Muscle Health Gains That Drive Member Loyalty

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At the HFA Show 2026, Dr. Karlie Intlekofer shared a clear message for fitness facility leaders: member interest in muscle health is growing, but many people still need help turning that interest into action.

More members say they want to build muscle, gain strength and feel better in daily life. The challenge appears when their training habits do not match their goals. Many repeat the same workouts, use the same loads and stop seeing progress after the first few weeks.

That gap can affect member retention. When members do not see results, they may question the value of their gym membership. When they see early progress, they have a better reason to return.

In this HFA Show 2026 session, Dr. Intlekofer explains why muscle health has become a key topic in the fitness industry. She breaks down the difference between muscle growth, strength, speed-based movement and endurance. Each goal needs a different strength training plan, and many members need more guidance than they expect.

The conversation also looks at age, pain, stress, screen time and self-image. For many members, the barrier is not interest. The barrier is knowing where to begin and seeing proof that the work is paying off.

For fitness directors, trainers, program managers and facility operators, this session offers practical insight into strength programming, member engagement and retention. It shows how early wins, simple tracking and better staff conversations can help members connect effort to progress.

Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Karlie Intlekofer to learn how fitness facilities can turn rising interest in muscle health into clearer training paths, better member support and progress members can feel.