IHRSA

7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 8, ISSUE 12 FOCUSING ON INCLUSIVENESS There’s an increasing need to provide more inclusive fitness opportunities and to assist people with disabilities to overcome any barriers to exercise. The IHRSA Foundation helps gyms and health clubs increase opportunities for inclusion of people with disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities (ID), chronic disease, and mobility limitations. The IHRSA Foundation and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), supported by the UNESCO Chair in Inclusive Fitness, Sport & Recreation, PE, received a grant from the Special Olympics with funding through their Inclusive Health Innovation Grant. Supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the grant aims to support organizations in making practices more inclusive and tip the balance toward a fully inclusive world where people with ID are fully and intentionally included in mainstream fitness programs and services. Of particular note, IHRSA Foundation has been awarded a grant from the John W. Brick Foundation for a project that aims to assess and address awareness around the mental health benefits of exercise. As well as the role the fitness industry and industry professionals can play in improving mental health and well- being. During the project, IHRSA Foundation will conduct an assessment and follow-up survey of fitness industry professionals, provide education and resources, and launch an awareness campaign. IHRSA is one of the world’s leading authorities on the commercial health club industry. The association’s mission to grow, promote, and protect the health and fitness industry brings strength to the fight for awareness and promotion of exercise as a critical component of good health, wellness, and quality of life. Indeed, IHRSA is providing an essential service for the benefit of all in these unprecedented times. The elements that will help the IHRSA Foundation achieve these aims include the following: 1. Research on outcome-based wellness programs in clubs 2. Education and resources to support wellness 3. Programs and staff training that promote health through exercise 4. Growing the support for and availability of ACCESS Health Program