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The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has shared that following a year of demonstrating to United States Congress that the health and fitness industry is in dire need of financial relief, if passed, the United States’ GYMS Act (Gyms Mitigation and Survival Act) will create a $30 billion fund to provide grants to affected businesses in the health and fitness industry.

Public health and wellness are top of mind for the health and fitness industry. IHRSA, The Global Health and Fitness Association, and CGC, the Community Gyms Coalition, joined forces to bring attention to the critical role the fitness industry plays in public health and the lack of aid these facilities have received through the crisis.

While other industries that were forced to close have received industry-specific financial assistance throughout the pandemic, the health and fitness industry has been overlooked. With the effects and financial burden of government-mandated COVID-related shutdowns and restrictions still looming over the fitness industry, the strong and growing support in Congress to provide industry-specific relief is encouraging.

A sample of expenses the grant would cover include:

• Payroll costs
• Rent or mortgage payments, including interest
• Utilities
• Interest on debt accrued before 15^th February, 2020 taxes
• Payments required for insurance on any insurance policy costs required under any State, local, or Federal law or guideline related to social distancing

Fitness industry professionals have sent over 27,000 messages to Congress resulting in more than 100 House Democrats and Republicans having signed on in support of the GYMS Act, a bill that will specifically address the financial impact COVID-19 has had on the fitness industry.

Brent Darden, IHRSA interim president and Chief Executive notes “we are grateful to see so many members of Congress acknowledging the tremendous need to provide relief for America's gyms and fitness facilities, who through no fault of their own, have been devastated by both COVID-19 and government-mandated shutdowns.

“The fitness industry has always highlighted the importance of well-being and exists specifically to provide a safe space for individuals from all segments of society to be active and enjoy all the benefits associated with leading a healthy lifestyle. Our industry needs financial relief to continue providing the nation with these vital services.”

To learn more about the GYMS Act, visit nationalhealthandfitness.org. 

Image courtesy of IHRSA

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