NASM Joins Fitness Industry on Capitol Hill to Promote Exercise as Prevention and Key Component to Health Care Reform
Calabasas, Calif. (June 17, 2009) - This past May the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), a global leader in personal training certification and sports performance training, convened with Congressional leadership staff to discuss legislation focused on the promotion of healthier lifestyles for Americans as part of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association’s (IHRSA) 7th Annual Summit for a Healthier America, held in Washington D.C.
James H. McKenzie, NASM President and Chief Operating Officer, and Alan Russell, NASM Director of Training and Development, met with representatives from the offices of Senator John McCain (AZ), Senator Barbara Boxer (CA), Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA) and Representative Harry Waxman (CA), to personally show their support of Congress’ recent revival of health promotion legislation.
“Given the strain that has been placed on our health care system because of sedentary lifestyles, it is imperative that we all become involved in making physical activity an integral part of our nation’s way of life,” said McKenzie. “This is the message we carried to our members of Congress and will continue to support through every means possible.”
Bringing together fitness industry leaders from across the nation to call on Congress in taking an active role in integrating exercise and preventive medicine into health care reform, the two-day event sparked interesting and hopeful discussion for the future health of Americans. By supporting federal legislation, Congress has the power to create a national culture of fitness that encourages a healthy lifestyle and makes exercise more available to constituents.
At this year’s Summit, fitness industry leaders articulated their support for the passage of the Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) Act (H.R. 2106/S. 913), and the Personal Health Investment Today(PHIT) Act (H.R.2105) which were recently re-introduced in Congress. If passed, WHIP and PHIT will remove federal barriers to exercise and reward Americans who choose to lead healthy lifestyles.
“As an industry we are committed to increasing accessibility to exercise, fitness and wellness programs,” said Russell. “If Congress is successful in removing the barriers faced by individuals seeking to live a healthier lifestyle, the future health of many Americans will improve substantially and ultimately lower health care costs.”
About the Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) Act
The Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) Act (H.R. 2106/S. 913), re-introduced in the House of Representatives on April 27, 2009, promotes wellness in the workforce by balancing current law and allowing for off-site fitness center memberships as a tax-free benefit for employees. Current law allows employees to use on-site fitness facilities free of any tax implications, but when a business needs to outsource this health benefit, employees who receive off-site fitness center subsidies are required to pay income tax on the benefits, with their employers bearing the associated administrative costs of complying with IRS rules. The WHIP Act eliminates this tax on off-site fitness center subsidies, making it easier for all employers to offer important exercise incentives for their workers.
About the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act
The Personal Health Investment Today(PHIT) Act (H.R.2105), re-introduced in the House of Representatives on April 27, 2009, creates a financial incentive for Americans to engage in physical activity and exercise. The PHIT Act would allow Americans to utilize up to $1,000 annually or $2,000 for a joint filing, from pre-tax health spending accounts (such as FSAs) to make expenditures related to organized, individual and team sports; fitness and exercise; recreation, and other physical activities. The PHIT Act would provide Americans with a tax incentive to invest in preventative health care before costly treatment is necessary, with the potential to save 20-30% annually on fitness-related costs.
About NASM
Since 1987, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has been a global leader in providing evidence-based personal training certification and advanced credentials to health and fitness professionals. In addition to its NCCA-accredited fitness Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification, NASM offers a progressive career track with access to Advanced Specializations, Continuing Education courses, and accredited Bachelor and Master Degree programs. The NASM educational continuum is designed to help today’s health and fitness professional enhance their career while empowering their clients to live healthier lives. To learn more, call 1.800.460.NASM (6276) or visit: www.nasm.org.
About the Campaign for a Healthier America
The Campaign for a Healthier America is IHRSA’s newest national grassroots project bringing together exercise enthusiasts to make healthy lifestyles a priority for all Americans. The Campaign seeks to bring the fitness industry together with government, employers, medical and public health professionals, insurance providers, schools, and each of us individually. IHRSA believes the government should support healthy lifestyle choices. Be a part of the Campaign's Virtual March on Washington and tell President Obama and Congress to support the passage of the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act to make exercise accessible for more Americans. Write an email. Send a video. Share your story: http://www.campaign4health.org.
About IHRSA
IHRSA is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs and suppliers worldwide. IHRSA is committed to taking a leadership role in advancing physical activity, which is critical to America’s health and the battle against obesity and disease. IHRSA supports effective national initiatives to promote more active lifestyles and is working to pass laws that will help affect societal changes towards a more fit America.