This week, we explore the possibility of the Trump Administration expanding Medicare coverage to include exercise, and break down upcoming expansion moves by Chelsea Piers Fitness
The Trump Administration’s decision to expand Medicare coverage for GLP-1 medications was applauded by the Health & Fitness Association (HFA), but America’s top fitness industry trade group wants more.
While HFA president and CEO Liz Clark called the move “a meaningful shift toward prevention and lifestyle-based care in our nation’s health system,” she also said that the program can only reach its full potential if Medicare also covers physical activity like gym memberships.
“The next step is clear: Medicare should cover evidence-based physical activity programs and interventions delivered through trusted community partners like fitness centers, studios and wellness facilities,” Clark said.
Clark’s comments underscore one of the fitness industry’s biggest wishes in the post-pandemic era: a system where federal health insurance programs help Americans subsidize the cost of fitness.
While political insiders and executives have expressed optimism about the industry’s chances to establish itself as a bigger player in Washington, D.C., amid the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, that’s yet to materialize in any kind of meaningful way.
The fitness industry didn’t seem to have much of a presence at this week’s MAHA health summit, and efforts to get the PHIT Act over the line fell through in the final hour.
Still, the Trump Administration’s embrace of healthcare reform might be the best chance the American fitness industry has had in some time.
Chelsea Piers Fitness Keeps Expanding
Chelsea Piers Fitness, the gym-operating arm of famous sports brand Chelsea Piers, is putting its foot on the expansion gas pedal.
The operator confirmed to ATN that it has plans to open new luxury gyms in Jersey City and Long Island City, which will mark Chelsea Piers’ entry into New Jersey and Queens, respectively.
Chelsea Piers Fitness currently has five clubs spread out across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Stamford, Connecticut. The upcoming Jersey City and LIC launches, along with another planned opening in Manhattan, will give the operator eight locations in total.
As the operator eyes even more expansion in the years ahead, it sits at an interesting spot in the gym and health club landscape: a Chelsea Piers Fitness membership costs a bit less than Equinox or Life Time but offers many of the same amenities. The operator can also lean on the strength of its flagship Chelsea Piers facilities, which offer sports including basketball, soccer, golf and much more.
There’s a world where Chelsea Piers Fitness becomes an East Coast version of Bay Club — and that world could be coming sooner than you think.
More News & Notes:
iFIT is going all-in on Pilates following its acquisition of Reform RX. On Thursday, the iFIT-owned NordicTrack released its first-ever line of reformers.
FS8, the yoga, Pilates and tone brand owned by the parent company of F45, is opening studios in 10 cities across Europe.
On this week’s CEO Corner, BODi’s Carl Daikeler explains his decision to ditch the “Beachbody” name, relaunch P90X.
