A new bill in Congress could set up a fund with $30 billion to help fitness businesses hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. It has the backing of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and a group of fitness businesses called the Community Gyms Coalition that includes CrossFit, Orange Theory and Anytime Fitness.

Two representatives in the U.S. House have introduced the Gym Mitigation and Survival Act (GYMS Act), which would provide relief to the fitness industry, according to an announcement from the Community Gyms Coalition and the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).

The groups represent more than 40,000 gyms and fitness studios across the U.S. They say the bill would bring much-needed relief to a devastated industry that includes 40,000 facilities and 3.2 million jobs.

Or, at least, it did before everything happened. Thousands of businesses and jobs have vanished in the last year. And the industry, smaller and less organized than many others, is just beginning to evolve into a force that can protect its interests politically and put forth the right kind of “essential” image.

We’re joined by a representative of IHRSA and CrossFit, who explain the bill and how you can help.

The GYMS Act on IHRSA

Community Gyms Coalition

International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association

LaMaria beauty products

Oculus

WebMD on the health benefits of avocados