A group of leading health and fitness companies in Romania have joined forces to launch a new industry body for the sector.

Called Romania Active, the new entity will act as the Romanian health and fitness association and promote the role physical activity plays in society.

Representing the interests of the physical activity sector, it will work towards getting more people, more active, more often.

Among Romani Active's stated aims is to be at the forefront of all new legislative changes concerning the health and fitness sector – and to ensure members are involved in the development of the changes.

Long term, it will also look to make sure that health clubs and gyms will be recognised as essential services in the eyes of the government.

The newly established association will work in alliance with EuropeActive, other European bodies and also IHRSA, the Global Health & Fitness Association.

The nine founding members of Romania Active are World Class, StayFit, Viva Sports Club, SmartFit, Stejarii Country Club, 4Moving, Elite Gym, Lotus Sport and Habit 30 Fitness.

Romania Active will be led by president Kent Orrgren, CEO of World Class Romania, an operator with 31 clubs and 45,000 members across the country.

Orrgren said: “The founding of the Romania Active is a crucial step forward for the Romanian health and fitness sector.

"Active and healthy living is vital for the health of the nation and we need to make our industry a widely recognised priority and also resilient to future crisis and lockdowns.

"Romania Active is totally committed to improving the health of the nation through promoting health, fitness, physical activity and active lifestyles.

"We will be able to achieve this mission by facilitating impactful partnerships, campaigning and providing membership services. For that, we provide a supportive, professional and innovative platform that facilitates and accelerates our partners’ success in achieving their goals and together we create the conditions in which our sector can grow."