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Latest News

ACE Releases Research: HIIT vs. Steady-State Training

Where to begin? That is the key question for most newcomers to a fitness facility or training program, especially for those who were previously sedentary. Should a person start slowly, with 30 minutes per day of treadmill walking? This amount of activity is in line with public health recommendations that healthy adults should accumulate 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most, if not all, days of the week (Haskell et al., 2007).

Or should a newcomer complete shorter bouts of high-intensity interval training (HIIT)? After all, a perceived lack of time is often cited as one of the primary reasons people drop out of exercise programs (Salmon et al., 2003). Or should it be some combination of the two?

Yoga Practitioners and Yoga Spending are on the Increase

The number of yoga practitioners in America has increased to more than 36 million people, a 50 percent increase since 2012, according to a 2016 yoga study conducted byYoga Journal and Yoga Alliance. Women represent 72 percent of U.S. practitioners, and men and older Americans are practicing yoga at an increasing rate.

According to the study, more people across all age groups are seeing the benefits of yoga, from overall health and well-being to mental clarity and stress relief.

AFS, TEN Institute Launch New Client Retention Program

(CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, January 14, 2016) – This New Year AFS has partnered with the TEN Institute to create an incredible new member and client retention program called the “Hydration Club” for fitness studios. It is an educational and product-driven program that helps keep members and clients engaged and retained.

The Hydration Club helps fitness enthusiasts achieve better results by combatting many issues they face when trying to get back into a regular workout routine – the very issues that often cause them to quit after a short time.

AFS Year in Review

(CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, January 7, 2016) – 2015 was an incredible year for the Association of Fitness Studios (AFS). As the only membership community dedicated solely to the business of fitness studios and entrepreneurial fitness professionals, AFS made great strides in bringing products, services and benefits to the fastest growing fitness market segment.

The 2015 momentum was based on major accomplishments in a variety of areas, including Research, Industry Relationships, and Digital Development. In only a few days, 2016 already shows definitive signs of continuing AFS’ positive contributions to the industry.

ClubIntel's Top 10 Predictions Has Fitness Studios Flourishing in 2016

Over the past several years the health/fitness industry has seen an onslaught of change in consumer attitudes and behavior, which in turn have triggered changes in how the industry operates.

In this White Paper we offer our top ten list of predictions to address our point of view regarding how these evolving trends in consumer behavior and industry practices may manifest themselves in 2016. Our goal is to provoke discussion within the industry and offer impetus for innovative change.

AFS, Core Health & Fitness Announce Indoor Cycling Educational Program

(CHICAGO, IL, VANCOUVER, WA - December 9, 2015) – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) and Core Health & Fitness (CORE) today announced the creation of the AFS/Schwinn Indoor Cycling Educational Program, designed to provide expert subject matter to help grow the businesses of indoor cycling studios.

Core Health & Fitness is the well-known fitness company developing and marketing advanced cardio and strength training commercial equipment via the iconic brands of Star Trac®, Stairmaster®, Nautilus®, and Schwinn®.

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.

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