YouFit Gyms (formerly YouFit Health Clubs) is a national chain of fitness clubs.
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Health club |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Deerfield Beach, Florida |
Number of locations | 80 in 10 states (2021) |
Area served | 10 states in the United States |
Key people | Brian Vahaly, CEO |
| Services |
|
| Website | www |
Background
editYouFit was founded by Rick Berks.[1] The first YouFit, in St. Petersburg, Florida, opened in 2008[2] and grew to over 100 gyms across the United States.[2] Berks separated from YouFit in May 2020, citing differences with the firm’s financial backers in his resignation letter.[3]
In 2016, YouFit signed a consent order with the Florida Attorney General after receiving excessive amounts of complaints involving allegations of dishonest advertising, improper billing, and abusive collections practices.[4][5] As of 2023, Youfit is rated F by the better business bureau.[6]
In 2020, YouFit filed for bankruptcy protection for reasons that included several class action lawsuits including allegations of improper charging of customers despite being closed during the pandemic.[7][8]
In 2021, Brian Vahaly, a private equity executive and former professional tennis player, became CEO of YouFit Gyms.[9] The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the fitness industry[10] and Vahaly had guided the chain out of bankruptcy during the pandemic.[11] In October, 2021, YouFit underwent a company-wide rebrand,[12]
Locations
editThere are currently 80 YouFit Gyms across 10 states. Florida, Arizona, Texas and Georgia have the most locations. YouFit Gyms also has locations in Alabama, Louisiana, Virginia, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Awards
editYouFit was named "The Best Cheap Gym Membership in 2020".[13]
YouFit Gyms was named "One of the Best Gyms in Baltimore in 2021."[14]
Services
editYouFit Gyms offers on-site personal training, nutritional resources through EatLove, and YouFit On Demand, a series of virtual classes created for at-home workouts.
References
edit- ^ Albright, Mark (2011-11-25). "Youfit founder creates a no-fat model of success in gym scene". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved 2015-07-15.
- ^ a b Howard, Maria (2015-06-27). "Fitness: YouFit is a good starting point for beginners". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved 2015-07-15.
- ^ "Youfit Founder Rick Berks Resigns". ClubIndustry. 20 June 2020. Retrieved 2020-08-01.
- ^ "Consent Decree" (PDF).
- ^ Lincoff, Nina (Mar 16, 2016). "Youfit agrees to better business practices after Attorney General probe". Retrieved 2023-03-04 – via bizjournals.com.
- ^ "Youfit Health Clubs, LLC | Better Business Bureau® Profile". www.bbb.org. Retrieved 2023-03-02.
- ^ Onder, Thomas S. (2020-11-09). "Youfit Health Clubs Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in Delaware". New Jersey Law Blog. Retrieved 2023-03-02.
- ^ Ceballos, Joshua. "Miami Gyms Charge Customers Despite Being Closed". Miami New Times. Retrieved 2023-03-02.
- ^ "Gym Chain YouFit Gets New Leader and Owners Through Bankruptcy". Bloomberg.com. 18 February 2021. Retrieved 2021-12-21.
- ^ Hurtibise, Ron (17 October 2021). "Health clubs want you back. Here's what they're offering". sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved 2021-12-21.
- ^ Gyms, YouFit. "YouFit Gyms Reveals Complete Rebrand and Game-Changing Member Perks to Gyms Nationwide". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2021-12-21.
- ^ Kufahl, Pamela; Director, Content (2021-10-25). "YouFit Rebrands, Adds Member Services, Plans Slow Expansion". Club Industry. Retrieved 2021-12-21.
- ^ "The Best Cheap Gym Membership in 2020". Bunny Hops To Wealth. 2019-12-30. Retrieved 2020-01-05.
- ^ "28 Best Baltimore Gym | Expertise.com". www.expertise.com. 2021-09-14. Retrieved 2021-12-21.
External links
edit