IHRSA Rebrands to Health & Fitness Association, Marking New Era
The new name, announced at IHRSA’s annual trade show in Los Angeles, signals the organization’s commitment to global recognition
The leading global community of health and fitness professionals founded in 1981 as IRSA prior to transitioning to IHRSA in 1994 has entered a new chapter with a new moniker: Health & Fitness Association.
Liz Clark, president and CEO, unveiled the new name during her President’s Address on Wednesday, March 6, before the organization’s 2024 keynote at its annual convention and trade show, held this year in Los Angeles.
“Every industry evolves, and the next step of evolution for our association is to have a name that exactly reflects the breadth, diversity and consumer-oriented focus of the businesses in our sector,” Clark said. “The Health & Fitness Association is clear, compelling, and can also be easily translated into any language, which is vital given the international reach of the association and the global operations of our members.”
As a global community of industry leaders supporting an association committed to advocacy, education and research, Clark indicated that the new name reflects the group’s ongoing devotion to an ever-changing landscape.
“This decision is especially important when we focus on the association’s primary mission — advocacy to government, media, NGOs and other key stakeholders around the world,” she continued. “From today on, there will be no question about the mission, vision and clarity of purpose of the Health & Fitness Association.”
Although IHRSA helped accelerate the fitness industry’s return to normalcy in an unprecedented post-pandemic environment, Clark emphasized that the Health & Fitness Association is now aiming to move the industry from surviving to thriving and beyond.
“Now is the time to crank up the incline and accelerate the pace,” Clark told IHRSA attendees. “Your businesses are becoming more sophisticated and innovative. Record numbers of consumers rely on us to make their health goals a reality. This industry-consumer connection is powerful.”
In addition to pursuing goals that support the best possible business climate for the industry, Clark also underscored the work IHRSA has done in Washington, D.C.
“We have dramatically increased our media exposure and recognition,” Clark said. “This is why the White House, the CDC, congressional leaders and policymakers now seek out our team for input. We are not just finding respect, we are earning it — and we are just getting started.”
Health & Fitness Association will adopt the hashtag #HealthFit and roll out a complete brand “look” across its website, social media platforms and other materials in the coming months.
