Latest News

AFS Releases Fitness Studio Reopening Guidelines

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, May 13, 2020)  – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today released its fitness studio reopening guidelines in the wake of the COVID-19 virus.  Aimed at keeping clients safe and welcoming them back - when the time is right - has been an on-going effort to ensure the highest level of precaution is taken.

While completely aware that governmental agencies are wrestling with the same issues, AFS’ guidelines are intended to be fundamental “to-do’s” with the understanding that individual states and cities will have their own specific recommendations.

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SUCCEED! Online Event Overwhelming Success!

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, May 6, 2020)  – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) proudly announced to the fitness industry today the incredible success of its SUCCEED! Virtual Online Event held May 2-3, 2020.  

The event featured two full days of education, a keynote presentation by author and fitness leader Petra Kolber, the best of AFS and SUCCEED! presenters, a virtual ‘swag bag’ for all attendees, CECs/CEUs – and the ability to attend for free.

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SUCCEED! Online Event Smashes Expectations 

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, April 30, 2020)  – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) proudly announced today that registrations for its SUCCEED! Virtual Online Event have exceeded 3,700 and likely will top out above 4,000 for May 2-3, 2020 educational event.   

The event, with a focus on Immediate Strategies to Excel Your Fitness Business During Uncertain Times - features two full days of education, the best of AFS and SUCCEED! presenters, a virtual ‘swag bag’ for all attendees (worth $1,000+) CECs/CEUs – and a free admission option.

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Major Fitness Organizations Supporting SUCCEED! Virtual Online Event

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, April 20, 2020)  – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) proudly announced today that several leading fitness organizations have agreed to support AFS’ SUCCEED! Virtual Online Event, May 2-3, 2020.  The group includes the #1 free consumer at-home fitness app FitOn, Net Profit Explosion (NPE), Personal Fitness Professional (PFP), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), Myzone, Punchpass, uscreen.tv, BOSU, and Fit Bodies.  More are expected to be announced in the coming days as well.

The SUCCEED! Virtual Online Event - Immediate Strategies to Accelerate Your Fitness Business During Uncertain Times - features two full days of education, the best of AFS and SUCCEED! presenters, a virtual ‘swag bag’ for all attendees, CECs/CEUs – and the ability to attend for free.

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AFS Joins the Coalition of Health and Fitness Leaders

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, CHICAGO, IL, April 8, 2020)  – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) and the Coalition of Health and Fitness Leaders (CHFL) today announced the inclusion of AFS as part of CHFL’s mission to help fitness professionals navigate the challenges resulting from COVID-19. ​

AFS joins an impressive and ever-growing list of leading fitness organizations working together to help the industry through these difficult times, including IDEA, ISSA, WIFA, PTA Global, Precision Nutrition, Fitness Revolution and many others.

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BurnAlong Becomes AFS Sponsor

(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, PIKESVILLE, MD, March 24, 2020) – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today proudly announced and welcomed the addition of BurnAlong to its sponsorship ranks.

As the growing health crisis is keeping people at home and limiting their social contact with others, BurnAlong is partnering with 100s and 100s of local gyms and studios to help them keep their classes going online - by streaming live or on-demand - and critically helping their members stay healthy and engaged with their favorite instructors from home.

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Official Statement Re. SUCCEED! 2020

To: All of our Members, Sponsors, Friends, Colleagues, and the Entire AFS Community

We understand and appreciate the difficulties and concerns the COVID-19 virus has and continues to have on all segments of society. As an industry that provides and promotes health and well being, we must be at the forefront of the solution to this devastating problem.

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Publications

Brand New Reports Coming Soon!!!

2019 Fitness Studio Operating & Financial Benchmarking Report 

The 2019 report is our most ambitious yet, including a financial breakdown of studios by region, studio type, and size to get the most accurate data possible.

Access the 2019 Report

2019 Fitness Studio Trend Report  

To ensure a variety of feedback, AFS canvassed its Advisory Council, vendor partners, and leading studio and gym operators to reveal their top trends for 2019!

Access the 2019 Report

2018 Fitness Studio Operating & Financial Benchmarking Report 

From coast to coast, the 2018 report canvassed the US to get the most accurate data possible. The 2018 report shows the studio market continues to thrive and become increasingly revenue efficient.

Access the 2018 Report

2018 Fitness Studio Trend Report 

To ensure a variety of perspectives AFS canvassed it’s Advisory Council, Vendor Partners, and leading studio operators on trends they see growing or continuing in 2018. 

Access the 2018 Trend Report

2017 Fitness Studio Operating & Financial Benchmarking Report 

The 2017 Report has expanded the reach of respondents to mirror the expansion of AFS and the studio business. A full 30% of respondents to this year’s survey are from non-U.S. locations.

Access the 2017 Report

Marketing Best Practices Research Report 

We surveyed hundreds of studio owners across the country, identified the successful strategies, and provide them to you in this first-ever research report! 

Access the 2016 Report