THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
HFA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit Draws 130 Fitness Leaders to Capitol Hill
Keynote speakers Dr. Mehmet Oz and Adm. Brian Christine, MD, highlighted a full agenda that centered physical activity as essential to preventive healthcare.
More than 130 health and fitness industry leaders traveled to Washington, DC, June 8-10, for the 2026 HFA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit, where they met with lawmakers and administration officials in 92 meetings to press the case that physical activity should be treated as essential healthcare infrastructure.
With the theme “From Credibility to Influence,” the three-day event combined policy briefings with a full day of face-to-face meetings on Capitol Hill. The event opened June 8 with a welcome reception at HFA headquarters and continued June 9 with briefing sessions on policy and research, followed by an evening reception and dinner at the headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution. On June 10, attendees visited Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers. A relaxing poolside reception at VIDA Fitness concluded the Fly-In.
Two administration leaders anchored the event with keynote addresses: Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at Health and Human Services (HHS), and Adm. Brian Christine, MD, the 18th assistant secretary for health at HHS and head of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. See here for details of their remarks.
“This year’s Fly-In reflected a major shift in how the industry is engaging in Washington,” says Mike Goscinski, HFA chief of staff. “The conversation is no longer about whether physical activity matters. Policymakers increasingly understand that. The focus now is on implementation, scalability, affordability, and how the fitness industry can help solve some of the country’s biggest healthcare and readiness challenges. The industry showed up in force this week with a unified message that physical activity must be treated as essential prevention infrastructure.”
Fly-In Keynote Speakers Urge Action on Health Initiatives
Two of the current administration’s top health officials spoke to Fly-In attendees, each stressing the urgency of creating incentives to increase physical activity as part of preventive healthcare.
New Initiatives, Eye-Opening Research, and Face-to-Face Meetings With Top Policymakers
HFA launched a new initiative at the Fly-In: Service Ready, a program in which participating HFA member clubs and studios offer eight to 12 weeks of free membership to military recruits to help them prepare for basic training. (Operators interested in participating can complete a form on HFA's website to be notified as more details become available.)
The Fly-In also served as a preview for HFA's white paper, “From Weight Loss to Lasting Value: Structured Exercise and the Economics of GLP-1 Therapy,” produced with FTI Consulting's Center for Healthcare Economics and Policy. HFA Vice President of Research Anton Severin presented findings from the report, released on June 15, which quantifies the health and economic value of structured exercise alongside GLP-1 therapy.
The preview set up a fireside chat on the same topic between Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Mark Harrington Jr., president of Healthworks, president and co-founder of Republic Fitness, and an HFA board member. The two discussed how to frame physical activity as essential healthcare infrastructure in conversations with policymakers.
Other Summit sessions examined policymaker perceptions of the fitness industry, federal prevention policy, and strategies for communicating the industry's impact in Washington. Speakers and presenters also included:
• Erika Parker, managing director at The Harris Poll;
• Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president at the US Chamber of Commerce's Technology Engagement Center;
• Al Noshirvani, founder and CEO of Alta Technology Group; and
• Brian Vidrik, general counsel at ABC Fitness.
Attendees gather with Dr. Oz after his address.
A group meets with Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) (far right).
(l to r) Mark Harrington Jr., president of Healthworks Fitness and Republic Fitness and HFA board member, and Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA).
Admiral Brian Christine (far right) poses for pictures with two other Brians: Brian Tietz of Lift Brands Elevated Wellness Companies and Brian Everson of Pear Health Labs.
A Fly-In group led by Goscinski (far left) visits Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) (center in red coat).
(l to r) Ashton Wray, director of operations for The Perfect Step; Amy Bantham, executive director of the HFA Foundation; and Greta Wagner, interim HFA CEO and president.
(l to r) Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Jason Smith (R-MO) receive the first-ever HFA Heavy Lifter Awards, which looked like 100 lb. dumbbells but actually weighed just 10 lbs.
A Fly-In group meets with Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) (fourth from left).
(l) Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) with Gale Landers, founder and CEO of Fitness Formula Clubs.
Making the Case to Lawmakers
Participants split into groups based on their home states for the June 10 meetings, which focused on federal prevention policy, affordability and access, and long-term healthcare cost reduction.
Members of Congress who met personally with attendees included Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA), and Reps. Josh Harder (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Steve Womack (R-AR), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Daniel Meuser (R-PA), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), John McGuire (R-VA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA), among others. Offices visited also included those of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sen. Tom Tillis (R-NC), Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Many meetings targeted members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Legislation supported by the industry at the Fly-In included the Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act (S. 2303/H.R. 6121) and the SECURE Data Act (H.R. 8413), which would establish a national framework governing how businesses collect, share, and protect consumer data while giving individuals clearer rights over their personal information.
HFA also presented its inaugural Heavy Lifter Awards, recognizing members of Congress whose leadership has advanced policies supporting physical activity, prevention, and the fitness industry.
This year's honorees were:
• Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), recognized for his leadership on HSA/FSA eligibility and integrating physical activity guidelines into federal government operations; and
• Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, who was honored for his work on business-friendly tax reform and expanding HSA/FSA eligibility for physical activity expenses.
Although the awards were modeled after 100-lb. dumbbells, they weighed just 10 lbs. and were manufactured by Hammer Strength.
A Big Thank You to Fly-In Sponsors
HFA would like to recognize the following industry partners and HFA member facilities that supported the event:
Premier Sponsors: Matrix, Technogym
Advocate Sponsors: AltaDX, Daxko, DIRECTV, Echelon, Life Fitness/Hammer Strength, PerfectGym, SECA, VIDA Fitness, Wellhub, and Woodway
Supporters: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), ROR Partners, and Zenoti
The date for the 2027 HFA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit will be announced soon.
VOICES FROM THE FLY-IN
Attendees share their thoughts on the 2026 HFA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit.
Randy Hilmer, Owner, River Valley Fitness and Training Center, Fort Smith, Arkansas
My group had eight stops for the southern states, but, personally, meeting Steve Womack (R-AK) was a highlight for me. To be able to share my passion and invite him to my facility was definitely the best. His staff has already agreed to a visit, so now it's just timing. All the other Congressional staff did an excellent job talking with us and seemed genuinely interested in what we discussed with them.
Beth Potter, Owner and Operator, True Movement Algonquin, Algonquin, Illinois
One of the themes that came up repeatedly throughout our meetings was the critical role mental health, community, and connection play in both longevity and preventive healthcare. We shared countless stories about clients whose lives have been transformed through our studios. One perspective that really resonated with me came from a fellow advocate who described our industry as a conduit to so many positive outcomes. HFA did an incredible job. I loved the prep day and all the time to network. It was great seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
Lorie Hargrave, Co-founder of The Perfect Step and The Be Perfect Foundation, Pomona, California
This is my third year participating in the HFA Fly-In on Capitol Hill. I’m just beginning to feel confident and to understand how it all works. It’s been a complete honor to be a part of HFA. Coming from a community of folks living with disabilities and chronic disease makes us want to have more of a voice. Together, we can make change.
Lisa Taylor, Bespoke Consulting Program Director, Studio Grow, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Mike Kelly (R-PA) paused the conversation when meeting our group to impress upon us how important our taking the time to speak with him was. He already has a passion for the topics we presented but did not understand the nuances. Working with my group on Wednesday, we realized we didn’t have to be professional lobbyists. Our experience, combined with the leadership and expertise of our HFA guide, was perfectly balanced.
David Van Daff, Vice President, Industry Development and Public Affairs, National Academy of Sports Medicine, Gilbert, Arizona
The camaraderie in the meeting groups is always outstanding. Industry leaders unite around a common purpose to advance advocacy, support meaningful legislation, and strengthen the future of the communities we serve.
Tavia Patusky, Wellness/Fitness Director, Columbia Association, Columbia, Maryland
I thought it was really valuable to understand how the health and fitness industry is perceived by lawmakers. I also appreciated having exposure to the very different point of view from lawmakers in DC. I appreciated the networking opportunities.
Lynda Campbell, Vice President of Operations, City Fitness, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We had a very good meeting with Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), and you could tell his support was genuine. He truly understood the importance of fitness for both mind and body. Overall, the Fly-In was very educational. It was interesting to meet with our representatives and get their perspectives.
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Health & Fitness Business (HFB) is the leading health and fitness industry publication. Published monthly by the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) and distributed free to the industry, HFB offers analysis of the opportunities, challenges, issues, and news that impact the industry.
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