The theme of the event was Shaping the Future: Uniting Fitness, Health, and Wellness. Each year, the HFA European Congress (formerly the IHRSA European Congress) brings together some of the best minds in the fitness industry to deliver bold ideas and groundbreaking insights. Held October 2-4, 2025 at the historic Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, this…
The couple who inspired millions to exercise and eat nutritiously will be inducted at a ceremony on March 15 in San Diego prior to The HFA Show 2026. Jack and Elaine LaLanne met in 1951 and married in 1959. Jack and Elaine LaLanne, the couple who helped bring fitness into America’s living rooms, will be…
This is the most comprehensive analysis of financial and operational performance in the fitness sector. The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) has released the 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report, the most comprehensive analysis of financial and operational performance in the fitness sector. This publication marks HFA’s first in-depth benchmarking study since 2019, building on the long-standing Profiles…
Mills is the first inductee to be announced in the second class of the HFA Hall of Fame. The ceremony will occur on March 15 ahead of The HFA Show 2026 in San Diego. Mills will deliver the October 2 keynote at the 2025 HFA European Congress in Amsterdam. Phillip Mills, founder of Les Mills…
India’s fitness economy is emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, with revenue expected to more than double from INR16,200 crore (US$1.9 billion) in 2024 to INR37,700 crore (US$4.5 billion) by 2030. That represents a robust 15% compound annual growth rate, according to the new India Fitness Market Report 2025 produced by Deloitte India in collaboration…
Note: Two celebrations of life for Rick Caro are still planned. One will occur at 9:30 a.m. on November 7 at Lotte Palace, Villard Ballroom in New York City. A remembrance will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. followed by a brunch that will last until noon. Please RSVP to ensure enough space is available for all who want…
The global fitness industry, which was once regarded simply as a hobby or discretionary spending, in 2024 continued to expand its role as an essential part of public health and the economy around the world. Reaching historic highs, memberships climbed 6% year-over-year, revenue increased an average of 8%, and the number of fitness facilities expanded…
The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is accelerating its international momentum with the return of Hans Muench and Leila Timergaleeva as ambassadors. Together, they bring decades of experience, deep regional ties, and a shared commitment to advancing the goal of the HFA to protect, promote, and grow the global fitness industry. Hans Muench (left) and…
The first half of 2025 showed that more Americans than ever are making fitness a regular part of their lives, as visitation numbers continue to grow year-over-year (YoY). Compared to the same period last year, the number of visits to US commercial gyms, studios, and other fitness facilities rose 3.5%, and monthly visits per user…
In recent years, the health and wellness industry has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once focused solely on fitness and appearance, it now embraces a broader, more holistic view of personal well-being. People increasingly recognize the benefits of physical activity not just for the body, but for long-term health, mental clarity, and disease prevention. This growing…
Luke Carlson founded Discover Strength 20 years ago with a radical premise: treat exercise professionals as legitimate healthcare providers rather than entry-level service workers. His approach elevates fitness professionals while establishing credibility with medical professionals. At Discover Strength’s studios, team members aren’t just personal trainers—they’re recognized as exercise physiologists, professionals on par with allied healthcare…
Prolonged isolation, excessive screen time, and lack of community meeting places have created a loneliness crisis around the world. This isolation, a result of the lingering habits and psychological effects of pandemic lockdowns, have people craving social connection and interaction with people in person instead of texting and Zoom calls. The US Surgeon General called…