Boston — February 19, 2018 — Believe it or not, there is one factor that has the single biggest impact on the success of health club businesses.

It’s not members.
It’s not employees.
It’s not programming.
Or facilities.
Or equipment.
Or revenue.

All of these factors are important, but there is one factor that acts as the central nervous system which controls, oversees, and supports each one of these areas of interest.

That factor is advocacy.

Advocacy is the first line of defense. Imagine advocacy as men and women on the front lines—marching across the battlefield and unleashing strategic tactics to fight off enemy proposals fired in the direction of health club businesses, the industry, and the values of both. Industry advocacy is dedicated to advancing the missions of these businesses, while allowing health club owners to focus on the separate—but important—task of running a successful business.

Advocacy is defense, and it is also offense. While it wards off dangerous proposals with one hand, the other hand elevates and advances proposals that encourage physical activity and recognize health clubs as leaders in the fitness space.

The 2017 IHRSA Advocacy Impact Report with 2018 Legislative Forecasting explains how health clubs saved money, retained members, and were able to perform business as usual because of the effective advocacy work done in 2017.

With 18 legislative victories and zero losses last year, we will continue to do everything in our power to keep that win streak alive. Because, just one sales tax imposition or contract restriction battle lost would have a devastating effect on club operations and profitability.

The IHRSA Advocacy Impact Report also provides an overview of the issues we are already facing this year. Owners and operators can rest assured the industry is in good hands now, in the year ahead, and for many years to come.

We are excited to play an active role in 2018's industry success stories and to help increase support for the 200,000 health clubs that provide a place for 162 million members across the globe to be active every day.