Nearly a $25 billion industry, the fitness industry has grown leaps and bounds (and high knees and jumping jacks) over the past few decades and was one of the few industries to record significant growth during the recent recession. To honor those who have made inspiring contributions and to provide a learning experience for those interested in fitness, fitness pioneer Dr. John Spencer Ellis recently launched the Fitness Hall of Fame.

I have been inspired by so many amazing men and women who have helped people get fit, who have offered new ways of looking at health and wellness, and who have changed the shape of our world through fitness. With that in mind, I wanted to provide a better platform for honoring these trendsetters, leaders, innovators and legends, Ellis said.

Nomination categories for the 2014 Fitness Hall of Fame include:

- Under 40 Trend Setter: For individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry by creating influential trends – with a minimum of 10 years ongoing experience with a verifiable track record.
- Educational Leader: For individuals who have demonstrated long-term educational excellence – with a minimum of 10 years ongoing experience with a verifiable track record.
- Inventor/Innovator: For individuals who have created a product, fitness system or service that has revolutionized the industry – with a minimum of 10 years ongoing experience with a verifiable track record.
- Trainer/Coach: For individuals who have demonstrated a long-term tradition of excellence in training or coaching – with a minimum of 10 years ongoing experience with a verifiable track record.
- Living Legend: For individuals recognized by the Fitness Hall of Fame Advisory Board and the voting public as providing unequaled global contributions to the industry for at least 15 years.
- Legacy: Given to the family/estate of an individual who has passed and who previously provided unequaled global contributions to the industry for at least 20 years.

Each year, two people will be inducted into the Fitness Hall of Fame in each category with the exception of the Legacy award, which will honor one person annually. The initial 2014 induction will take place online with future events in New York City or Las Vegas.

A portion of all Fitness Hall of Fame proceeds go to its designated charity, the Get America Fit Foundation and donations are being accepted to continue these fitness legacies and provide opportunities for future inductees at http://fitnesshalloffame.com/support-the-fitness-hall-of-fame/.

About The Fitness Hall of Fame

Launched in 2014 by fitness pioneer Dr. John Spencer Ellis, the Fitness Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring the world’s most significant contributors and icons in the world of fitness and to providing a learning experience for those who wish to follow in their footsteps. Leaders and legends are recognized annually for their notable contributions to the industry, and a portion of proceeds are given to the Get America Fit Foundation. For more information on nominations and support, please visit http://fitnesshalloffame.com/.