WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 5, 2021 — The Community Gyms Coalition (CGC), and the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), groups representing more than 40,000 gyms and fitness studios across the U.S., today released the following statement applauding the bipartisan GYMS Act for reaching 150 co-sponsors.
“This is a huge milestone that reinforces our need for federal support,” said CGC and IHRSA. “Gyms and fitness centers across the country are continuing to struggle because of the ongoing effects of COVID-19. Direct support will allow gym owners to recover from the pandemic, continue serving our communities, and help reverse the mental and physical toll COVID-19 has taken on all Americans. We are thankful for the support of Representatives Mike Quigley, Brian Fitzpatrick, and all co-sponsors who recognize the importance of passing the GYMS Act.”
A recent survey found that 80 percent of gym owners are still struggling with the long-term financial impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey also revealed 64 percent of gym owners have been forced to go into additional debt, with an average of $75,000 in new debt for those gyms.
“Gyms and fitness facilities across the U.S. were among the few industries mandated to close by the government due to Covid-19 risk. Even as some of these restrictions have been lifted this summer, gyms and fitness facilities have a mountain of expenses from the past year that they cannot pay off on their own,” said Congressman Mike Quigley. “Now, with Covid-19 cases rising again and some regions of the country reinstating precautions, the fitness industry’s financial hole is only getting deeper. More than ever, we need to pass the GYMS Act to provide this struggling sector with the support it needs to keep Americans fit and healthy. I’m incredibly pleased that now more than 150 of my colleagues have joined Congressman Fitzpatrick and I in trying to help gyms and fitness studios keep their doors open.”
Learn more about the Community Gyms Coalition here: https://gymscoalition.org/
Learn more about IHRSA here: https://www.ihrsa.org/
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