Fitness industry pioneer to be honored for more than four decades of entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, philanthropy, and global impact.

Washington, DC–October 26, 2026–For more than four decades, Mark Mastrov has helped shape the modern health and fitness industry, building 24 Hour Fitness into one of the world’s most recognized fitness brands, developing new concepts around the globe, and mentoring generations of industry leaders. More than 40 years after founding the company, Mastrov recently returned as an owner of 24 Hour Fitness, beginning a new chapter with the brand that helped define his career.

On March 10, 2027, the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) will honor his extraordinary contributions and continuing influence by inducting him into the Health & Fitness Hall of Fame during the opening night of The HFA Show 2027 in Las Vegas.

The HFA Hall of Fame recognizes visionaries whose leadership, innovation, and lifelong contributions have transformed the health and fitness industry. Mastrov’s induction recognizes not only the scale of the businesses he has built and supported but also a career devoted to expanding access to fitness, developing people, and strengthening the industry.

“Mark is one of those rare leaders whose influence can be seen across nearly every part of our industry,” said HFA Interim President and CEO Greta Wagner. “He helped redefine what a modern fitness business could be, but his impact reaches far beyond the companies he has built. For decades, Mark has invested in people, created opportunities for others to lead, challenged our industry to think bigger, and used his experience to help others succeed. His induction recognizes a lifetime of innovation and leadership that continues to shape our industry today.”

Mastrov entered the fitness business in 1983 after borrowing $15,000 from his grandmother to become an equity partner in a California gym. From that beginning, he helped build what became 24 Hour Fitness, expanding through new clubs and acquisitions while developing a consumer-focused model centered on round-the-clock access, monthly dues, service, and community.

By 2005, 24 Hour Fitness had grown to 420 clubs in 16 states, 26 clubs in Asia, and more than 4.5 million members. That year, Mastrov and his partners sold the company for $1.68 billion, marking a defining moment for a fitness industry. In 2008 he left 24 Hour and led the purchase of Crunch Gyms and launched what is now one of the industry’s leading HVLP brands.

His influence has extended well beyond 24 Hour Fitness and Crunch. He co-founded New Evolution Ventures and helped launch, develop, invest in, and support fitness businesses and partnerships including UFC Gym, US Fitness, and Energy Fitness. His personal ventures have introduced new brands and approaches to fitness in markets around the world as he has developed and operated in over 50 countries worldwide.

Equally significant is his commitment to developing future leaders. Mastrov describes his leadership philosophy as an “upside-down pyramid,” with the leader at the bottom supporting the team. Throughout his career, he has identified and nurtured talent, creating opportunities for people to build businesses of their own.

His commitment to changing lives also extends to philanthropy.  After his longtime friend and industry colleague Augie Nieto was diagnosed with ALS, Mastrov helped create the BASH fundraiser at the association’s annual convention in 2006. The event rallied the fitness industry behind Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS, which has since raised more than $220 million for ALS research.

In 2026, Mastrov’s career came full circle when he returned as an owner of 24 Hour Fitness, reacquiring the company in partnership with LongRange Capital. He is now focused on reinvesting in the brand, strengthening its clubs and teams, expanding amenities, and positioning the company for its next chapter.

Mastrov will be inducted into the HFA Hall of Fame on March 10, 2027, during the opening night of The HFA Show 2027. For the first time, the induction ceremony and dinner will immediately follow the show’s Kick-Off Party, bringing the global health and fitness community together to celebrate the trailblazers whose contributions have shaped the industry. The inductees and their influence will also be celebrated throughout the Show.

The HFA Show 2027 will take place March 10–12, 2027, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Tickets to the HFA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner are available as add-ons to registration for The HFA Show 2027. Proceeds benefit the HFA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity supporting industry research and grants that help HFA member clubs and studios advance community health.

About the Health & Fitness Association

The Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA), a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health. Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.

Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Health & Fitness Business, and operates The HFA Show, the HFA European Congress, and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. The association also partners on events around the world, including Fitness Brasil, ChinaFit, Wellness & Fitness LATAM, SPORTEC Japan, and SPORTEC Thailand, Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.