It was a gathering of passionate and committed leaders within the U.S. fitness industry. That’s one way to summarize those in attendance at SGMA International’s Fly in for Fitness on September 20-21. This inaugural event was organized to achieve three primary objectives for the fitness industry:

  1. To promote pro-fitness public policy;
  2. To create business/networking opportunities;
  3. To educate SGMA’s members on policy issues affecting the fitness industry.

According to SGMA President Tom Cove, the Fly in for Fitness achieved all three.

“The Fly in for Fitness was a great way to showcase the unity of the fitness industry in this country – with SGMA being the catalyst that brought everybody together,” said Cove. “Despite the competitive element that exists within the fitness business, there are a number of common challenges and obstacles that require the attention of the entire fitness sector. This event is a constructive way for the fitness industry to work together for everyone’s mutual benefit.”

On Tuesday, September 20, there were a number of panel discussions involving association leaders, fitness retailers, and fitness manufacturers. The themes of the four panel discussions were Promoting Physical Activity and Health, Emerging New Business and Creative Programming, Challenges Facing the Fitness Manufacturing Sector: Safety, Standards and Product Liability, and Consumer Trends in Fitness.

At lunch on the 20th, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) was the keynote speaker. Cornyn, an avid proponent of fitness, spoke at length about the importance of physical fitness in the lives of all Americans – especially the young generation.

“The key issue is prevention,” said Cornyn. “Regular physical activity keeps people healthy and reduces the burden on our health care system. Right now, we have a sick care system where we spend money to get people well again.”

At dinner, a pair of radio and television news journalists from Washington, D.C. spoke about the news environment on Capitol Hill and why some issues get more coverage than others.


On Wwednesday, the Fly in attendees heard from U.S. Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN), who shares Cornyn’s opinion on the issue of physical fitness – especially as it applies to children, many of whom are overweight and out of shape.

“The human body was made to run, swim, bike, jump, push, and pull,” said Wamp. “Children, especially, need to be more active and encouraged to sweat.”

“If you want to reduce the demand on the health care system, we need to invest in preventative measures, such as fitness programs.”

Besides listening to Rep. Wamp, the legion of sporting goods professionals descended upon Capitol Hill for nearly 50 meetings with U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives to lobby for support for three pieces of fitness legislation:

  1. Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) – This SGMA-initiated program provides money to schools, community centers, and other youth organizations to purchase fitness equipment and train instructors for innovative P.E. programs.
  2. Workplace Health Improvement Program Act (WHIP) – The WHIP Bill would make employer contributions (up to $900) to an employee’s health club membership tax exempt.
  3. P.E. included in core curriculum of “No Child Left Behind” – The bill would amend “No Child Left Behind” to provide a national guideline for minimum standards for health and fitness in our schools.

The fitness industry also suggested a new piece of potential legislation – Personal Health Incentive Trust Accounts (PHIT). This bill would create tax-preferred accounts to promote health and fitness through exercise, physical activity, and team sports. Most members of Congress felt such a bill would be given serious consideration if introduced.

“The lobby experience has been very enlightening,” said Dick Enrico, CEO, 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment (Eden Prairie, MN). “To get legislation passed takes perseverance, tenacity, and personal conviction.”

“I’m glad I attended the Fly in,” said Ron Sutton, president, Accusplit (Pleasanton, CA). “I enjoyed the content of the panel discussions. In the lobbying, we were able to represent the interests of our customers, who happen to be the constituents of the legislators. That’s important piece of common ground.”

“It’s great to have the fitness industry gather in one place for one cause,” said Patty Parrott, marketing manager, Horizon Fitness (Deforest, IL). “The lobbying process is an effective way to get attention and financial support for the fitness industry.”