2021 Global Report Details Pandemic’s Impact on Club Industry

The 2021 IHRSA Global Report takes a deep dive into the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the fitness industry and its current path to recovery.

Coronavirus Resources for Health Clubs
A comprehensive list of all IHRSA resources created to help health clubs navigate the coronavirus outbreak. This page will be updated regularly.
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.
- Coronavirus
- Leadership
Navigating the CDC’s New Mask Guidelines at Your Gym
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.

Research Reports & Publications

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- Coronavirus
- Leadership
7 Signs of Continued Hardship, But a Bright Future for Gyms
While clubs continue to struggle with the pandemic’s impact, several indicators point to a bright future for the industry.
Gyms Gain Strength in Medical Voices
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.
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.
- Leadership
- CEO Take 5
IHRSA’s Take 5: A Texas-size Update [VIDEO]
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.
Study Finds Inactivity a Key Risk Factor for Severe COVID-19
New research out of Kaiser Permanente, led by IHRSA Medical, Science, and Health Advisory Council member Dr. Robert Sallis, finds that physical inactivity is a top predictor of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
4 Vaccine Policy Considerations to Manage Safety & Expectations
As more Americans receive the COVID-19 vaccine, there are several matters health club operators will need to consider. We looked at insights and perspectives from legal experts to help answer your questions around vaccine policies for members and visitors.

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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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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.

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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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Gym and studio owners recently got the chance to ask specific questions of a Small Business Administration representative. If you missed it, this article is for you.

This list gives the status of health clubs and fitness facilities by continent and country. It will be regularly updated.

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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.

An online app can help shed light on what you can do in your health club facility to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spread by taking into account ceiling height, MERV filters, human behavior, and other factors that affect indoor spaces.

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.

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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.

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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.

This week, IHRSA interim President & CEO Brent Darden urges health clubs to sign on to the Active & Safe Commitment, answers questions about vaccines and exercise, and touches on news about EU tariffs and the GYMS Act.

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As more Americans receive their vaccine doses, club operators will have to consider a number of issues around the vaccine for both staff and visitors. This article collates insights and perspectives, things to consider in determining whether to mandate versus encourage vaccines.

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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.

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More studies are revealing the effectiveness of wearing face coverings to stem the spread of COVID-19. Learn what researchers are discovering as you develop your health club's mask policy.

A comprehensive list of all U.S. specific COVID-19 relief and closure information to help health clubs navigate the coronavirus outbreak. This page will be updated regularly.

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The second IHRSA Think Tank event, sponsored by Precor, again brought together senior leaders in the industry to discuss the future challenges, changes, and opportunities.

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.

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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.

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Many health clubs have pools, hot tubs, or saunas. Learn how to keep members as safe as possible while using those facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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With new challenges for the fitness industry come new opportunities to collaborate and communicate. The first-ever IHRSA Think Tank provided an excellent platform for senior executive leaders to reimagine the future and assess the external factors that impact the industry.

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We’ve provided a framework to help clubs around the world manage risks associated with COVID-19 in exercise facilities.

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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.

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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.

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With some localities mandating masks in public places, clubs need to consider the logistics, member management, and legal implications of mask and face covering requirements.

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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.

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The potential airborne transmission of a virus makes your health club's HVAC and filtration systems extremely important—especially as the seasons begin to change. Learn what you can do to mitigate aerosol spread by implementing new strategies at your facility.

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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.

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We’ve put together a list of key questions to consider as you begin to navigate your operational strategy when opening your business following COVID-19 closures.

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Sheldon McBee is no stranger to change, even before the pandemic hit. McBee, the personal training director at Universal Athletic Club, shares insights on how he's been tackling these unique challenges.

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.

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.

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What does social distancing mean and how to implement it in your fitness facility as you consider reopening.

What to consider before reopening pools, spa pools, hydrotherapy pools, and other water-based recreational facilities in your health club.

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As your members adjust to all the changes in your club, communicating and maintaining relationships with your members is more important than ever. Here’s what to communicate to keep members engaged, informed, and confident about coming back.

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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.

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Group exercise specialist and industry leader Ingrid Knight-Cohee answered user-submitted questions live on the IHRSA Forum about group fitness operations during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are our top five takeaways.

Health clubs around the world are starting to think about when—and how—to safely reopen. Here are 18 safety considerations to incorporate into your planning.

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You’ve likely reconsidered your financial strategy many times in the last few months, and as you reopen, you’ll need to take an even closer look. This list will help you navigate the new normal.

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.

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VivaGym Group closed their health club facilities in Spain and Portugal as the coronavirus crisis began to unfold. CEO Juan Del Río Nieto shares lessons learned as his business and the industry navigate toward recovery.

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.

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Larry Conner, president and general manager of Stone Creek Club and Spa, will share with IHRSA Innovation Summit attendees how to create a budget plan that can handle it all. Here’s a sneak peek.

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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Keeping your physical club safe and clean with new COVID-19 protocols is imperative. As media reports scrutinize the industry, now is the time to ensure your club image is just as protected.

Colin Grant, CEO of Pure International Group, shares his experience overseeing Pure’s 30+ locations across South Asia in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Athleisure companies meet the demand for workout-friendly face masks. Here’s our shortlist of top contenders.

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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A health club owner who has seen an impressive 80% retention rate throughout club closures outlines four things that you can do right now to improve member loyalty.

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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.

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Fitness industry expert on standards, Paul Eigenmann, sat down with us to discuss how clubs can operate most effectively during and after a global outbreak.

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After mandated closures around the globe earlier this year, many clubs are now faced with the possibility of having to close again due to surges in COVID-19 cases. Here are some ways to find opportunities in a reclosure.

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Your health club's HVAC system is an essential element to your COVID-19 safety strategy. We talked to experts about measures clubs can take to improve air quality and help prevent the virus from spreading.

Media and policymakers continue to cite a COVID-19 transmission study that, while informative, has limited applicability to the current health club environment.

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Governments around the globe are mandating the use of masks in public places, causing uncertainty for health clubs. Here's what we know about face covering requirements and the best path forward for your health club.

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.

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One of the quickest ways to share new information about COVID-19 protocols is through an FAQ page. Here are some sample frequently asked questions you should consider answering for your members.

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Health clubs often rely on each other for guidance implementing new policies and programs, but what can we learn from other industries? We take a look at leading companies that are working to keep their businesses safe and thriving.

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Club operators face a looming question: How many members will return? Loni Wang, owner of Catic Wellness Group, details the member retention challenges and opportunities that her facility faced in reopening.

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

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Attorney Adam Sloustcher joined us for a webinar to discuss new legal considerations for staff as clubs reopen. Here are our five key takeaways.

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In Part 2 of our series with Catic Wellness Group Owner Loni Wang, we will discuss the financial challenges and opportunities ahead for fitness club owners.

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Did health club members stay active while the club was closed? Are they ready to return? Insights from four key global fitness markets provide some answers.

If you want to protect your brand and keep your members engaged during a crisis—be it a pandemic or social—then Diva Richards, owner of Hard Work No Excuses, has some advice for you.

Annie Fältman, owner of 360 Träningscenter in Sweden, has a unique perspective of COVID-19’s impact on business operations. She shares her experience on the new norms of club business in Sweden.

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Health clubs around the world are seizing opportunities for new and exciting strategies to regain membership and revenue.

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New cases will continue to emerge as more people venture out and as businesses reopen. Here’s how to communicate with your members if someone at your club tests positive.

Health clubs are using video to show members how they are cleaning their facilities and to give them a glimpse of what it will be like when they return to the club.

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We have more answers to your cleaning & facilities, staffing, and membership questions.

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We talked to IHRSA members around the world about the new ideas they put in place to keep their members on board through pandemic-related closures. Here are their success stories.

Loni Wang, owner of Catic Wellness Group in China, shares how her health club fared with reopening. Part 1 of this series focuses on the challenges and opportunities for health club strategies.

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Fitness industry experts discussed the future of high-volume/low-price clubs as reopening approaches for many businesses in the world. Here are our top eight takeaways from the webinar.

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Suppliers are eager to help with sprays and wipes that provide protection from contagions and give your members peace of mind. We spoke to a few who specialize in sanitation and maintenance to learn more.

IHRSA health clubs are coming up with solutions to help enforce social distancing protocols, from equipment screens to custom signage.

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Arm yourself with the right vocabulary as you plan your health club's reopening and effectively communicate your cleaning efforts to members.

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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.

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We’ve provided a framework to help clubs around the world manage risks associated with COVID-19 in exercise facilities.

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To ensure the safety of members and employees during reopening, health clubs are implementing new procedures to monitor for illness, create space for social distancing, clean, and communicate with members.

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The world has been experiencing a coronavirus pandemic since late 2019. This article provides basic information about the outbreak and how your club can help keep members and staff safe and informed.

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Attorney Tony Ellrod shares legal and other issues being posed as health clubs traverse a world impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

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If you’re wondering what reopening your health club will look like, Gold’s Gym franchisee and fitness industry veteran Lori Lowell has three safety measures and four tips to share with you.

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Keep your staff and members safe by staying on top of your cleaning schedules and adding new preventative measures.

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Membership experience expert Blair McHaney shares his data-driven five-stage plan for reopening.

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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.

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Governments throughout the world are passing measures to provide financial relief to the hard-hit health and fitness club industry and their staff, as well as broader measures to support all business.

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A selection of resources on employee hiring, training, and retention designed to help your human resources team keep their skills sharp while your club’s business is disrupted.

Maintaining member communications is key during a crisis. But in an unprecedented situation, what does good member service look like?

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Technology can keep your club’s community alive during the pandemic. In this webinar, SC Fitness’ José Teixeira shares tech strategies to engage your members and staff.

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Check out our selection of sales and marketing webinars, e-books, and articles that your staff can use to strengthen their skills while your health club’s doors are closed.

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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.

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Learn from two speakers who each bring an international perspective you can apply to your health club’s recovery strategy.

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We’ve put together our top webinars, e-books, and articles on health club member retention so your staff can strengthen their skills while your doors are closed.

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

As payrolls take a hit, explore your options before planning your health club’s path forward.

“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.

In the second part of our club operations series, Pure Group CEO Colin Grant tackles crucial topics on many club owners’ minds, from shutting down your club to preparing to reopen.

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It's time to think about membership dues, suspensions, and cancellations as mandated closures continue.

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No one is immune from the pressure COVID-19 is putting on the economy. Industry veterans Chris Craytor and Brad Simpson say we’re all in this together, and have five tips to share if you need to talk to your landlord soon.

As COVID-19 forces health clubs to close their doors, an alternative for keeping a steady flow of business has arisen. Learn how to make virtual exercises and classes available for members.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act includes mandatory employer-provided emergency sick pay and emergency paid family leave for certain circumstances related to COVID-19. Learn about the law that takes effect on April 1.

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Health clubs and industry suppliers are coming together to help people stay active during the coronavirus crisis.

Two industry experts address legal, operational, and staffing concerns health clubs are facing during the coronavirus pandemic.