Global Health & Fitness Alliance sets out to prove the exercise industry’s value to society

August 18, 2021

Work is underway on a major new report - The Economic Impact of the Health and Fitness Industry - commissioned by the Global Health & Fitness Alliance (GHFA), conducted by consultants Deloitte, supported by International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and with the World Health Organization a key target audience.

Initially covering around 60 countries which between them account for the majority of the global fitness club market, the report will analyse the sector’s social and economic contribution and deliver a comprehensive view of its direct and indirect value to society.

Due to be published early in 2022, the report’s broad scope will encompass topics such as operators’ P&L items including rent, utilities and people; the value to communities of these career opportunities; the impact of migration trends; the sector’s quantifiable impact on industries including health and technology; and the socio-economic value of health and fitness facilities over and above exercise conducted elsewhere.

The Economic Impact of the Health and Fitness Industry is the first major initiative from the GHFA, a new organisation whose over-arching mission is to reposition the health and fitness sector, definitively confirming it as an essential service in the eyes of global governments and health bodies.

Advising that this new report represents the first step in building a conclusive case, Greg Oliver, Chief Executive of Fitness and Lifestyle Group and spokesperson for the GHFA’s Advisory Council, explained “the GHFA was created as an independent, globally representative group of our sector’s senior decision-makers, ensuring we have the authority and influence to move at pace.

“It was forged in the frustrations of lockdown when, amid surging public and governmental interest in health and wellbeing and in spite of our sector’s unparalleled health credentials, gyms and wellness centres were the first to be closed and the last to re-open.

“In creating the GHFA, we recognised the pressing need to bring our industry leaders together - with singular focus, a challenger mindset and a global remit – to confirm our essential status.

“The GHFA represents the entire global health and fitness industry as we push forward to achieve our goals, working as a team and in cooperation with the relevant authorities.”

“One of our primary objectives is to secure a seat at the table of the World Health Organization as it produces its physical activity policy briefing for national governments - a briefing that for the first time will include the health and fitness club industry in its scope. Our new report will provide invaluable evidence to inform these discussions.”

The GHFA is supported by IHRSA but operates independently and charges no membership fees.

All applications are reviewed to ensure global representation and thought leadership.

Click here for more information.

Images: The Economic Impact of the Health and Fitness Industry will analyse the sector’s social and economic contribution (top, credit: Shutterstock) and Greg Oliver (below, credit: Fitness and Lifestyle Group).

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