Our Advocacy Efforts: Championing Fitness and Wellness

The Michigan Fitness Association places a strong emphasis on advocacy, because it allows us to voice our opinions, concerns, and interests to influence decisions that affect the fitness industry. Advocacy can play a crucial role in ensuring that policies, laws, and regulations are created and implemented in a fair and equitable manner. Overall, advocacy is a powerful tool for promoting social change and improving the lives of individuals and communities.

Michigan Bill Tracker

Take a look at some of our past advocacy efforts:

  • Members of the MFA Board participated in the work groups to create the re-opening protocols during COVID-19.
  • MFA members staged a “Bootcamp at the Capitol” to bring attention to health clubs still being closed.
  • The MFA lobbied for and was successfully added to the definition of an “afflicted business” in SB 85 of 2021. The purpose of the bill was to offset reductions in revenue due to changes in industrial and commercial property exemptions under section 9o of the General Property Tax Act.
  • The MFA lobbied for and was awarded a grant of $8.5 million to promote health and wellness in the state of Michigan. Distribution of the funds to Michigan-based health and wellness businesses will be through a sub-grant process beginning in Q4 2023.
  • The MFA is monitoring and lobbying against any bills that will require online cancellations.
Fitness leaders testifying at the Michigan State Capitol
Speaker at a Michigan Fitness Club Association event on the Capitol steps
Group fitness class on the Michigan State Capitol lawn with colorful flowers in the foreground
Reporter interviewing a Michigan Fitness Club Association speaker on Capitol lawn
  • The MFA is working with our U.S. senators and congressmen to get support for passing the P.H.I.T. Bill. The Personal Health Investment Today Act. The PHIT Act will allow Americans to use pre-tax dollars – flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) – to pay for health club memberships, fitness equipment, exercise videos, and youth sports leagues.
  • The MFA is monitoring for any legislation regarding proposed changes to minimum wage, work requirements, or benefits.
  • The MFA is monitoring any proposed changes to captive audience (union organizing) legislation.
  • The MFA is monitoring bills related to data privacy.
  • The MFA is monitoring for any legislation regarding predictive scheduling.