The New Jersey Senate Commerce Committee has decided not to take up Senate Bill 2164 (SB 2164) during their final meeting of the 2009 legislative session (occurring in 2010). This is a major victory for the health club industry and an estimated 10,000 fitness professionals from the Garden State. If passed, the Bill in its current form would have been extremely detrimental to the fitness industry in the State. The Bill would have reduced the number of personal trainers and group exercise instructors currently working and would have also made it extremely difficult and burdensome for individuals to enter into the profession, thereby restricting consumer ability to pursue healthier lifestyles. SB 2164’s sponsor, Senator Paul Sarlo has indicated his commitment to having legislation passed requiring fitness professionals to be certified or licensed by the State and will most likely reintroduce something in 2010. The NCSF, International Health, Racquet, and Sports club Association (IHRSA) and New Jersey fitness professionals will continue to work tirelessly to protect the best interests of the profession and consumers and ensure that if any legislation is passed that it is appropriately constructed with those stakeholders in mind.