Evolving With a Fast-Changing World

As I write my first dispatch as interim president and CEO of HFA, I want to thank the board and the industry leaders and partners I have known and worked with over the years for entrusting me to lead the association at a critical time.

Over the past 40 years, I have had the opportunity to work across residential, university, corporate, and commercial fitness sectors, including 30 years alongside the founders of Chelsea Piers. Those experiences have shaped my understanding of the profound impact that health, fitness, wellness, and our member businesses have on people’s lives.

That is why HFA’s mission matters so deeply. By promoting, protecting, and growing our industry, we help people live healthier, fuller, and more resilient lives. But people can’t benefit from our services if they cannot access our facilities. Advocacy, therefore, remains central to our work. We must continue making the case that health and fitness are not luxuries; they are essential to public health, community well-being, and quality of life.

As we enter an exciting season for HFA, I want to highlight some of the initiatives, partnerships, and advocacy efforts that will help strengthen our industry worldwide.

On June 8-10, we will host the 2026 HFA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC. This will be HFA’s fourth annual Fly-In, and this year we’ll focus on the industry’s expanding role in improving public health.

During the Fly-In, HFA’s research team will unveil a white paper examining the critical role exercise plays for individuals using GLP-1 medications. As these treatments become increasingly accessible, it's clear they are reshaping the health landscape for millions.

Research continues to demonstrate that exercise is essential to successful GLP-1 treatment outcomes, and we believe greater public investment in exercise access is critical.

We also plan to launch a new initiative designed to help military recruits become “service ready” by expanding access to fitness facilities. At a time when many recruits struggle to meet physical readiness standards, our industry can and should be part of the solution.

Our advocacy team has worked with legislatures across the United States to amend or prevent policies that could negatively impact our industry. In California, for example, HFA has co-sponsored two bills and serves as the primary sponsor of the California PHIT Act, legislation designed to create tax incentives tied directly to physical fitness participation.

To help build support for these efforts, HFA will hold its first-ever state Fly-In in Sacramento on May 18–19. I encourage our California members to join us and help move this important legislation forward. Reach out to HFA Senior Manager of Government Affairs Charles Regnante at cregnante@healthandfitness.org to ask about attending.

Wellness Becomes a Differentiator

The work we do at the Fly-In and in state legislatures can help inform our international partners to build their own strategic approach with the HFA advocacy team. HFA is committed to supporting our international partners with research and advocacy resources that can help shape policy and expand access in their own communities.

That brings us to the theme of this issue of HFB: the Wellness Evolution. This is a global trend. HFA member studios, clubs, and suppliers around the world have evolved beyond traditional fitness offerings to embrace a more comprehensive approach to health, one that includes recovery, mental wellness, preventive health, social connection, and long-term quality of life. These priorities have only accelerated in the post-pandemic world.

At the heart of this evolution is women’s health. The standing-room-only attendance at the Women’s Leadership Summit at The HFA Show 2026 made one thing abundantly clear: Our members are committed to advancing a more inclusive, informed, and supportive future for women’s health.

Facilities today serve women across every stage of life and ability level, from young professionals to active-aging populations. Older women are now among the fastest-growing demographics in fitness, and our industry must continue adapting programming, education, services, and other wellness offerings to better meet their needs.

Soon, we will announce a partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS), building on years of research demonstrating that physical activity can improve quality of life and outcomes for cancer patients during treatment and beyond. We are proud to partner with the ACS and look forward to sharing more details on this collaboration later this month.

An Industry That Changes Lives

Every day, our industry improves the mental and physical well-being of millions of people. Beyond the statistics, however, are extraordinary stories of resilience and transformation.

One story especially close to my heart is that of Ali Truwit. Just two years ago, Ali lost her foot and part of her leg in a shark attack. Before that, she had trained at Chelsea Piers Connecticut and had become a standout swimmer at Yale University. Less than a year after losing her leg, Ali won two silver medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

She also founded Stronger Than You Think (STYT), a nonprofit supporting rehabilitation and prosthetic costs for girls and women recovering from limb loss.

Last year, Ali hosted the inaugural STYT Swimathon fundraiser. This year, the Swimathon returns to Chelsea Piers on May 31, and I am proud to see HFA members supporting this inspiring effort.

Ali’s story is a powerful reminder that fitness is about far more than performance. It is about resilience, recovery, and the strength to rebuild. She reminds us why we are all part of this remarkable industry and the life-changing impact we can have on others.

At HFA, we remain committed to building a stronger future for the industry we proudly serve.