IHRSA joined First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House last month to announce the launch of the IHRSA Joining Forces Network - an affiliation of health clubs throughout the US that will offer free memberships to immediate family members of actively deployed reservists and National Guard members.

"The freedoms that each of us enjoys every day are possible because of the sacrifices that our nation's military families bear," said Joe Moore, IHRSA's president and CEO.

"Joining Forces offers us an opportunity to provide these families with the support they are due."

The new network hopes to offer at least 100,000 free memberships throughout the country - the equivalent of more than 18 million days of free access to health clubs with an estimated value of more than US$30m(21m euro, £19m).

Clubs may also provide additional benefi ts such as childcare, children's programming, group classes and discounts for veterans. Details of participating clubs can be found at www.healthclubs.com