Global Advocacy

Together we can create a healthier world

Harnessing the power of millions of fitness facilities around the world to create a culture of wellness and encourage people of all ages and physical conditions to exercise regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Global Health & Fitness Advisory Council

The Global Health & Fitness Advisory Council (GHFA) is a geographically diverse body that provides strategic guidance to the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) on its research priorities. Comprised of leaders and experts from across the globe, the Council ensures that HFA’s research agenda reflects emerging trends, diverse perspectives, and pressing needs within the global health and fitness sector. GHFA plays a key role in shaping evidence-based initiatives that support the growth, impact, and credibility of the industry worldwide.

  • Education

    Education

    Increasing the global understanding of the value and return on investment of fitness facility-based physical activity.

  • Communication

    Communication

    Communicating the vital role health clubs and studios play throughout the world in fighting the obesity epidemic.

  • Research

    Research

    Aggregating and disseminating research that supports the global industry's efforts to increase physical activity.

International Advocacy GHFA

Join the Global Health & Fitness Advisory Council

The Health & Fitness Association is seeking new members for the Global Health & Fitness Advisory Council (GHFA)—a diverse group of senior industry leaders who help shape the direction of HFA’s global research and advocacy work.

Ideal candidates:

  • Are C-suite executives or senior leaders in the global health and fitness industry
  • Represent a diversity of regions, genders, and sectors (e.g., club operators, suppliers, national associations)
  • Are affiliated with an HFA member organization
  • Bring a global perspective and a passion for advancing the industry through research, policy, and collaboration

Council members provide strategic insights, identify global trends and opportunities, and guide initiatives such as economic impact research and policy modeling.

If you're interested—or would like to suggest a qualified leader—please reach out to: Anton Severin, HFA Vice President, Research, at aseverin@healthandfitness.org.

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A Vision for a Healthier World

The Health & Fitness Association and its members are committed to playing a major leadership role in combating the rise of the obesity epidemic at local community and national levels. Specifically, our members share a vision for a healthier, more prosperous world achieved by focusing on primary prevention through healthy living and regular exercise.

This vision for a healthier, more prosperous world is a unifying game plan to foster a culture of wellness from the ground up by encouraging health clubs and studios to work together to advocate for health promotion legislation at local and national levels around the world; and work toward making their facilities valuable community resources for disease prevention and healthy living.

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Health Policy and Promotion

Growing the global health and fitness industry through tax incentives for physical activity, tax deductibility of health club and studio memberships, tax credits for youth athletics, and funding for physical education.