Fitness Australia is calling on the industry to have their say in the independent Regulation Survey conducted by Latrobe University before the Monday 7th December deadline.

Fitness Australia CEO, Barrie Elvish, said the survey was an opportunity for everyone to have their say, share their point of view and be part of the discussion into possible future regulation of Australia’s $3 billion a year fitness industry.

Mr Elvish said:

“The Regulation Survey commissioned by Fitness Australia is designed to ascertain the sector’s appetite for the possible implementation of some form of Regulation Framework. In order to do this, we need as many people as possible to participate in the survey.”

“It is very early stages and there are many steps that will need to be taken should the survey findings show there is industry appetite for a Regulation Framework.”

Mr Elvish said Fitness Australia has been working with the industry, government and other stakeholders to have gyms and fitness facilities classified as an essential service and be more closely align with allied health, with the goal of building greater consumer confidence.

Mr Elvish said:

“Exercise and access to a range of fitness options is vital for our mental and physical health and overall wellbeing. We’ve worked extensively during COVID-19 to have our industry recognised as essential and we know that in the minds of many decision makers and policy writers there are outdated perceptions of what the fitness industry represents.”

“As the peak association who represent more than 25,000 members and the broader industry, we have been looking at a variety of options that will allow us to accelerate the industry’s growth, service excellence, credibility and consumer confidence.

“Options that hold the industry and it’s exercise professionals accountable to a set of high standards and requirements will be a significant step forward in achieving this future potential.”

Fitness Australia is also asking those who had completed the first version of the Regulation Survey to kindly complete the survey again in order for their responses to form part of the report.

The regulation survey run by Latrobe University is open to the fitness industry community until Monday 7thDecember 2020 and can be accessed via: https://is.gd/Fitness_regulation.