IDEA COVID-19 Support Webinar Series: Reopening Guidelines from CFA: A Blueprint for IDEA Member Facilities

Most clubs and studios in North America have either already reopened or are getting ready to do so. If you are planning your return-to-work path either as an owner, manager, independent contractor or employee, you know it’s both exciting to get back to the work you love and daunting with so many unknowns.

The CA Fitness Alliance has worked tirelessly to create a comprehensive document “COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Fitness Facilities” that’s was recently approved by the California Governor’s office, the CA Dept of Public Health and Cal/OSHA to provide guidance for fitness facilities to support a safe, clean environment for workers. The detailed plan was released last week and is recommended for implementation starting June 12 in counties in which CA Gavin Newsom has granted the authority to reopen health clubs, spas and fitness centers.

IDEA is adopting this guidance as the Association’s blueprint for safe reopening and operating not just for California, but for clubs, studios and professionals around the world. (However, we advise that if you are outside of California, that you comply with your state and city government guidance, but to refer to this document as an excellent resource.)

In today’s webinar, we talk to the those who drove this document’s development and got it in front of the governor for approval.
Listeners can expect to learn the following:

• What is the California Fitness Alliance (CFA) and why was it started?
• What is CFA’s mission and primary goals?
• What work has the CFA completed?
• How will IDEA and CFA work together?
• What are CFA clubs doing to reopen? What should IDEA members know?
• What should IDEA members expect to see from CFA in the future?

Panelist Bios

Moderator: Sandy Todd Webster, Editor in Chief, IDEA Publications

Francesca Schuler, MBA, is CEO at In-Shape Health Clubs, a California-based chain of over 60 full-service health clubs. Francesca and her team have transformed In-Shape to create a people- and experience-focused culture which reflects the company’s mission. She prioritizes team member development and diversity at all levels, both in the clubs and in all functions. Her diverse background in consumer marketing generates innovative thinking in how to create compelling fitness experiences for members to motivate them to live healthy, fit and happy. This approach has driven record level growth in memberships. Francesca was named the 2019 Woman Leader of the Year by IHRSA and is an Advisory Board Member of the California Fitness Alliance.

Marc Thomas is co-founder/Co-CEO for Aspyr Holdings LLC (Orangetheory Fitness Area Developer and Franchisee). Aspyr is an Orangetheory Fitness area developer and franchisee for 34 locations in California, including San Diego, Orange County, Long Beach, San Francisco and East Bay. It is the 4th largest Orangetheory franchisee in a network of 1,300+ studio and the first OTF franchisee on West Coast. Marc has been president of the the Franchise Advisory Council member for 3 years and is an advisory board member of the California Fitness Alliance.

Amy Boone Thompson is VP & GM of Active Interest Media Fitness Group, including IDEA Health & Fitness Association, IDEA Korea, IDEA China and Oxygen Magazine. Before IDEA, Amy gained more than 25 years of experience in executive leadership, fitness programming, personal training and health club management. She is the 2019 recipient of IDEA’s Fitness Leader of the Year award and an advisory board member for California Fitness Alliance. Amy’s gifts of connection, vision and leadership continue to inspire her journey and success – professionally and personally. Her entrepreneurial spirit combined with her rich experience as a business and media executive are the catalysts to her leadership. Amy fully embodies her tagline, “Fitness is my Business;” always seeking to empower and elevate others while creating global impact. She is the recipient of IDEA’s Fitness Leader of the Year and advisory board member for the California Fitness Alliance. Amy holds a B.S. in Physical Education & Athletic Training from George Mason University where she competed in basketball and volleyball. She is an ACE Certified Health Coach.