THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
Training Tomorrow’s Leaders
REX Leadership Academy continues an honored industry tradition.
Faculty and students assemble for a group picture.
At a time when the industry is evolving rapidly through technology and other innovations, one important feature of the industry remains intact: The strength of a business lies in the strength of its people.
That’s the driving force behind the annual REX Leadership Academy, an intensive program created to turn great managers into exceptional leaders.
Held July 15-17 in Ossining, NY, a town in Westchester County just north of the five boroughs, the 2025 REX Leadership Academy brought together high-potential team members from health clubs and studios across North America for a transformative, three-day experience.
Founded in 1989, REX Roundtables is a high-level leadership network that connects more than 350 industry executives across 26 countries. REX CEO Eddie Tock hosted the Leadership Academy, which many attendees likened to the now-discontinued IHRSA Institute, a casualty of the pandemic.
One of those making the comparison was Rick Caro, HFA co-founder and a member of the HFA Hall of Fame, who HFB spoke to before he passed away in August.
“REX created an excellent team of presenters and topics,” Caro said. “They brought back events like the logo swap and introduced powerful new ones like the fire pit intros. Very impressive.”
Not Just Training—Transformation
Designed specifically for rising stars in the fitness business, the Academy equips attendees with tools to take greater ownership in their roles, contribute at a higher level, and eventually lead teams or facilities of their own.
Sessions were hosted by an all-star cast of REX regulars, each bringing a unique lens to leadership, culture, and business strategy. In addition to Tock, presenters included Brent Darden, consultant and former chair of the HFA board; Allison Flatley, CEO of Allison Flatley Consulting; Dan Duran, vice president of Lionel University; Mary Laudati, principal at Mary Laudati Sales Consulting; Justin Tamsett, industry consultant and director and host of the Fitness Business podcast; and Mark Miller, COO of Merritt Clubs.
The content spanned a wide range of leadership essentials, such as mastering financial literacy, strategic planning expertise, and other subjects.
Flatley leads a session.
A People-First Mindset
REX Leadership Academy makes an intentional effort to design the classes with a community-based approach to learning. Participants learn alongside peers from across the country, gaining not only new ideas but also new perspectives, while developing relationships that last years.
Owners and managers who sent team members to the Academy have reported to Tock that attendees have already demonstrated improved initiative, communication, and accountability in their facilities.
“There’s an energy in the room that can’t be replicated,” Tock said of the classes. “And according to attendees, it’s a game-changer.”
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Health & Fitness Business is a publication of
Health & Fitness Business (HFB) is the leading Health & 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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