By Sami Smith
Courtesy IHRSA.com
A new IHRSA and Global Health & Fitness Alliance report highlights the immense economic and socioeconomic impact of the global health and fitness industry.
In a first-of-its-kind advocacy report, the health and fitness industry targets governments to assist policymakers in making preferable decisions related to health and well-being and to improve population health and productivity worldwide.
Commissioned by IHRSA and the Global Health & Fitness Alliance (GHFA) and produced by Deloitte, the Economic Health & Societal Well-being: Quantifying the Impact of the Global Health & Fitness Sector Global Report report analyzes the economic and socioeconomic impact of the global health and fitness industry. Covering roughly 90% of global GDP—when including the countries and regions in the recently released MENA report—this report is a significant resource to highlight the immense value the global industry provides.
“The research covered in the reports is a critical landmark for the health and fitness industry, governments, and workplaces globally, it clearly shows the economic impact of inactivity through evidential data,” said Andrea Bell, chair of the GHFA Advisory Council and co-founder, director, and chief people officer of Inspire Brands Asia.
“Every single country in the report has a quantifiable number that shows annual economic savings of those who are physically active, and access to health and fitness facilities undoubtedly has a profound impact on activity levels. Adding a dollar value to inactivity is a significant achievement in the GHFA’s quest for the industry to be recognized as a valuable contributor and solution provider to the global health continuum.”
Improving population health is the health and fitness industry’s main objective. Health and fitness clubs, gyms, and studios are well equipped to improve global population health and wellness, which can save billions yearly and boost productivity. This report allows the industry to properly educate decision makers to find the most logical and effective solution to overall wellness and healthcare in every part of the world.
The full report details the health and fitness industry’s economic and social impact in 46 countries. Individual country or region reports are also available. Topics covered in each report include:
Direct and indirect GDP value,
Employment contributions,
Population benefits of physical activity,
Healthcare cost of inactivity,
Potential healthcare savings,
Industry and policy examples to promote physically active lifestyles, and more.
Economic Health & Societal Well-being: Quantifying the Impact of the Global Health & Fitness Sector individual country reports are $495 each for non-members and free to all IHRSA members. Visit IHRSA or the GHFA website to browse and download or purchase the reports.
The full report is available by request only, contact ghfa@ihrsa.org for more information.
Sami Smith is IHRSA’s Communications and Public Relations Assistant. On a typical day, she delivers communications and creates content for IHRSA’s advocacy efforts, while working to shape IHRSA and the fitness industry’s public image on multiple platforms. Outside of the office, you can find her traveling to new areas, indulging in food, or participating in just about any sport.
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a global community of health and fitness professionals committed to building their businesses and improving their communities’ health and well-being. The mission of IHRSA is to grow, protect, and promote the health and fitness industry, and to provide its members with the benefits that will help them be more successful. IHRSA and its members (health clubs and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and industry suppliers) are dedicated to make the world healthier through regular exercise. For more information visit www.ihrsa.org.
About the GHFA
The Global Health & Fitness Alliance (GHFA) was founded by IHRSA in November 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Its mission is to reposition the health and fitness sector in the eyes of global governments and health bodies, definitively confirming it as an essential and vital service and a key contributor in the preventative healthcare continuum.
The GHFA is a proactive, globally representative alliance that brings together CEOs, C-suite industry stakeholders, and influencers from across the health and fitness sector.
The Alliance represents the entire global health and fitness club industry while funding research and advocacy to ensure the sector’s essential role is first recognized and then realized, working as a team and in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
The GHFA is led and operated by IHRSA and supported by worldwide organizations—ICREPS, national industry associations, club companies, and suppliers—but operates as a fully inclusive alliance open to all who meet the criteria. All applications are reviewed to ensure global representation, thought leadership, and authority move at pace.
