IHRSA, Looking out for the Fitness Industry

IHRSA has been hard at work monitoring legislation that would hurt the fitness industry. In Pennsylvania, taxes on health club services were proposed and IHRSA lead the fight. In the end, a 6% sales tax on health club usage was defeated (IHRSA PA tax).

IHRSA is also sponsoring a nationwide push for legislation concerning corporate wellness, the Work Health Improvement Program (WHIP ACT). The backing of legislation that promotes the fitness industry and health and wellness of Americans by allowing deductions for companies who subsidize health club usage for their employees is a wonderful cause! IHRSA monitors legislation in all 50 states for any proposed bills that will affect the fitness industry. It has also been stated recently that IHRSA has taken to monitoring state and federal legislation for moves involving the personal training industry, to protect trainers from unfair legislation.

In addition to this, the PHIT Act (Personal Health Investment Today) is being presented. According to IHRSA, "The PHIT Act, introduced in June, would permit individuals to pay for certain designated exercise-related products and services with pretax dollars invested in medical flexible-spending accounts (FSAs), health-savings accounts (HSAs), medical-savings accounts (MSAs), and/or medical-reimbursement arrangements."

In the fight against preventable injury and disease in this country, IHRSA is taking major strides towards the victory. Their efforts alone have proven that they are worthy of membership and support.