WASHINGTON, DC–May 16, 2025–Fitness industry leaders from across California gathered at the State Capitol in Sacramento yesterday to celebrate the official recognition of May as California Physical Fitness Month. The event, led by the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) and the California Fitness Alliance, featured the introduction of a floor resolution by Assemblymember Marc Berman on the Assembly floor.
This event marked the largest gathering of California fitness professionals at the Capitol in more than two years, underscoring the strength, unity, and dedication of an industry that supports millions of Californians in living healthier, more active lives.
Executives, general managers, and trainers from top fitness organizations were invited to attend this milestone event, representing the unified voice and positive impact of California’s fitness industry. Attendees witnessed the resolution from the Assembly Gallery and joined Berman for a photo on the Assembly floor following its introduction.
Berman (District 23) has been a strong advocate for health and wellness, chairing the committee that oversees healthcare professional licensing and regulation and occupational licensing and regulation. He has sent 99 bills to the governor with 93 signed into law.
This event highlighted the essential role of physical fitness in promoting public health, reducing chronic disease, and strengthening communities across the state. It also served as a significant moment of visibility and advocacy for the fitness sector, reinforcing its value as both a public health resource and an economic engine.
“This was a powerful opportunity to show lawmakers that the fitness industry is not only a vital part of the economy but a cornerstone of the state's health,” said Charles Regnante, manager of government affairs at the Health & Fitness Association. “We're proud to stand together in support of policies that promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles for all Californians.”
Attendees included the following industry professionals:
- LaNisha Stokes, Fitness Manager, Chuze Fitness – Stockton
- Tobias Naddy, Fitness Manager, Chuze Fitness – Citrus Heights and Sacramento
- Cerise Pecoraro, Fitness Coach, Chuze Fitness
- Heather Cummings, Fitness Coach, Chuze Fitness
- Willena Flaster, Fitness Coach, Chuze Fitness
- Joey Levine, Vice President of Fitness, Bay Club – Walnut Creek
- Paula Neubert, Senior Vice President, East Bay Region, Bay Club
- Deji Akinbade, District Manager – East and South Bay, 24 Hour Fitness
- Richard Edgar, Chief Operating Officer, EoS Fitness
- Jennifer Chapman, Director of Operations, In-Shape Family Fitness
- Joe Schillace, Director of Operations, In-Shape Family Fitness
- Eric Sorensen, Area Manager, In-Shape Family Fitness
- Jimmy Mendoza, Area Manager, In-Shape Family Fitness
- Rosella Padilla, Regional Personal Training Manager, In-Shape Family Fitness
- Nicole Tatum, Fitness Manager, In-Shape Family Fitness
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 and the HFA European Congress. Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
