never experience.
Fitt Insider
Fitt Insider provides decision-makers with insights and analysis on the business of fitness and wellness. Join industry-leading entrepreneurs, executives, and investors by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.
Girls With Sole
When it comes to nurturing the confidence and success of today’s girls and young women, many approaches utilize the latest technology or newest classroom teaching method. But what if there was a proven, holistic, and cost-effective way to forever change the lives of girls for the better that will never become obsolete? Girls With Sole offers just such a method, and we are changing the lives of girls and young women right now, today, in our community.
Right To Play
Right To Play's mission is to use sport and play to educate and empower children and youth to overcome the effects of poverty, conflict and disease in disadvantaged communities.
The Fresh Air Fund
Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund has unlocked the limitless potential of more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities.
ACE
The American Council on Exercise is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching quality of life through safe and effective exercise and physical activity.
American College of Sports Medicine
The world's largest sports medicine and exercise science organization.
American Fitness Professionals & Associates
AFPA offers some of the most highly regarded health, fitness, nutrition and sports certifications, education programs and educational opportunities available within the fitness industry.
Association of Fitness Studios
The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) is a membership organization providing business-specific products, services, and benefits to studio owners.
IDEA Health & Fitness Association
IDEA is the world's leading membership organization of health and fitness professionals, with more than 22,000 members in over 80 countries.
IHRSA
A global community of health and fitness professionals committed to building their businesses and improving their communities’ health and well-being
Interactive Fitness Trainers of America
IFTA is a certification and continuing education company established to provide potential instructors with the basic education and practical skills necessary to become qualified fitness leaders.
Medical Fitness Association
The Medical Fitness Association, a non-profit organization, was formed in 1991 to assist medically integrated health and fitness centers achieve their full potential. The Association is a professional membership organization whose mission is to ascertain and respond to the needs of medically integrated centers throughout the world.
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Since 1987, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has been a leader in certification, continuing education, solutions and tools for health, fitness, sports performance and sports medicine professionals.
National Association for Health and Fitness
The National Association for Health and Fitness is a non-profit organization that exists to improve the quality of life for individuals in the United States through the promotion of physical fitness, sports and healthy lifestyles.
National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability
NCHPAD is positioned to effect change in health promotion/obesity management among people with disabilities through advocacy, services and programs to numerous organizations and people throughout the country.
National Council on Strength & Fitness
The NCSF Board for Certification serves as the governing authority over the personal trainer certification program, setting regulatory standards. In addition, the Board for Certification provides professional advocacy, oversees legislative activity, and collaborates with organizations and universities to disseminate valid, evidence-based information to stakeholders.
National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association
The NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer program offers the most comprehensive and applicable 4-year certification program in the health and fitness industry.
National Exercise Trainers Association
NETA trainers are exceptionally qualified, degreed fitness education professionals. They are personable, approachable, and dedicated to making fitness training practical and enjoyable.
National Federation of Professional Trainers
NFPT has been certifying fitness professionals since 1988 and offers a CPT credential that is amongst the most recognized in this industry.
National Personal Training Institute
The National Personal Training Institute is ready to push you to look, feel and move better. Your experienced instructors teach you the specialized knowledge and skills needed to prepare yourself for an exciting career as a Personal Trainer and Coach.
National Strength and Conditioning Association
CSCS certification is a specialized program that identifies individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the areas of proper strength and conditioning practices. Those certified individuals have a diverse academic and professional background, including strength coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, personal trainers, physicians, chiropractors, researchers and educators.
National Strength Professionals Association
NSPA is a recognized certification for the IDEA Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT) Recognition System, the new industry standard for personal trainers. The IDEA Program has been designed to establish the highest standard of excellence in the field of Personal Training.
President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition
PCSFN engages, educates, and empowers all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition. Since 1956, the Council has created and promoted programs and initiatives that motivate people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to be active and eat healthy.
Project Fit America
We are a national agency that works at the grassroots level with schools and front line educators to create new opportunities for kids to be active.
Shape America
SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators is the nation’s largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals. Since being founded in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education, and our National Standards for K-12 Physical Education serve as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country.
World Instructor Training Schools
Providing conveniently located, quality training and testing world wide in a digestible retainable framework, relevant to basic educational standards.
CRN
The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), founded in 1973, is a Washington-based trade association representing ingredient suppliers and manufacturers in the dietary supplement industry. CRN members adhere to a strong code of ethics, comply with dosage limits and manufacture dietary supplements to high quality standards under good manufacturing practices.
The $94 billion fitness industry is reinventing itself as Covid-19 spreads
As the coronavirus continues to spread, fitness studios around the country are shutting their doors and adjusting to a new reality. The sudden shift has inspired creativity and flexibility for gyms and studios, which are largely dependent on physical locations and on-site staff.
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