IHRSA has signed a partnership deal with MedFit, a professional membership organisation for fitness and allied healthcare professionals.

The collaboration is part of plans to intensify the relationship between fitness and healthcare globally – and will see IHRSA work together with the MedFit Education Foundation and MedFit Network.

The partnership will provide medically-based fitness education training as well as access to medical fitness specialist courses and a number of other projects which look to bring fitness and healthcare closer together.

Among the first initiatives will be a programme of medically-based fitness education training being provided at the IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show (IHRSA 2021) in Dallas, US, later this year.

IHRSA interim president and CEO, Brent Darden, said: "MedFit’s lead positioning in the emerging medical fitness space has been very impressive.

“Our mutual organisations embrace the transformation of fitness and wellness for leading the world to a healthier lifestyle.

"This is an opportunity for the fitness industry to uplevel its education and services to be on the frontline of healthcare and position the sector as essential.”

MedFit founder, Lisa Dougherty said: “Chronic illnesses, and the health risk behaviors that cause them, account for the majority of healthcare costs today worldwide.

"There is a huge opportunity for clubs to expand their offerings and serve as pivotal players to the largest, fastest-growing demographics in the U.S. (world) and make an impact in our world’s healthcare system.”

MedFit Network is a professional membership organisation for fitness and allied healthcare professionals. It also provides a free online resource directory for the public to locate fitness and allied healthcare professionals around the world.