LA Fitness buys popular gym with 35 locations

LA FITNESS has grown significantly in the Northeast after purchasing 35 gyms while acquiring XSport Fitness.

Fitness International, the parent company of LA Fitness, has taken over the Chicagoland, New York and Virginia markets.

XSports customers feared gym would change hours after acquisition by Fitness InternationalCredit: Google Maps

Fitness International, the parent company of LA Fitness, has promised to honor current ratesCredit: Alamy

The change in ownership took effect immediately following a press release issued Tuesday.

Fitness International has promised to honor all active membership agreements that XSport Fitness customers have.

This includes not changing their membership fees or charging more for personal training.

However, the benefits will be different for customers who have subscribed to a multi-club subscription or a single-club subscription.

All active XSport Fitness members with multi-club privileges will have access to all LA Fitness locations nationwide.

However, members of a single club can only visit the same location they went to with XSport Fitness.

“We are proud to add XSport Fitness facilities to our national network of health clubs,” said Jill Greuling, president of club operations for Fitness International.

“This expansion solidifies our position as one of the largest private health club operators in the United States and provides the opportunity to bring our best fitness experience, with the broadest range of equipment and friendliest service at an affordable price, to more people across the country.

“With today’s acquisition, Fitness International has once again invested in its members.”

Fitness International plans to invest in and improve its new locations, which will operate under one of its four brands: LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club and Club Studio.

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CUSTOMERS RESPOND

Despite the promised improvements, XSports members are wary of possible changes.

“LA Fitness bought XSports Fitness. Please tell me it’s still 24 hours?” Paola (@paolatorresXO) wrote on X.

Chicago XSports locations are open 24 hours a day, while local LA Fitness gyms close between 9 and 11 p.m.

“I think it’s unfortunate,” Chicago resident Matt Rago told Block Chicago Club.

“The 24-hour model is imperative for many people, especially those with multiple jobs or relatively demanding jobs.”

Gym Membership Rates

XSports and LA Fitness vary widely in membership costs.

LA Fitness offers a membership with multi-club access for $44.99 per month.

There is also a basic membership that allows one guest and costs $39.99 per month. However, there is also a $75 registration fee.

Both plans have an annual fee of $59.

XSports costs $9.95 for a basic subscription and $19.95 for a premium subscription.

“So La Fitness launched XSport, which caught me off guard. Maybe I’ll pay for my membership and be able to go to a 24-hour gym,” wrote another member who had the opposite problem as the Chicago customers.

A fourth customer was unhappy that there had not been more communication with members about the acquisition.

“LA Fitness has not sent any emails regarding this acquisition of XSport and I have to ask other people for details when I shouldn’t,” she wrote.

Kroger and Albertsons are set to complete a similar merger and just announced they would divest nearly 600 stores as part of the deal.

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