The Global Health and Fitness Alliance (GHFA) has commissioned Deloitte to produce a major new report, The Economic Impact of the Health and Fitness Industry, with the support of IHRSA and the goal of securing a seat at the table in terms of World Health Organization policy development.

The study will analyse the sector’s social and economic contribution and deliver a 'comprehensive view of its direct and indirect value to society'.

Initially covering around 60 countries which between them account for the majority of the global health club market, the work is due to be published in the new year.

The report will analyse operators’ P&L items including rent, utilities and people; the value to communities of the career opportunities this activity creates; the impact of migration trends; the sector’s quantifiable impact on industries, including health and technology; and the socio-economic value of health and fitness facilities over and above exercise conducted elsewhere.

The Economic Impact of the Health and Fitness Industry will be the first major initiative from the GHFA, a new organisation whose overarching mission is to reposition the health and fitness sector, definitively confirming it as an essential service in the eyes of global governments and health bodies and with the World Health Organization as a key target audience.

The report represents the first step in building a conclusive global case for the sector.

“The GHFA was created as an independent, globally representative group of our sector’s senior decision-makers, ensuring we have the authority and influence to move at pace,” explains Greg Oliver, CEO of Fitness and Lifestyle Group and spokesperson for the GHFA’s Advisory Council.

“It was forged in the frustrations of lockdown when – amid surging public and governmental interest in health and wellbeing and in spite of our sector’s unparalleled health credentials – gyms and wellness centres were the first to be closed and the last to re-open.

“In creating the GHFA, we recognised the pressing need to bring industry leaders together – with a singular focus, a challenger mindset and a global remit – to confirm our essential status.

“The GHFA represents the entire global health and fitness industry as we push forward to achieve our goals, working as a team and in cooperation with the relevant authorities,” said Oliver.

“One of our primary objectives is to secure a seat at the table of the World Health Organization as it produces its next physical activity policy briefing for national governments – a briefing that for the first time will include the health and fitness club industry in its scope. Our new report will provide invaluable evidence to inform these discussions.”

The GHFA is supported by IHRSA but operates independently and charges no membership fees. All applications are reviewed to ensure global representation and thought leadership. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE