News and Publications

Latest News

Balanced Habits Joins AFS, ‘Life Transformations Begin with Balanced Habits’

(OAKLAND, CA, COSTA MESA, CA, June 11, 2018)  – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today proudly announced and welcomed Balanced Habits to its membership ranks.

Founded in 2013 by former gym owners Paul & Carolyn Fetters, Balanced Habits certifies Food Coaches, educating them on proper balanced nutrition and implementation of sustainable programs for use inside the studio environment. Balanced Habits certifications are recognized by AAFA & NASM as a continuing education provider.

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Better Air Environments Joins AFS Technology for a Healthier and Safer Gym

(OAKLAND, CA, NEW YORK, NY, June 4, 2018)  – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today proudly announced and welcomed the addition of Better Air Environments, LLC to its associate membership ranks.

BetterAir is an innovative biotechnology company that has developed the world’s first probiotic air, surface, and object purification system.  BetterAir is dedicated to restoring and preserving the normal ecological balance in indoor spaces, by harnessing the power of Envirobiotics™ - the safest, most natural way to restore the natural ecological balance. 

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SUCCEED! Signs Todd Durkin for Opening Keynote Address

(OAKLAND, CA, May 24, 2018)  – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today proudly announced that fitness industry icon Todd Durkin has agreed to be the opening keynote speaker at SUCCEED! – the first-ever major Business Convention & Expo for current and aspiring studio/gym owners! The event will be April 12-14, 2019 at Hotel Irvine, in Irvine, CA.

Durkin is the well-known, internationally recognized strength, speed and conditioning coach, personal trainer, motivational speaker, and author who inspires people worldwide. He is the founder of Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, CA, a world-class facility that has been named a Top 10 Gym in the U.S. five years in a row by Men’s Health magazine. 

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Virtuamgym Closes €6 Million Series B Investment Led by Endeit Capital

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, May 23rd  2018 - Virtuagym, provider of a cloud-based fitness software platform and mobile apps, announced it has closed a €6 million Series B financing round led by growth investor Endeit Capital, to fuel international growth of the company.

Founded by two brothers, Paul and Hugo Braam, Virtuagym has grown from a single-room start-up to a scale-up with over 200 employees and offices in Amsterdam, and Medellín, Colombia. The company serves businesses in the fitness space in over 80 countries worldwide, including the United States and key European markets.

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Matrix Fitness Launches Apple GymKit at Jetts 24 Hour Fitness in Bangkok

COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. (April 20, 2018) – Matrix Fitness, the world’s fastest growing commercial fitness brand, announced today the implementation of Apple GymKit-enabled cardio equipment at Jetts 24 Hour Fitness in Bangkok, Thailand.

With this installation, Jetts members are now able to pair their Apple Watches to GymKit-enabled Matrix Fitness treadmills, ellipticals, Ascent Trainers®, ClimbMills® and stationary bikes to get the most personalized, accurate metrics possible with the first two-way data synchronization.

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AFS, NASM/AFAA Renew, Expand Collaboration Agreement

(OAKLAND, CA, CHANDLER, AZ, May 14, 2018)  – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and its sister organization the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) announced today that they have renewed and expanded their collaboration agreement to enhance opportunities for members and clients of each organization. 

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AFS Supports Myzone Challenge for ALS

(OAKLAND, CA, April 27, 2018)  – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today proudly announced its support of the Myzone Challenge for Augie’s Quest – and encourages all fitness studios in its audience to participate in this national fund-raiser to help fund critical research to bring AT-1501 treatment to individuals suffering from ALS.

According to the ALS Therapy Institute (ALSTDI), “The development of AT-1501, a novel antibody which acts in a highly targeted, disease specific way to tamp down the immune system, is now ready for clinical translation."

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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