Breaking News and Important Announcements

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Latest News

P.E. – America's Inactivity 'Killer" - Is Getting Cheated Again

SILVER SPRING, MD – June 13, 2016 – Despite the fact there is clear evidence that physical education in schools is America’s best approach to raising active, smart, and healthy children, the state of Illinois is ignoring the evidence and allowing physical education to be cut out of schools throughout the state.

A recent article in the Chicago Tribune reveals that Illinois -- once considered the model state for daily P.E. in school -- is pulling an about face and giving schools waivers on offering daily P.E. to its students. This is sending a bad lifestyle message to children in Illinois.

SportsArt Latest Fitness Supplier To Join AFS

(Oakland, CA, June 9, 2016) – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today proudly announced and welcomed the addition of SportsArt to its membership and sponsorship ranks.

With over 38 years of innovative design and manufacturing excellence, SportsArt consistently seeks to advance industry standards, positioning itself as one of the most creative manufacturers of premium quality fitness, medical, performance and residential equipment.

Medical Fitness Network Founder, Lisa Dougherty, is Finalist for the White House Champion of Change

(May 26, 2016) Orange County, CA. –“Makers and builders and doers – of all ages and backgrounds – have pushed our country forward, developing creative solutions to important challenges and proving that ordinary Americans are capable of achieving the extraordinary when they have access to the resources they need” – President Obama, National Week of Making Proclamation.

It was announced today that Lisa Dougherty, founder of the Medical Fitness Network is a finalist for the White House Champion of Change for Making for the Medical Fitness Network project.

Brick Bodies Expands into Boutique Fitness Studio Space

Brick Bodies Fitness Services Inc., Timonium, Maryland, has announced plans to open a new co-ed studio in Baltimore's Belvedere Square.

Studio B Yoga and Barre is a 2,500-square-foot facility that is expected to open at the end of this month, according to a media release. The studio will be a separate brand from Brick Bodies and Lynne Brick's health clubs.

SportsArt ECO-POWR™ Generates Green Energy at Radisson Red

SportsArt ECO-POWR™ continues to encourage facilities to embrace the benefits of sustainability, recently extending to the hospitality space in Europe.

As featured in the Carlson Rezidor Responsible Business brochure, guests of the Radisson Red Hotel in Brussels — their first flagship hotel brand specifically catering to Millennials — return the kinetic energy they create while exercising to the hotel's electrical grid, which generates power for the hotel and can lower energy bills overall.

SoulCycle Expands into Texas with Plans for Growth in Other Markets

SoulCycle, New York City, has expanded into the Lone Star State.

The boutique indoor cycling brand recently opened is first Texas studio in Houston and has plans for a second location in Dallas, according to a SoulCycle media release posted on the Houston Style Magazine website. SoulCycle Houston features 56 bikes and is located in the River Oaks/Upper Kirby Area on Kirby Drive.

AFS, Club Industry Renew Conference Educational Affiliation Agreement

(OAKLAND, CA, May 18, 2016) – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) and Club Industry have announced the renewal of their affiliation agreement in which AFS will provide fitness studio-centric education at the 2016 Club Industry Show in Chicago.

The four-session series of seminars will be spread over two days, with morning sessions on Thursday, October 13, and Friday, October 14. The AFS lineup of speakers will again highlight industry experts conveying relevant information for studio owners and fitness professionals aspiring to ownership. AFS members also receive 25% off!

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