04 Oct 529 Shaping the Future and Lobbying for Change in the Fitness Industry
As a gym owner, you’re constantly striving to grow your business and provide the best possible experience for your members. But did you know that joining a national fitness association can significantly impact your bottom line, including member and staff retention?
ABOUT OUR GUESTS
Liz Clark, the Health & Fitness Association’s (HFA) first female president and CEO, joined the organization in 2021 during a critical period for the fitness industry.
With a strong background in government relations, she previously led advocacy at the National Confectioners Association, where she successfully lobbied for the confection industry’s essential status during the pandemic.
Her prior roles include executive director at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and lobbying positions at the National Paint and Coatings Association.
Barrie Elvish brings over 25 years’ CEO experience of successful organisational change, strategic development and business growth across a range of sectors including Education, Health and Community Services.
He holds a BA, Graduate Diploma in Education and MBA, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
You’ll regularly hear Barrie talking about his passions and experiences including surfing, Triathlons, keeping his mental health and wellbeing strong through exercise, Led Zeppelin and Hot Rods – all for the purpose of sharing the love.
Barrie has a longstanding personal and professional interest in adventure play for children and is the proud grandfather of two beautiful girls and a new grandson.
A 30 year veteran of the Exercise Industry, Richard Beddie is the current CEO of ExerciseNZ. He also sits on a number of boards both in New Zealand and globally, including the Health & Fitness Assocation (formerly IHRSA), ICREPs, GHFA, and World Active. A former gym owner and group exercise instructor, his passion now centres around having exercise recognised as part of the health continuum. He’s a regular guest on New Zealand TV news shows for exercise and wellness.
key takeaways
- The importance of advocacy: Discover how industry associations are lobbying governments to create favourable policies for gyms.
- The benefits of joining an association: Learn about the resources and support available to members, such as networking opportunities, educational materials, and industry expertise.
- How to advocate for your business: Gain insights into effective advocacy strategies that can help you shape the future of the fitness industry.
By listening to this episode, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the role of industry associations and how they can benefit your gym. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and grow your business. Listen to the episode now!
Our favourite quotable moments:
“If you can’t talk dollars to the government, they’re not interested.” – Barrie Elvish
“We need to be part of the health continuum moving forward. And we are leading fitness through health.” – Liz Clark
“EQ is responsible for upwards of 60% of workplace performance.” – Lindsay Vastola
“[The Fitness industry] needs to be recognized as a key player in preventive healthcare.” – Barrie Elvish
If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!
RESOURCES
- Continue the conversation in our LinkedIn Community.
- Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses – Website
- Barrie Elvish – LinkedIn | Email
- AusActive – Website
- Liz Clark – LinkedIn | Email
- Health & Fitness Association – Website
- Richard Beddie – LinkedIn | Email
- Exercise New Zealand – Website
- Fit for Office – Website
- Myzone – Website
Wise Words Guest:
Sponsor’s Pitch:
REX Trusted Suppliers:
MEET OUR HOST
Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often. JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.
Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations.
