'International' has always been a part of, remains
the first word in the name of, and, each
year, represents a greater percentage of the
membership of IHRSA.
In June, the association's board of directors held
its regularly scheduled spring meeting in London,
and, for me, the event served as a powerful reminder
of a number of things: IHRSA's singular impact
on the global industry; the striking similarity of
problems faced by clubs, wherever they are; the
possibility of formulating common solutions; and
the incredible value that such intercourse yields.
Approximately 40 percent of the association's members
now come from countries other than the U.S., and,
last March, they comprised 25 of the attendees at
IHRSA's 24th annual International Convention and
Trade Show. IHRSA is acutely aware of their needs
and attempts to address them in a variety of ways.
At the convention, there are simultaneously translated
sessions, an international reception, and an
international lounge. IHRSA participates in meetings
in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. It distributes CBI in more than 70 different
countries, and Club Business Europe (CBE) in the EEU, and is involved with Fitness
Business Latin America (FBLA) in Latin and South America.
In each case, IHRSA finds itself cast in an enviable dual role-that of teacher...and
that of student.
In countries such as Russia and China, which don't have a health club tradition,
IHRSA resources are being utilized to create a vibrant new industry. And, in developed
markets, such as the EEU, sophisticated operators are developing new concepts,
approaches, programs, and equipment that accrue to the advantage of clubs in the U.S.
While in London, the board met with the Fitness Industry Association (FIA), IHRSA's
counterpart in the U.K., and I found it enlightening to hear how the industry has dealt
with the issue of personal-trainer certification there. Many of the certifying agencies
are now being accredited by an independent third party-much like the standard
IHRSA has endorsed-but they've also established a Registry of Exercise Professionals,
which allows anyone to check out a trainer's credentials. Interesting idea!
Observing, advising, informing, learning-IHRSA's responsibilities, activities, and
success are all enhanced, incredibly, by the members of its worldwide family. We can
never get too much of 'international.'
