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Posted by on July 14, 2023 — Updated on December 28, 2023
Use this fitness industry associations list to find the best fitness business associations and fitness industry organizations that can help you as a fitness professional. Compare the FBA, ISSA, ACE, IHRSA, NSCA, and more.
The fitness industry is supported by a multitude of fitness associations, each playing a unique role in the advancement, accreditation, and advocacy of fitness and wellness professionals. These fitness professional associations offer resources, certifications, research, and fitness networking opportunities, contributing significantly to the growth and professionalism of the industry.
Discover the importance of joining fitness business associations and how they can benefit your fitness business. And then discover how you can run your fitness business with software that powers your entire fitness business. From the best software for gym management to the best software for personal training to the best fitness software for fitness influencers, and the best online fitness coaching software, the Exercise.com platform has the tools you need to grow and manage your fitness business.
Below is a table summarizing key information about some of the prominent fitness industry associations:
| Association | Year Founded | Number of Members | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) – now the Fitness Business Association (FBA) | 2013 | Not Publicly Available | FBA |
| American Council on Exercise (ACE) | 1985 | Over 90,000 | ACE |
| National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) | 1978 | Over 45,000 | NSCA |
| American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) | 1954 | Over 50,000 | ACSM |
| American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) | 1987 | Not Publicly Available | ASMI |
| International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) | 1981 | Over 8,000 clubs | IHRSA |
| American Trail Running Association | 1996 | Not Publicly Available | ATRA |
| Club Industry | Not Publicly Available | Not Publicly Available | Club Industry |
| IDEA Health and Fitness Association | 1982 | Over 250,000 | IDEA |
| International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) | 1988 | Over 300,000 | ISSA |
| Yoga Alliance | 1999 | Over 100,000 | Yoga Alliance |
Year Founded: 2013
Website: FBA
The Fitness Business Association, formerly the Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) is a trade association that provides support and resources for the fitness studio community. AFS focuses on providing insights, marketing tools, and networking opportunities to studio owners to help them grow and sustain their businesses. They offer research reports, industry data, and educational events specifically tailored to the needs of fitness studios.
Year Founded: 1985
Number of Members: Over 90,000
Website: ACE
The American Council on Exercise is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting physical activity and healthy living. ACE is known for its certification programs for personal trainers, group fitness instructors, health coaches, and medical exercise specialists. They also provide continuing education, advocacy, and research to support fitness professionals.
Year Founded: 1978
Number of Members: Over 45,000
Website: NSCA
NSCA is a nonprofit association dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession. They offer certifications such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer. NSCA also provides educational resources, research publications, and hosts conferences and clinics for its members.
Year Founded: 1954
Number of Members: Over 50,000
Website: ACSM
The American College of Sports Medicine is a large sports medicine and exercise science organization. ACSM is renowned for its research contributions and sets industry standards. They offer certifications, educational resources, and publish the ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal.
Year Founded: 1987
Website: ASMI
ASMI focuses on improving the understanding, prevention, and treatment of sports-related injuries. It is a scientific and educational institute that offers research and education in sports medicine and orthopedics. ASMI provides resources for both medical professionals and the general public.
Year Founded: 1981
Number of Members: Over 8,000 clubs
Website: IHRSA
IHRSA represents health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. It advocates for the industry, provides global events and trade shows, and offers educational resources. IHRSA’s mission is to grow, protect, and promote the health and fitness industry.
Year Founded: 1996
Website: ATRA
Founded in 1996 as a not-for-profit organization in Colorado, the American Trail Running Association (ATRA) was established to support the mountain, ultra, and trail (MUT) running community. ATRA’s mission revolves around representing and promoting the disciplines of mountain, ultra, and trail running. They provide various membership options including individual, club, race, and corporate memberships. A key benefit offered by ATRA is their quarterly newsletter, “Trail Times,” which features a comprehensive national events calendar, insightful articles, and the latest information pertinent to the sport of trail running.
Website: Club Industry
Club Industry is a leading publication for fitness business professionals. It provides the latest news, trends, and insights in the health club industry. The platform offers articles, webinars, and reports on various topics relevant to gym owners and fitness entrepreneurs.
Year Founded: 1982
Number of Members: Over 250,000
Website: IDEA
IDEA Health and Fitness Association is one of the world’s leading organizations for fitness and wellness professionals. IDEA offers a wide range of resources, including educational materials, fitness conferences, and a professional fitness journal.
Year Founded: 1988
Number of Members: Over 300,000
Website: ISSA
ISSA is a globally recognized organization that offers a diverse range of fitness certifications. They provide education and certification for personal trainers, nutritionists, and other fitness professionals. ISSA is committed to equipping fitness enthusiasts with comprehensive knowledge and skills.
Year Founded: 1999
Number of Members: Over 100,000
Website: Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance is an international nonprofit association representing the yoga community. They offer a registry of yoga schools and teachers to ensure quality and standardized yoga education. The organization also provides resources, advocacy, and community engagement opportunities for yoga practitioners and instructors.
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Are you a fitness business owner looking to take your business to the next level? Have you considered joining a fitness industry association for gym owners, fitness business owners, and other fitness professionals? If not, you may be missing out on a world of opportunities and benefits that can truly transform your business.
In this article, we will explore the importance of joining fitness business associations, how they can benefit your business, and the top associations you should consider joining. We will also delve into the networking opportunities, access to resources and tools, advocacy and support, staying informed, education and training, collaborative opportunities, building credibility and trust, membership benefits, regional vs. national associations, choosing the right association for your niche, and explore success stories of businesses that have thrived through their association membership.
Running a fitness business can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially in such a competitive industry. That’s where fitness business associations come in. These associations play a crucial role in supporting and empowering fitness business owners like yourself. By becoming a member of a fitness business association, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge, experience, and support from industry professionals who have been there and done that. From small business owners to industry giants, the association membership roster is filled with like-minded individuals who are equally dedicated to the success and growth of their businesses.
Furthermore, being part of a fitness business association gives you a sense of belonging. It creates a community of individuals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a fitness business. By joining forces, you can navigate these challenges together, sharing ideas, strategies, and experiences. This not only makes the journey more enjoyable but also boosts your chances of success.
Another benefit of joining a fitness business association is the opportunity for networking. These associations often host events, conferences, and workshops where you can connect with other professionals in the industry. Networking allows you to build relationships, exchange ideas, and potentially collaborate on projects or partnerships. It opens doors to new opportunities and expands your professional network, which can be invaluable in a competitive business landscape.
In addition, fitness business associations often provide resources and tools to help you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. They may offer educational materials, webinars, or training programs that can enhance your knowledge and skills. By staying informed and continuously learning, you can stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the ever-evolving fitness industry. This can give you a competitive edge and position your business for long-term success.
Now that we understand the importance of joining fitness business associations, let’s explore the various ways they can benefit your business:
In the fitness industry, connections are everything. By joining a fitness business association, you open doors to valuable networking opportunities. You’ll have the chance to meet and connect with industry professionals, thought leaders, and potential collaborators. These connections can lead to partnerships, mentorships, and new business opportunities.
Running a successful fitness business requires access to the right resources and tools. Fitness business associations often provide their members with a wide array of resources, including business templates, marketing materials, legal documents, and industry guidelines. These resources can save you time, money, and effort, enabling you to focus on growing your business.
When it comes to advocating for the interests of fitness businesses, associations are a powerful force. They act as a united front, representing the collective voice of their members. Associations champion your rights, whether it’s fighting for fair business practices, lobbying for favorable legislation, or protecting your interests from potential threats. They ensure that your voice is heard, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on what you do best – running a successful fitness business.
In the fast-paced world of fitness, staying on top of industry trends and best practices is crucial. Fitness business associations regularly organize workshops, conferences, and seminars where industry experts share their insights and knowledge. By attending these events, you can gain valuable insights, stay up-to-date with the latest trends, and learn from the best in the business. This knowledge can give you a competitive edge and help you stay ahead of the curve.
Education is a lifelong journey, especially in the ever-evolving fitness industry. Fitness business associations offer a range of training programs, certifications, and workshops to help you enhance your knowledge and skills. Whether you’re looking to upskill your team, learn new marketing strategies, or gain insights into financial management, associations have comprehensive programs tailored to meet your needs. These educational opportunities can boost your credibility, improve your service offerings, and attract more clients to your business.
The fitness industry is ripe with collaboration opportunities. By being part of a fitness business association, you can connect with other businesses in the industry, such as fitness studios, equipment suppliers, and wellness professionals. These collaborative partnerships can open doors to joint marketing campaigns, cross-promotions, and referral programs, allowing you to reach a broader audience and tap into new market segments.
Being associated with a reputable fitness business association instantly boosts your credibility and trustworthiness. It signals to potential clients and partners that you are committed to adhering to high industry standards, ethical practices, and continuous improvement. This association lends a certain level of credibility that can differentiate your business from competitors and attract clients who value trust and professionalism.
Membership in fitness business associations often comes with exclusive benefits and discounts. These perks may include discounted access to industry events, specialized business services, software discounts, or promotional opportunities. By taking advantage of these membership benefits, you can save money and access resources that would otherwise be out of reach, making your membership fee even more valuable.
When choosing a fitness business association, you’ll have the option to join either a regional or national association. Both types have their advantages, and the choice depends on your specific business needs and goals. Regional associations can provide more localized support and networking opportunities, while national associations have a broader reach and often offer more comprehensive resources and training. Consider the scope of your business and the level of support you need when deciding which type of association to join.
The fitness industry is diverse, encompassing various niches and specialties, from personal training to yoga studios to sports performance facilities. When selecting a fitness business association, it’s essential to find one that caters to your specific niche or specialty. Different associations focus on different aspects of the industry, and finding the right fit ensures that you are surrounded by like-minded individuals and industry experts who understand the unique challenges of your business.
The proof is in the pudding. Countless fitness businesses have experienced tremendous growth, success, and transformation through their association memberships. Success stories abound, with business owners crediting their association memberships for providing them with invaluable guidance, support, and connections. These stories serve as inspiration and a testament to the power of fitness business associations in taking businesses to new heights.
So, are you ready to take your fitness business to the next level? Joining a fitness business association can be a game-changer. It opens the doors to a world of opportunities, resources, and connections that can fuel your business growth and success. Take the time to explore the top fitness business associations in your area or niche, and make a conscious decision to invest in yourself and your business. Remember, success rarely happens in isolation – it’s the result of collaboration, support, and continuous learning.
Fitness falls under the broader health and wellness industry. It specifically caters to physical wellbeing through exercise, strength training, cardiovascular workouts, and various other physical activities.
Competitors in the health and fitness industry include:
The fitness industry is comprised of:
Stakeholders in the fitness industry include:
Fitness can be a lucrative industry, especially for businesses that effectively tap into current fitness trends, leverage technology, and meet the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers.
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Yes, the fitness industry is growing, driven by increased health awareness, technological advancements in fitness apps and wearables, and a growing emphasis on maintaining physical fitness as part of overall wellness.
Some of the best gym owner conferences include:
Read More: Gym Owner Conferences
Gym owner associations include:
Read More: Gym Owner Associations
Some of the biggest fitness trends include:
Read More: Fitness Industry Trends
There is a promising future in the fitness industry, with evolving trends like virtual and online training, personalized fitness experiences, and an increased focus on holistic health and wellness.
The fitness industry is booming due to increased health consciousness, technological innovations in fitness, and a shift in lifestyle trends emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity and wellness.
The fitness industry is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, continually expanding with new market segments like online fitness, wellness apps, and innovative workout equipment.
Exercise.com can help you grow a business in the fitness industry by providing a comprehensive software platform that supports all aspects of fitness business management. This includes tools for workout creation and delivery, client and member management, scheduling, billing, and business reporting. The platform’s versatility allows gym owners and fitness professionals to effectively manage their operations, engage with clients, and adapt to the evolving fitness industry trends.
Tyler Spraul