BOSTON, MA—The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association now called the Health and Fitness Association (HFA) announced a strategic partnership with REX Roundtables for executives on various initiatives. The partnership aims to enhance the business, leadership, and management skill set of fitness industry owners and operators to strengthen the overall industry.

“REX Roundtables is known for their expertise in bringing industry leaders together with a highly productive networking and learning ecosystem that strengthens professional relationships,” said Nicole Johnson, Senior Director. “HFA’s collaboration with REX will facilitate the formation of additional roundtable groups and also enhance a broader sharing of knowledge and expertise that will benefit the entire industry.”

Eddie Tock, CEO of REX Roundtables, agrees. “REX is excited to partner with HFA to combine our expertise with theirs,” said Tock. “HFA’s tireless work in helping clubs stay open and persevere during the shutdown has brought industry stakeholders together and strengthened our industry.”

HFA and REX’s relationship is long-standing, as many REX members served on the HFA Board of Directors and some as president. The pandemic fortified their partnership. In 2020, HFA staff regularly attended REX Roundtables events to grasp its full value for the fitness industry—proving to be a critical and unique avenue to release knowledge and expertise.

“With over 37 years of experience in facilitating roundtables, we have helped owners and managers pre-COVID build successful businesses,” said Tock. “During COVID, the power of peer support and empathy proved invaluable for the clubs involved with REX. And as we re-opened, this strategic partnership will allow HFA and REX to help our industry reposition, rebuild, and revive.” Perhaps this sentiment is best captured in the video (below) produced in partnership between REX and HFA that was inspired by the idea of reconnection in light of the highly anticipated 2021 HFA event.
As part of this agreement, REX will also work with HFA on specific educational and networking programming for the HFA Convention and present at least 2 sessions per year at the convention.

Based on what we saw as a big void in our industry, REX has brought back and rebranded what used to be the IHRSA Institute in 2025 as the REX Leadership Academy, which sold out and more importantly got rave reviews from every person attending!