Big News for the Fitness Industry | IHRSA’s Take 5

In this week’s Take 5, Brent discusses the decision to move IHRSA 2021 from Los Angeles to Dallas. He also brings you new research on rising chronic health conditions due to COVID-19 and what can be done to prevent a wave of disabilities and death in the coming decades. Brent also shares how IHRSA is working to build relationships to unite the industry around the world and reiterates the importance of the Active & Safe commitment to keep members safe and clubs open during and after the pandemic.


#GymsareSafe #SafetyStandards Gyms Dedicated to Safety Make the Active & Safe Commitment

Developed by international fitness industry experts in accordance with the foremost public health guidance, the Active & Safe Commitment shows the fitness industry's dedication to the safety of their members, guests, and staff. Policymakers and public health officials know that health clubs and gyms are safe and vital and promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, improving overall quality of life. Join clubs around the world and make the Active & Safe Commitment today. You'll receive comprehensive guidelines, complete marketing materials, and valuable resources for staff implementation. Make the Active & Safe Commitment and have a voice in managing your own fitness facility: https://www.ihrsa.org/activeandsafe


Exercise After COVID-19 | IHRSA’s Take 5

In this week’s Take 5, Brent shares a study that found physical inactivity linked to more severe cases of COVID-19 and how you can restore movement after your COVID diagnosis. Brent also discusses the future of the fitness industry and where it’s headed according to 10 personal trainers. We also provide new research on the wellness industry and a quick IHRSA State Legislative update.

Topics of this week's IHRSA Take 5:

0:00 Introduction 0:42 Study links physical inactivity to higher risk of severe COVID cases 1:40 Restoring movement after COVID-19 2:33 Future of the fitness industry 3:46 Wellness industry 4:47 IHRSA State Legislative

Update Subscribe to receive Take 5 via email to make sure you never miss an issue! Subscribe here: https://hub.ihrsa.org/take-5-subscribe


Physical Activity During COVID-19 Linked to Mood | Health Benefits of Exercise

Three studies show a link between low physical activity during COVID-19 to anxiety and depression, the potential for exercise to improve sleep quality in older adults, and how higher objectively measured fitness and strength levels lower the odds of anxiety and depression. IHRSA’s Senior Manager of Health Promotion & Health Policy, Alex Black Larcom, MPH, RD, LDN, reviewed these studies and you can read her full summaries here: https://www.ihrsa.org/improve-your-cl...


Active & Safe Covers CDC's Concerns Over Gym Outbreaks

The CDC released updated COVID-19 recommendations for fitness centers. The good news for the health and fitness club industry is that these recommendations are closely aligned with industry guidelines.

On February 24, the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published two reports outlining case studies of COVID-19 outbreaks at fitness centers. These outbreaks occurred in Honolulu, HI, in June 2020, and Chicago, IL, in August 2020. According to the reports, these incidents result from several preventable factors, including poor ventilation, infrequent mask use, and persons with symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19 infection attending classes.

Read the Honolulu report here: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/w...

Read the Chicago report here: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/w...

Although the goal is to prevent any COVID-19 outbreaks at fitness facilities to keep members, staff, and communities safe, there is a silver lining to the CDC’s reports. Brent Darden, IHRSA interim president and CEO, said, “The good news for the health and fitness club industry is that the CDC’s recommendations are closely aligned with current industry guidelines." Make the Active & Safe Commitment: https://www.ihrsa.org/improve-your-cl...


IHRSA’s Take 5: Leading by Example

U.S. President Joe Biden cycles on his Peloton and Vice President Kamala Harris gets her cardio in with a run up the Lincoln Memorial steps. Leaders who prioritize their health send a message to the constituency: Fitness and physical activity is necessary and vital.

More U.S. lawmakers are backing that message by supporting the GYMS Act, which would create a $30 billion fund to provide grants to affected businesses in the health and fitness industry. So far, 14 U.S. representatives have signed on to support the bill’s passage.

In this week’s Take 5, IHRSA Interim President & CEO Brent Darden reveals the GYMS Act Dashboard, a “one-stop shop” to see the progression of the bill and what you can do to help get it passed. Darden also discusses two UK studies that shed light on behavior change, mental health, and exercise during a pandemic.

Subscribe to receive Take 5 via email to make sure you never miss an issue! Subscribe here: https://hub.ihrsa.org/take-5-subscribe This week's Take 5 was sponsored by Precor: https://www.precor.com/en-us


CrossFit® - Tom Downey Finds Consistency Despite COVID

Tom Downey, 26, is on a mission to save his life.
“If I wouldn’t have made changes now … I doubt I’d have seen (age) 40 at all,” Downey says.
A dedicated member of CrossFit Cardiff in Cardiff, United Kingdom, Downey’s fitness journey started on Sept. 6, 2019. Ever since, he’s been working under the watchful eye of experienced coaches who are helping Downey cultivate new, healthier habits. 
“(Downey) needs to make subtle, small additions, and maintain them, and that’s what it’s all about,” says the affiliate’s owner Dafydd Dennis. Tom’s first goal was consistency in the gym.  “Tom came to me to help him try and get more consistency with his fitness, and that’s what I focused on,” says CrossFit Cardiff coach Alex Conroy
Even when the affiliate was forced to shut down due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Downey remained consistent with the virtual workouts offered by CrossFit Cardiff. Downey’s mother, Ellen Downey, says she has seen a difference in her son since he started CrossFit.
“He’s beginning to like how he feels because he can move better,” she says. “Life generally isn’t as hard because he’s lost that initial bit of weight.” “I’ve gone from not being able to walk very well to running outside,” Tom says.  After suffering from severe social anxiety, Tom says he feels comfortable and welcome in the CrossFit community. 
“Coming to CrossFit compared to a normal gym, with the environment, with the community, with everybody who’s around, that’s what keeps me going,” he says. “I feel welcome, and it feels like one big, very, very dysfunctional family.”
Tom, who shares his fitness journey on Instagram, says his goals for the future include being “fitter, healthier, and stronger moving forward.” CrossFit® - (https://www.crossfit.com/)