Gender Equity and Getting People Moving

About a year ago, I had the privilege of being a guest on Michael Stack's podcast, "The Wellness Paradox." Recently, while revisiting that interview, I was struck by its powerful reminder of my core beliefs. It reinforced the vital importance of championing the "exercise as medicine" cause within the #fitnessindustry, and organizations like IHRSA are taking on this crucial mission, which we must actively support to enhance credibility and secure the future of America's health.

Additionally, it underscored the pressing need for gender equity, not only in our industry but throughout the world. Shockingly, in late 2023, according to recent reports in HBR, women-led startups still receive less than 3% of all VC investments—a staggering statistic. As I engage with industry colleagues and contemplate my next role (yes, I am available :)), I am reminded of the collective power of our voices and the impact we can make in our communities.

Let's all step up, take action, and lead from a place of service. I've linked the podcast and article for your mid-morning mental nourishment, and I invite you to reach out for a virtual coffee chat – together, we can make a difference!

Lindsey RainwaterComment
Traversing the Climb: My Adventure at CLMBR and the Exciting Path Ahead

They say that when you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work at all, instead a flow state.

This sentiment has been my guiding light throughout my journey in the professional world. For me, work isn't just a means to an end; it's a passion, a creative outlet, and a path of growth. The exhilarating feeling of taking an idea and turning it into a thriving business has fueled my drive for success.

My recent chapter at CLMBR has been a testament to my dedication and commitment to building something truly remarkable. From day one, I've had my head down, immersed in the process of creating a commercial company that resonates with the market and delivers real value. The exhilaration of collaborating with a talented team, developing strategies, and navigating the challenges has been an unparalleled experience.

As the company flourished, I saw the teams vision come to life. CLMBR became more than just a brand; it became a symbol of innovation, resilience, and hard work. It's a place where we've pushed boundaries, shattered limitations, and raised the bar for what's possible.

You know what they say: tough times don't last, but tough people do. The challenges, the triumphs—every moment at CLMBR was a growth opportunity. My skills got buffed, my leadership game leveled up, and my spirit? Unbreakable. My strengths are now like a power-up in a video game, and I'm totally ready to unleash them on whatever adventure comes my way.

So, here we are, at the end of this whirlwind story. But guess what? It's just the beginning of another exciting chapter. Work isn't about the destination; it's about the wild ride amidst the journey, the lessons, and the memories. As I wave goodbye to CLMBR as it is now, I'm grinning from ear to ear, ready to tackle the mysteries and challenges of tomorrow.

So, here's to the future—whatever it holds! I'm psyched to jump into the unknown, armed with the lessons from my CLMBR days and a ton of excitement. Let's do this!

Does working with me interest you? Let’s connect on LinkedIn and my email is lindseyrainwater@icloud.com

She takes flight

https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-bird-flying-in-the-sky-9144661/

Milestones and Memories; Today is a big day.

Five and a half years ago I had an idea that sparked inside my heart.

I wanted a place to find mentorship, to find other women in support of women, to find a neutral ground to relate and build relationships. With the help of many fierce women in fitness, June 1st 2017 WIFA opened for membership.

Sitting at my kitchen counter eating dinner, I remember watching the website, seeing the first few members join, the energy rush that came with creating a mission driven organization that so clearly resonated with many women in fitness.

The first time we hosted a virtual meet up, we shared about the power of LinkedIn, how we could all enhance our efforts to have a stronger digital presence.

I remember the way my body felt the first time I saw another woman succeed because of a relationship that came from her WIFA connections,  the memories of meeting women I had looked up to for decades and receiving hugs from legends that had created the path I was now walking on.

I’ll never forget the personal choices my family made so that I could work in unique ways to support WIFA’s mission, the number of times I did a fundraiser pitch while also breastfeeding,  the number of days in a row and months and years that I woke up every day with a new WIFA idea.

The day that the co-founders of LEAD came to myself and the WIFA team to spearhead mentorship 2.0 project, which became our first program. The privilege of working side by side with fellow women in the fitness industry to create what we have built. Employees, contractors, ambassadors, board members, champions, podcast guests and bloggers.

All of these accomplishments, relationships and milestones bring us to this moment in time.

This is the moment where WIFA takes its next steps, it is this moment that she rises to her next milestone.

I can not think of a more fitting organization to watch over her next summit,  ACE, thank you for the years of support you have given WIFA.  You said YES when others said no.  You have understood our mission since the very beginning.  We trust you with the precious gift of global support for women in fitness.

Thank you for helping WIFA soar, thank you for saying yes, again.

Let this be a new beginning, the next chapter of WIFA growth.  I feel blessed and humbled to have been part of the WIFA beginnings, thank you to everyone that has helped us get to this important milestone.

Press release complements of Club Industry: ///

The Women In Fitness Association (WIFA) has transferred its business and programmatic assets to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the two organizations announced on Nov. 14.

ACE will deliver all WIFA programs including WIFA LEAD, Writers Academy and Speakers Academy. These programs, designed to elevate women in the fitness industry with the knowledge, skills and expertise to rise into leadership positions, will be managed in ACE’s Community Health and Wellness Services department.  

Because both groups are non-profits, no monetary exchange occurred for the transfer, but ACE absorbed WIFA, including all its financial obligations and a small operating budget that allows for the singular employee of WIFA to stay employed, according to Lindsey Rainwater, who founded WIFA.

Rainwater dissolved the organization as part of the process.

“Supporting women in fitness has been my primary goal since founding WIFA in 2017,” Rainwater told Club Industry in an email. “Since its inception, WIFA has been a non-profit. As such, the board governed this transition to give WIFA the support of a larger organization looking after the mission continuing to flourish.”

Rainwater resigned her paid role in July due to budget constraints, and at that time, the board voted to pursue a deal with ACE to protect WIFA’s mission.

Rainwater will continue on the WIFA board of directors, and all the board members will collaborate with ACE as a volunteer advisory panel to ensure the integrity of WIFA’s programs, she said.  

The two organizations have worked together in the past, most recently in 2021 when ACE and WIFA partnered to deliver WIFA Growth Grants, a scholarship that provided more than 1,100 current ACE certified professionals the opportunity to build and grow their careers with a one-year WIFA membership. ACE also had been providing credits for the 13-week WIFA LEAD (Leadership through Elevation, Awareness and Discovery) program as well as WIFA's Writers Academy and Speakers Academy.

“ACE is grateful that WIFA chose our organization to deliver their continuing education programs and continue their impactful work,” said Scott Goudeseune, ACE chief executive officer. “As part of ACE’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, we are honored to champion women in our industry and do our best to support women exercise professionals or health coaches.”  

According to a recent report analyzing U.S. Census data, women make up 58 percent of the recreation and fitness workforce, but only earn 86 cents to every dollar earned by men in the same occupational role.  Additionally, women only make up 29 percent of senior leadership positions globally (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, CMO). These data highlight the importance of uplifting women in fitness.

“I look forward to the future where ACE’s support and delivery of WIFA’s programs helps women in fitness flourish for decades to come,” Rainwater said. 

Lindsey RainwaterComment
WIFA Summer Fundraiser

// original posted on wifa.org //

Jun 17, 2022

WIFA (Women in Fitness Association) is aspiring to bring EVERY woman working in fitness and wellness, FREE access to career development, networking, and mentorship. We are calling on the industry to make this happen – Here is WHY.

According to the World Economic Forum, at the current pace, the fastest we can expect to close the gender gap in the most progressive countries is within 50 years. Some of us won’t live to see it and some of our kids will be middle aged by the time it happens. Covid shutdowns also struck a serious blow to women’s progress in the workplace as work was put on hold to care for our families slowing us down even more.

 We know from 2021 McKinsey Reports:

  • Only 21% of C-Suite Positions are held by women.

  • 4 out of 10 women have experienced discrimination in the workplace.

  • The gender pay gap is stuck at 16%.

The fitness & wellness industry is one of the youngest, most dynamic and disruptive sectors, don’t we want to lead the way?

In 2021/2022 the first surveys/studies about women working in the fitness/wellness industry came out with some interesting insights:

Rise (females in fitness collective in the UK) published a study ‘It Isn’t a Level Playing Field in the Fitness Industry’ that brought to light:

  • Less women have permanent contracts.

  • We earn significantly less than our male counterparts.

  • It's not confidence holding us back, we don't feel valued or able to find enough balance with life's demands to be successful in our careers.

  • We feel that there is gender bias and it does hold us back.

  • Mother's feel that they pay a career penalty for taking parental leave.

  • Lack of mentoring and coaching is one of the biggest career progression barriers cited by women.

  • More than half of women have experienced sexual harassment and bullying at work.

WIFA and SportAlliance completed a global survey exploring Gender Equity in the Fitness Sector that will be published this month.  Here are some of the key findings:

  • 85% of males surveyed do not feel like there is gender bias in their workplace.

  • Just 34% of men surveyed think that gender balance in leadership positions is important.

  • The majority of women feel like gender inequality holds them back at work.

  • Women in leadership feel like they had a harder time getting promoted because of their gender.

The time is now for women to have more success in the fitness and wellness sectors and WIFA is calling on the industry to make this happen with a yearly $1,000 USD donation. 

It’s a small contribution with a huge impact, click here to be a part of it!

Join our early adopters who are already doing the work:

Gym Hooky
VividMotion.AI
Skōp
HealthFitness
Athletic Business Show
Europe Active
Myzone
Struct Club
YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
360 Impact Group
Canfitpro
Positive Choice
Les Mills
ACE
Bootcamp Challenge
Flexi-Sports
Technogym
Basic-Fit
Mo Hagan

About WIFA

WIFA is the global non for profit organization supporting women in fitness and wellness.
We exist to champion one another to achieve our ultimate potential so that, together, we can create a diverse and inclusive future for our industry.  For more info www.wifa.org
askwifa@womeninfitness.org

WIFA Turns 5

I can hardly believe that 5 years ago today we opened for membership and our global fitness industry responded. Women from all over the world joined so quickly, I remember sitting at my kitchen counter chatting with my husband and saying, “oh my gosh women from the world are joining”. 

Today we have thousands of members all over the globe, and I can truly say that our mission of supporting women in their careers is not only here to stay but we have demonstrated that we do just that. 

Together, we accelerate careers.

So many of our members have written books, been on podcasts, launched the business, gotten the promotion. YOU have accelerated your career way faster than you ever thought you could because somebody said, “hey, just apply”.

Thank you, members, and women in fitness, you are what make WIFA!

I am so grateful that every single day I get the opportunity to support us all globally. Thank you for this 5 years, we are just getting started.

My #WIFAwhy is to create a place where women can help women to succeed. Women sharing with each-other how to create new ways to work, new ways to manage their life so that they feel fulfilled. I'm curious...what's your #WIFAWhy?

Sincerely,

Lindsey
WIFA Founder & CEO

Some #WIFAWhy copy for your social networks! 👇

"As many of you know, I am a proud WIFA (The Women in Fitness Association) Member.
WIFA is the global non-profit for women in the fitness and wellness industry to network, find support and expand their careers. On June 1, she turns 5!
My #WIFAWhy is (your personal reason for joining).
Check WIFA out, and support us by donating to our advocacy work or joining us as a member.
www.wifa.org

#TogetherWeAreUnstoppable #WIFATurns5 #OneWomanStronger #WIFAWhy @WIFAssociation"