AusLeisure

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has shared that following a year of demonstrating to United States Congress that the health and fitness industry is in dire need of financial relief, if passed, the United States’ GYMS Act (Gyms Mitigation and Survival Act) will create a $30 billion fund to provide grants to affected businesses in the health and fitness industry.

Public health and wellness are top of mind for the health and fitness industry. IHRSA, The Global Health and Fitness Association, and CGC, the Community Gyms Coalition, joined forces to bring attention to the critical role the fitness industry plays in public health and the lack of aid these facilities have received through the crisis.

While other industries that were forced to close have received industry-specific financial assistance throughout the pandemic, the health and fitness industry has been overlooked. With the effects and financial burden of government-mandated COVID-related shutdowns and restrictions still looming over the fitness industry, the strong and growing support in Congress to provide industry-specific relief is encouraging.

A sample of expenses the grant would cover include:

• Payroll costs
• Rent or mortgage payments, including interest
• Utilities
• Interest on debt accrued before 15^th February, 2020 taxes
• Payments required for insurance on any insurance policy costs required under any State, local, or Federal law or guideline related to social distancing

Fitness industry professionals have sent over 27,000 messages to Congress resulting in more than 100 House Democrats and Republicans having signed on in support of the GYMS Act, a bill that will specifically address the financial impact COVID-19 has had on the fitness industry.

Brent Darden, IHRSA interim president and Chief Executive notes “we are grateful to see so many members of Congress acknowledging the tremendous need to provide relief for America's gyms and fitness facilities, who through no fault of their own, have been devastated by both COVID-19 and government-mandated shutdowns.

“The fitness industry has always highlighted the importance of well-being and exists specifically to provide a safe space for individuals from all segments of society to be active and enjoy all the benefits associated with leading a healthy lifestyle. Our industry needs financial relief to continue providing the nation with these vital services.”

To learn more about the GYMS Act, visit nationalhealthandfitness.org. 

Image courtesy of IHRSA

Related Articles

22nd November 2020 - IHRSA survey highlights users’ sentiments on the essential role of fitness clubs

6th March 2020 - IHRSA publication seeks Fitness Industry support for Global Goals

22nd January 2020 - SportsArt named as IHRSA 2020 Associate Member of the Year

9th January 2020 - IHRSA Passport Program aims to provide easy and affordable access to gyms worldwide

16th August 2019 - IHRSA announces collaboration with World Wellness Weekend third edition

4th July 2019 - IHRSA provides guidance on children in gyms

1st June 2019 - IHRSA reports Health Club Membership to reach 230 million members by 2030

25th April 2019 - IHRSA analysis emphasises why fitness clubs need small group training

2nd May 2021 - Xponential Fitness’ StretchLab signs master franchise agreement for Australian studios

25th April 2021 - Sydney’s Soulful Fitness offers complimentary eight-week membership to veterans

24th April 2021 - SCW Fitness Education to present global Aqua Exercise Summit

23rd April 2021 - Fernwood Fitness Woden launches Clubbercise classes

20th April 2021 - Fitness Australia partners with new FITNESS + WELLNESS AUSTRALIA event to enhance attendee experience

16th April 2021 - Evolution Wellness fitness training programs gain international recognition

15th April 2021 - Nominations open for the 2021 Australian Fitness Awards

14th April 2021 - Surfing champion Mick Fanning launches FS8 fitness training studio network

12th April 2021 - Australian Institute of Fitness supports Industry Technology Summit

8th April 2021 - Stepz Fitness opens new gym in Dubbo

8th April 2021 - EuropeActive, FIBO Global Fitness and Questex/Sibec form 2021 partnership

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.