HFA Expands Its Global Reach With New Fitness Federation Partnerships in Turkey and North Macedonia

The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is expanding its global reach by strengthening partnerships with fitness federations worldwide in an effort to promote that exercise is preventive medicine. Collaboration with regional federations representing health club and studio operators plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.

In May, HFA formalized agreements with two key federations: the Turkish Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (TVGFBF) and North Macedonia Active. HFA EMEA Director Florian Cartoux says, “These new alliances will further solidify HFA’s global network, enabling us to share best practices with policymakers and advocate for fitness and exercise as essential components of preventive health care.”

TVGFBF, formed in 1991, is the governing body of bodybuilding, physical fitness and arm wrestling in Turkey.

North Macedonia Active is recently formed to raise the level of education and promotion of fitness and wellness studios in the country, improve the infrastructure of the facilities, revise the sports law and regulations for sports facilities, have an impact on tax changes, and reduce the gray economy.

Cartoux traveled to Turkey and North Macedonia to finalize the partnerships. During his visit to North Macedonia, Cartoux spoke at the Health & Fitness Forum in Skopje, where he connected with existing partners, including the Serbian Recreation and Fitness Association, and regional federations such as the Bulgarian Association for Health and Fitness and SIGA from Greece.

The collaborations with TVGFBF and North Macedonia Active open new opportunities for fitness club owners, operators, and trainers in both countries. Members of each federation will benefit from discounts on HFA’s global events, including the HFA European Congress (October 2-4 in Amsterdam) and The HFA Show 2026 (March 16-18 in San Diego). Additionally, they will gain access to knowledge-sharing through research and the exchange of policy and advocacy best practices.

“This agreement not only expands the vision of our federation but also advances the growth of Turkey’s fitness industry. Partnering with a global organization like HFA will elevate the country's presence and influence in this field, making it more visible and impactful on the international stage,” says TVGFBF President Koray Girgin.

Magdalena Spasovska, founder of North Macedonia Active, says: “Joining the Health and Fitness Association is a milestone for North Macedonia’s growing fitness sector. This partnership brings powerful opportunities, not just for connection but also for transformation. Through access to global research, education, and innovation, we’re empowering our trainers, owners, and fitness leaders to raise the bar. Together, we’re building a more active, informed, and resilient fitness culture—one that puts North Macedonia firmly on the global fitness map.”

Cartoux says, “We are confident that our collaboration with TVGFBF and NMA will serve as a model for the region and inspire further collaboration. It is important to share best practices in our attempt to get fitness and exercise recognised as essential preventive health care.”