::Publisher’sWelcome We’reCounting onYou


Out of themillions of health clubmembers, there’s only one who reallymatters.


Studies prove that you can pass on the


exercise bug to others. Someone whose spouse is committed to a fit lifestyle is far more likely to become active as well, accord- ing to researchers. These results have been found again and again in research on larger social groups of people who frequently interact. Of course, influence canwork the otherway, too. According to aHarvard study, obesity can be contagious (see Page 10). Being one of the 50million is the bestway


According to the latest count, there aremore than 50million of you.Don’tworry—you’re not being clonedwithout your knowledge. I’m including you as one of the 50.2million health- clubmembers in theU.S. That’s a lot of people, but then again, there


are a lot of health clubs: 29,890 by our count. This reflects the gains in niche and theme- oriented facilities, as well as the continued growth of convenient, always-open fitness locations. These days, there seems to be a club for everybody, wherever and whenever they need it. But out of themillions of gymgoers, there is


only one health-clubmemberwho reallymat- ters: you. It’s your experience thatwe care about—your ability to reach your goals and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Whether you realize it or not, you’re a cata-


lyst, an agent of influence.We are social ani- mals, constantly influencing each other’s behavior and habits. That’s true nowmore than ever, with the tentacles of social net- working that reach far and wide, allowing us tomaintain connections and friendships across the globe.


to avoid falling into large statistical groups you want nothing to dowith, such as the 36%of Americanswho are classified as overweight (Gallup-Healthways poll).Then there are the 105million people in theU.S.who have dia- betes or prediabetes, according to the Centers forDisease Control. Fewthings in life are guaranteed, but the


power of exercise to improve your life is one of them. Regular physical activity can enhance health, energy,mood,metabolism, even insulin sensitivity. Exercise can help prevent cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and other diseases. In short, life is better— and often longer—for those who exercise! Sure, we have the statistics to back up


these claims. But in the end, they’re just numbers.Without your enthusiasmand commitment to staying healthy and fit, we would have lit- tle chance to effectively reverse rising obe- sity trends and escalating health-care costs. It really does all beginwith you. As one of


the 50.2million health-clubmembers, you’re muchmore than a number. Count on it.


Yours in health, ABOUT IHRSA


The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) is a nonprofit trade association representing health clubs, fitness facilities and industry suppliers worldwide.Every day IHRSA members help millions of people obtain better health through exercise.To find a quality IHRSA club, visit healthclubs.com. The health club industry’s premier event, IHRSA's 31st Annual International Convention & Trade Show,will be held in Los Angeles from March 14–17, 2012.


CEO&PRESIDENT JoeMoore


BOARDOFDIRECTORS ArtCurtis Chairperson MillenniumPartners Sports Club Management


SusanCooper BodyBusiness Health Club&Spa


SandyHoeffer Western Athletic Clubs


MikeRaymond Curves International, Inc.


ChuckRunyon Anytime Fitness, Inc.


DavidHardy Franvest Capital Partners Fitness Industry Council of Canada


Kilian Fisher ILAM– Ireland


Kay Yuspeh Elite Fitness&Racquet Clubs


BillMcBride Club One, Inc.


RichardBilton Companhia Athletica


CarolNalevanko DMB Sports Clubs


BrentDarden TELOS Fitness Center


ScottGillespie Saco Sport&Fitness


David Patchell-Evans Ex-officio GoodLife Fitness Clubs


Jay Ablondi Publisher


SPECIALADVISOR EUROPE Christian Pierar De Fitness Organisatie


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