A Champion for Global Health & Fitness Advocacy

The Appointment of Richard Beddie to the IHRSA Board of Directors

Richard Beddie, the CEO of Exercise New Zealand and vice chair of the Global Health & Fitness Alliance Advisory Council, has been chosen to represent the GHFA on the IHRSA Board of Directors. Additionally, individuals from the National Health & Fitness Alliance and the Industry Partner Advisory Council have also been appointed.

With over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry and a background as a club owner, Richard Beddie has committed himself to expanding the reach of the fitness industry in New Zealand and internationally, including involvement with the International Confederation of Exercise Professionals. As a representative of the GHFA, Richard will now lend his expertise and insights to the global fitness community as part of the IHRSA Board.

In an exclusive interview, Richard shared his perspectives on the challenges facing the international health and fitness industry, specifically for the GHFA.

When questioned about the significant challenges ahead for the GHFA, Richard emphasised the importance of the 2021 Deloitte report, ‘Economic Health & Societal Well-being: Quantifying the Impact of the Global Health & Fitness Sector’. He underscored the need for the fitness industry to be recognised as an integral part of the healthcare continuum, citing the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the diverse nations represented within the industry, Richard outlined the need to establish a universal standard within the industry to engage more effectively with the healthcare sector globally. He highlighted the importance of proving globally recognised standards to build trust and cooperation with the medical industry.

Richard acknowledged the difficulty of implementing global standards and emphasised the need for a local approach. He emphasised the industry’s role in reducing healthcare costs worldwide and discussed the unique challenges faced in different healthcare systems, particularly in the United States.

He underscored the importance of promoting structured exercise programs and highlighted the industry’s ability to help change people’s behaviour towards physical activity. His optimism for the industry’s progress was evident as he noted the increasing recognition of the benefits of exercise in mainstream media and among consumers.

In further news, IHRSA is actively advocating for industry standards, policies, and regulations to support the global health and fitness industry. By providing education, communicating the role of clubs in combating chronic illnesses, and publishing research to increase physical activity, IHRSA is dedicated to advancing the industry’s agenda.

For those keen to support IHRSA’s advocacy efforts, becoming a Premium Member or creating a National Alliance are recommended avenues to contribute, while the GHFA offers opportunities to establish formal alliances worldwide.

The appointment of Richard Beddie to the IHRSA Board of Directors signifies a significant step forward for the global health and fitness industry. With his wealth of experience and dedication to advancing the industry’s agenda, Richard’s representation promises to bring a much-needed voice to the global fitness community.