EHFA has operated since 2001 and emerged out of the successful European Network of Fitness Associations that was established in 1996.  EHFA is a not-for-profit association, established in Brussels, owned by the Members and working for the Members.

EHFA mission is to bring together the health and fitness industry in Europe and forge a collective public affairs effort that present the interest of the health and fitness industry at the European level:   More People | More Active | More Often

Over the forthcoming years, the strategic direction of EHFA will be to:

1. Set the European agenda for physical activity and fitness
2. Drive for Quality Standards and Certification through the standardisation of training standards (ECVET and EQF process) that resulted in the creation of  the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS)
3. Improve the perception of the Industry by politicians/media/consumers
4. Increase participation and to positively influence public health using the mantra “Fitness is Prevention”
5. Increase our influence with EU Government and obtain EU funding to help increase participation
6. Fully document the European fitness industry and drive the need for research.
   

EHFA General Assembly is the ultimate decision making body at which every member has one vote no matter how large or small they are.

EHFA is governed strictly according to its Statutes by a Board of Directors, and day-to-day management is done by the Secretariat in Brussels, managed by the Executive Director, who reports to the Board.

In order to cope with the many projects, EHFA has established Working Groups and committees through which members and interested specialists can contribute their work.