Will Phillips, founder of REX Roundtables, which has been a resource for health club and studio operators for 35 years, passed away on April 10 after complications from surgery.
“The Health & Fitness Association joins the fitness industry in mourning the death of Will Phillips, an industry visionary and leader who guided so many of our members on their journeys as successful owners and operators,” said Health & Fitness Association President and CEO Liz Clark.
“Although I didn’t have the privilege of meeting Will personally, I have witnessed the profound impact of his wisdom and generosity of spirit on our industry. The legacy he leaves through his work with REX Roundtables will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched. We are grateful for his dedication to and his work on behalf of the industry,” continued Clark.
Phillips founded REX Roundtables in 1989, growing to over 350 members and 400 REX Roundtables meetings yearly across the U.S., Australia, and Europe.
“There are very few people in the global fitness industry who have had the widespread and lasting impact that Will had over his 30+ years of service,” said Eddie Tock, CEO of REX Roundtables. “His influence touched thousands of lives and transformed countless businesses.”
Phillips officially retired in May 2020, leading over 2,800 working sessions and corporate retreats with fitness industry leaders. He was a regular global presenter and authored over 400 management briefings for health club executives. When he stepped away, industry icon Joe Cirulli said, “I’ve always thought of Will as having my own personal Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
Blair McHaney from MXMetrics shared, “Because of Will, my life is better, my family’s life is better and all of our employees’ lives are better.”
Brent Darden, REX chair and former Roundtables member added, “Will had an indelible and long-lasting influence on the fitness industry.”
“Will’s legacy lives on through the structure, collaboration, and impact of every REX meeting around the world,” said Eddie Tock.
REX is a global organization that runs mastermind groups for health club business owners and chief executives, including over 195 clubs and organizations (2700-plus clubs) in the fitness industry. A REX Roundtable is a personal advisory board composed of 15-to-18 successful CEOs who meet regularly to help each other improve the performance of their business and the quality of their personal lives. REX carefully crafts the chemistry of each Roundtable, so there are no competitors, strong similarities, yet a broad range of complementary expertise among the members.”
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Boston, and those who attend are asked to wear “colorful, celebratory garb.” Go here to read the obituary.
