Latest News

Why the PHIT Act is Important for Fitness Studios

Before understanding the impact of the Personal Health Incentive Today Act (PHIT), one must understand the world of Internal Revenue Service approved Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). 

IRS rules allow individuals to put pre-tax income into these special accounts, but the money can only be used for IRS-approved definitions of “healthy spending.”  Currently, typical fitness-related expenditures do not qualify.

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Dr. Kevin Steele Joins AFS Advisory Council

(CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, November 8, 2015) – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today proudly announced the addition of fitness industry veteran Dr. Kevin Steele to the AFS Advisory Council.

Dr. Steele, one of the fitness industry’s personal training programming pioneers, has had tours of duty with some of the most iconic brands in fitness including Health & Tennis Corporation of America, Lifetime Fitness, Mad Dogg Athletics, and 24 Hour Fitness. 

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AFS Educational Events Massive Success

What a week! With over 12 hours of education packed into only a few days, nearly 200 studio owners and fitness professionals came away with some of the best expert advice available today!

Check out the Club Industry page to learn about AFS' next event at this show and receive 25% off! At Club Industry in Chicago (Oct. 7-9), attendees were treated to an all-star panel that included some of the top minds in the industry.

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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