3 Million More Americans Began Exercising in 2019, New SFIA Report Says

In 2019, nearly every fitness category saw increased participation, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association's latest report. This includes exercise choreographed to music (7 percent increase), aquatic exercise (6.4 percent), yoga (6 percent), rowing machines (5.9 percent) and treadmills (5.7 percent).

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21-Year-Old Midshipman Dies while Performing the US Navy's Running Test

The State of Maryland and the United States Naval Academy are investigating the cause of death of a 21-year-old midshipman who collapsed on Feb. 8 during the 1.5-mile run portion of the Navy's semi-annual physical readiness test.

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What Are the 2020 Trends You Need to Watch?

Find out the 10 prognostications on where the fitness industry is headed in 2020 when you attend this free Master Class webinar at 2 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, Feb. 27. ClubIntel co-founder Stephen Tharrett will take attendees on a journey with respect to what industry dynamics will be relevant in 2020 and beyond. Sponsored by Honor Yoga, ABC Financial, MYE Entertainment, SneezeIt, SportsArt and Twin Oaks. Register now by going here.  

Healthcare and Fitness Integration Podcasts Explain the Opportunities for Health Clubs

Find out the opportunities that are opening for the health club industry with the changing healthcare landscape as well as how to better motivate your clients by listening to a special two-part Club Industry Podcast: The ABC Financial Services Edition on Healthcare and Fitness Integration. The first podcast features insights from Doug Ribley of Cleveland Clinic Akron General about how the medical industry is changing, which is creating new revenue streams for health club operators. He shares some steps you can take to be a part of this opportunity. Also included are insights from Paul Schaller and Bill Davis of ABC Financial, which sponsored this two-part podcast. The second podcast in this series offers practical applications from clinical psychologist Dr. Andrea Busby on how to motivate your clients to exercise, what you are saying that may be hurting them and how to interact with them to improve their results. You can find both on the Club Industry Soundcloud page. And then register for the Healthcare & Fitness Integration Summit at this year’s Club Industry Show Oct. 14-16 in St. Louis, Missouri.  

Fitness Franchising Growth from 9Round’s Shannon Hudson

In the 25-minute long January Club Industry Podcast, 9Round CEO and co-founder Shannon Hudson shares why franchising has been an asset in the growth of his brand and what he thinks the future holds for franchising and the kickboxing model. This month’s podcast is sponsored by Listen360. Hudson is just one of the many podcasts you can download. Others include Club Greenwood President Paula Neubert, Alloy Training CEO Rick Mayo, 24 Hour CEO Tony Ueber, Gold’s Gym International CEO Adam  Zeitsiff, Crunch Signature CEO Keith Worts and more. You can stream or download each episode for free at Club Industry's SoundCloud page.

Cardio and Strength Changes and Trends

More fitness facilities are clearing space for group activities, but that doesn't mean cardio and strength equipment will go away. The latest Club Industry report, "Cardio and Strength Equipment Trends, Technology, Purchasing and Maintenance," shares how group training and technology are changing cardio and strength equipment, how to make better cardio and strength equipment purchasing decisions, and how to ensure you maintain your equipment for a longer life and less down time. To download the full report, click here.