The pandemic is stretching the industry to the limit and it’s a time none of us will ever forget. Moving forward, we need to make a plan to ensure we’re better prepared to represent ourselves in the corridors of power
By Liz Terry | Published in Health Club Management 2020 issue 6
Now is the time to step up and prove our worth / Shutterstock/ KlaraBstock
On 25 June, we published a global exclusive – research from the University of Oslo which showed there is “no threat of increased COVID-19 spread” at fitness facilities, even when intensive training takes place.
The story has gone on to be our best-read ever, with hundreds of thousands of shares from people all over the world. It has also been republished everywhere from The New York Times to The Washington Post.
The research – ‘Randomised reopening of training facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic’ – has been challenged, debated, lauded and dismissed, but most importantly, it has opened a conversation around how we – as a sector – are going to transact with governments and decision-makers going forward.
The fact only one academic institution in the world chose to explore the safety of using gyms in the age of COVID-19, indicates a lack of rigour in our sector, showing that we are not yet properly geared up to represent ourselves at the highest levels.
This kind of research should have been happening everywhere, creating a global picture of gym safety to inform the development of operating procedures and strengthen our position in discussions with governments.
The agonising negotiations which have been going on with government-mandated scientists around reopening show clearly that we lack evidence to defend ourselves and lack heft as a sector.
They’ve also revealed mind-boggling levels of ignorance about the way we work and the contribution we make to society and to people’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Going forward, companies which are making profits out of this market need to start to put a little more resource into national and global strategies to defend and champion the sector in the corridors of power.
Before COVID-19, we were a successful market, but also a young one, still a little scrappy and with an entrepreneurial culture. We must come out of the other side of COVID with a new mantle, forged by the challenges we’ve faced – seasoned, savvy and with a strategy to prove our worth, defend our corner and make sure the people in power are in no doubt about the value of our work.
It’s time to muscle up and get some real clout.
Obesity drives COVID-19 deaths, numerous studies show exercise defends against it and helps people recover from it. We know we can operate safely. Now is the time to step up, to prove it – and to evidence it.
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
The pandemic is stretching the industry to the limit and it’s a time none of us will ever forget. Moving forward, we need to make a plan to ensure we’re better prepared to represent ourselves in the corridors of power
By Liz Terry | Published in Health Club Management 2020 issue 6
Now is the time to step up and prove our worth / Shutterstock/ KlaraBstock
On 25 June, we published a global exclusive – research from the University of Oslo which showed there is “no threat of increased COVID-19 spread” at fitness facilities, even when intensive training takes place.
The story has gone on to be our best-read ever, with hundreds of thousands of shares from people all over the world. It has also been republished everywhere from The New York Times to The Washington Post.
The research – ‘Randomised reopening of training facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic’ – has been challenged, debated, lauded and dismissed, but most importantly, it has opened a conversation around how we – as a sector – are going to transact with governments and decision-makers going forward.
The fact only one academic institution in the world chose to explore the safety of using gyms in the age of COVID-19, indicates a lack of rigour in our sector, showing that we are not yet properly geared up to represent ourselves at the highest levels.
This kind of research should have been happening everywhere, creating a global picture of gym safety to inform the development of operating procedures and strengthen our position in discussions with governments.
The agonising negotiations which have been going on with government-mandated scientists around reopening show clearly that we lack evidence to defend ourselves and lack heft as a sector.
They’ve also revealed mind-boggling levels of ignorance about the way we work and the contribution we make to society and to people’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Going forward, companies which are making profits out of this market need to start to put a little more resource into national and global strategies to defend and champion the sector in the corridors of power.
Before COVID-19, we were a successful market, but also a young one, still a little scrappy and with an entrepreneurial culture. We must come out of the other side of COVID with a new mantle, forged by the challenges we’ve faced – seasoned, savvy and with a strategy to prove our worth, defend our corner and make sure the people in power are in no doubt about the value of our work.
It’s time to muscle up and get some real clout.
Obesity drives COVID-19 deaths, numerous studies show exercise defends against it and helps people recover from it. We know we can operate safely. Now is the time to step up, to prove it – and to evidence it.
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
In today’s premium spa environment, every detail shapes the guest experience – right down to
the softness of towels and the freshness of linens. [more...]
