LA Fitness to open at SouthSide Works

The Soffer Organization formally announced that LA Fitness plans to open a facility at the SouthSide Works in the former 23,189 square foot location of Joseph-Beth Booksellers on the corner of 27th and Carson Streets.The two-level fitness center plans to open by the end of the year and employ 40 people. It will be the seventh location in the Pittsburgh area for LA Fitness LA Fitness Latest from The Business Journals Gym business undergoes upheavalEdwards Marq*E renovation unveiled, retail space lostNine West to close at SouthSide Works Follow this company .Damian Soffer, president and CEO of the Soffer Organization, called LA Fitness a “perfect addition” for the development and the South Side as a whole.
William Horner, senior vice president and chief real estate officer of LA Fitness International, said the new location is expected to appeal to residents of the South Side, Mount Washington and Oakland.The location will offer more than 80 pieces of the latest cardio equipment with individual viewing screens, circuit training, and free weight areas as well as group fitness classes that include indoor cycling, dance, Pilates and yoga in a facility somewhat smaller than other LA Fitness locations in the region.LA Fitness has begun distributing fliers to recruit new membership for the new South Side location, offering month-to-month no contract memberships with $99 registration and monthly dues of $29.99.
By: Tim Schooley covers retail, real estate, small business, hospitality and media for the Pittsburgh Business Times

LA Fitness to open at SouthSide Works

The Soffer Organization formally announced that LA Fitness plans to open a facility at the SouthSide Works in the former 23,189 square foot location of Joseph-Beth Booksellers on the corner of 27th and Carson Streets.The two-level fitness center plans to open by the end of the year and employ 40 people. It will be the seventh location in the Pittsburgh area for LA Fitness LA Fitness Latest from The Business Journals Gym business undergoes upheavalEdwards Marq*E renovation unveiled, retail space lostNine West to close at SouthSide Works Follow this company .Damian Soffer, president and CEO of the Soffer Organization, called LA Fitness a “perfect addition” for the development and the South Side as a whole.
William Horner, senior vice president and chief real estate officer of LA Fitness International, said the new location is expected to appeal to residents of the South Side, Mount Washington and Oakland.The location will offer more than 80 pieces of the latest cardio equipment with individual viewing screens, circuit training, and free weight areas as well as group fitness classes that include indoor cycling, dance, Pilates and yoga in a facility somewhat smaller than other LA Fitness locations in the region.LA Fitness has begun distributing fliers to recruit new membership for the new South Side location, offering month-to-month no contract memberships with $99 registration and monthly dues of $29.99.
By: Tim Schooley covers retail, real estate, small business, hospitality and media for the Pittsburgh Business Times

Muscle Beach® Comes to the Carolinas

Muscle Beach® Comes to the Carolinas

– Muscle Beach®, the iconic fitness brand that single-handedly jumpstarted the fitness revolution, has converted a former Nautilus Fitness Center in Orangeburg South Carolina to their prestigious brand.Wilbraham, MA, July 19, 2011 — Muscle Beach®, the iconic fitness brand that single-handedly jumpstarted the fitness revolution, has converted a former Nautilus Fitness Center in Orangeburg South Carolina to their prestigious brand.“As the entity that led to the establishment of Gold’s Gym® and a number of other well-known fitness chains, it should come as no surprise to anyone that we’re now the brand of choice throughout the industry,” comments Muscle Beach® Founder and Chairman, Danny Lucien “The Solution” Tschirret.With over 30,000 square feet of space, the facility offers a fitness center, group exercise studio, basketball court, racquetball court, martial arts dojo, and a swimming pool. It is owned by Ramon and Asha Rodriguez, who have operated the club for more than 25 years.
“With Muscle Beach®, we instantly went from ordinary to legendary; from a club with virtually no identity to one with worldwide recognition and mass appeal. And all we had to do to accomplish that was to change our signage. It was that easy,” comments Asha.“We were looking for a well-established name, but didn’t want to get hammered with huge franchise fees or have our method of operation restricted,” adds Ramon.The couple looks forward to continuing the long rich history and tradition of Muscle Beach® in Orangeburg South Carolina, where they will operate their facility as a Muscle Beach® athletic club.To open a new Muscle Beach® fitness business or convert an existing one to their prestigious brand, call 413-575-5320 or visit www.musclebeachbrand.com. About Muscle Beach®:An American institution and fitness icon, Muscle Beach® is owned by United States-based Muscle Beach, Inc. With operations in more than 50 countries, they are the world’s largest fitness promotion. More than 75 years ago, Muscle Beach single-handedly jumpstarted the fitness revolution; the movement that led to the eventual establishment of Gold’s Gym® and a number of other well-known fitness chains.An American institution and fitness icon, Muscle Beach® is owned by United States-based Muscle Beach, Inc.
Contact:
Daniel Tschirret, MBA
Muscle Beach, Inc.
2141 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095

Muscle Beach® Comes to the Carolinas

Muscle Beach® Comes to the Carolinas

– Muscle Beach®, the iconic fitness brand that single-handedly jumpstarted the fitness revolution, has converted a former Nautilus Fitness Center in Orangeburg South Carolina to their prestigious brand.Wilbraham, MA, July 19, 2011 — Muscle Beach®, the iconic fitness brand that single-handedly jumpstarted the fitness revolution, has converted a former Nautilus Fitness Center in Orangeburg South Carolina to their prestigious brand.“As the entity that led to the establishment of Gold’s Gym® and a number of other well-known fitness chains, it should come as no surprise to anyone that we’re now the brand of choice throughout the industry,” comments Muscle Beach® Founder and Chairman, Danny Lucien “The Solution” Tschirret.With over 30,000 square feet of space, the facility offers a fitness center, group exercise studio, basketball court, racquetball court, martial arts dojo, and a swimming pool. It is owned by Ramon and Asha Rodriguez, who have operated the club for more than 25 years.
“With Muscle Beach®, we instantly went from ordinary to legendary; from a club with virtually no identity to one with worldwide recognition and mass appeal. And all we had to do to accomplish that was to change our signage. It was that easy,” comments Asha.“We were looking for a well-established name, but didn’t want to get hammered with huge franchise fees or have our method of operation restricted,” adds Ramon.The couple looks forward to continuing the long rich history and tradition of Muscle Beach® in Orangeburg South Carolina, where they will operate their facility as a Muscle Beach® athletic club.To open a new Muscle Beach® fitness business or convert an existing one to their prestigious brand, call 413-575-5320 or visit www.musclebeachbrand.com. About Muscle Beach®:An American institution and fitness icon, Muscle Beach® is owned by United States-based Muscle Beach, Inc. With operations in more than 50 countries, they are the world’s largest fitness promotion. More than 75 years ago, Muscle Beach single-handedly jumpstarted the fitness revolution; the movement that led to the eventual establishment of Gold’s Gym® and a number of other well-known fitness chains.An American institution and fitness icon, Muscle Beach® is owned by United States-based Muscle Beach, Inc.
Contact:
Daniel Tschirret, MBA
Muscle Beach, Inc.
2141 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095

Health Club News …..Ethics rule on free health club admission

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A 21-year-old state ethics rule barring West Virginia elected officials and public employees from accepting free admission to health clubs and exercise centers could be revised soon. The Ethics Commission on Thursday debated, but did not vote on a request from a state agency attorney seeking an exception to the health club ban for those traveling on government business.
At issue are hotels and motels that don’t have on-site exercise facilities, but provide passes or reimburse costs for guests to visit nearby health clubs.
Under a legislative rule adopted in 1990, public employees and officials are barred from accepting a variety of perks and benefits while traveling or attending conferences. In addition to being prohibited from accepting free passes to health clubs, public officials cannot accept free rounds of golf, for example.
Joan Parker, commission general counsel, noted that when the rule was adopted, hotels that featured health clubs typically provided premium facilities, offering massages and other spa services — a benefit distinct from today’s exercise and workout centers.In the request for an advisory opinion, the agency attorney noted that, these days, most hotels and motels provide exercise facilities at no additional charge to guests, and stated that agency staff should not be barred from accepting health club passes from those hotels that do not have on-site facilities.
“West Virginia is at the top of the list for obesity and other health problems,” the request noted. “The state should be encouraging people to exercise when traveling on government business.”Parker noted that a recent Ethics Commission advisory opinion similarly deemed that public employees’ participation in free or discounted wellness programs does not constitute a violation of the state Ethics Act’s prohibition on using public office for private gain.The commission on Thursday postponed a vote to approve the advisory opinion until August, after some commissioners raised questions, including former state Sen. Jack Buckalew.
“What would you say to the golfer who says, “I play golf for exercise?” he asked.
Parker said golf raises separate ethical issues, since the person who pays for the round of golf is effectively paying for access to the public official during the round.
Buckalew said he had other issues with the request, contending that public officials should be expected to carry out their public duties without the expectation of any “enticements,” such as access to exercise facilities when traveling.
Under the Ethics Act, the identities of individuals or agencies seeking advisory opinions are kept confidential.
By Phil Kabler

Health Club News …..Ethics rule on free health club admission

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A 21-year-old state ethics rule barring West Virginia elected officials and public employees from accepting free admission to health clubs and exercise centers could be revised soon. The Ethics Commission on Thursday debated, but did not vote on a request from a state agency attorney seeking an exception to the health club ban for those traveling on government business.
At issue are hotels and motels that don’t have on-site exercise facilities, but provide passes or reimburse costs for guests to visit nearby health clubs.
Under a legislative rule adopted in 1990, public employees and officials are barred from accepting a variety of perks and benefits while traveling or attending conferences. In addition to being prohibited from accepting free passes to health clubs, public officials cannot accept free rounds of golf, for example.
Joan Parker, commission general counsel, noted that when the rule was adopted, hotels that featured health clubs typically provided premium facilities, offering massages and other spa services — a benefit distinct from today’s exercise and workout centers.In the request for an advisory opinion, the agency attorney noted that, these days, most hotels and motels provide exercise facilities at no additional charge to guests, and stated that agency staff should not be barred from accepting health club passes from those hotels that do not have on-site facilities.
“West Virginia is at the top of the list for obesity and other health problems,” the request noted. “The state should be encouraging people to exercise when traveling on government business.”Parker noted that a recent Ethics Commission advisory opinion similarly deemed that public employees’ participation in free or discounted wellness programs does not constitute a violation of the state Ethics Act’s prohibition on using public office for private gain.The commission on Thursday postponed a vote to approve the advisory opinion until August, after some commissioners raised questions, including former state Sen. Jack Buckalew.
“What would you say to the golfer who says, “I play golf for exercise?” he asked.
Parker said golf raises separate ethical issues, since the person who pays for the round of golf is effectively paying for access to the public official during the round.
Buckalew said he had other issues with the request, contending that public officials should be expected to carry out their public duties without the expectation of any “enticements,” such as access to exercise facilities when traveling.
Under the Ethics Act, the identities of individuals or agencies seeking advisory opinions are kept confidential.
By Phil Kabler

Health Club News…Five Gold’s Gyms converting to Fitness Connection health clubs

A Virginia company that owns five Gold’s Gyms in the Triangle is converting the health clubs to a new name and promising various improvements for members.McLean, Va.-based Titan Fitness is changing the local Gold’s locations to Fitness Connection clubs. Members will start to notice new signs as early as next week, said Titan spokesman Matt Amodeo.Health clubs changing hands often create hassles related to fees, contracts and other changes that spur complaints among members. But Amodeo said this transition should be seamless for local customers.The clubs’ staff, contracts and prices won’t change. The parent corporation is also the same and Titan plans to add new equipment, age-specific fitness programs, dietitians and other services.”We want to adopt an overall wellness approach,” Amodeo said. “We have more flexibility as an independent chain to add things members have been asking for.”Titan recently bought the Houston-based Fitness Connection chain and ended its affiliation with Gold’s. Titan owns 17 clubs in the Triangle; Greenville, N.C.; Houston, Texas; and Nevada.But one change will effect local members who travel. Previously, they could use other Gold’s Gyms across the country for free.Now members will have access to more than 9,000 clubs in other cities affiliated with the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. Many will offer free access, but some will charge a small fee, Amodeo said.The conversion of the Gold’s locations in this market will happen over the next three or four months, including various marketing and education efforts to explain the switch, Amodeo said. After that, Titan will look to add more Fitness Connection clubs in this region.The Gold’s Gyms that are converting to Fitness Connection are located in Raleigh at North Hills, on Six Forks Road and on Glenwood Avenue; in Cary on Kildaire Farm Road; and in the Durham side of Research Triangle Park on Emperor Blvd.

Health Club News…Five Gold’s Gyms converting to Fitness Connection health clubs

A Virginia company that owns five Gold’s Gyms in the Triangle is converting the health clubs to a new name and promising various improvements for members.McLean, Va.-based Titan Fitness is changing the local Gold’s locations to Fitness Connection clubs. Members will start to notice new signs as early as next week, said Titan spokesman Matt Amodeo.Health clubs changing hands often create hassles related to fees, contracts and other changes that spur complaints among members. But Amodeo said this transition should be seamless for local customers.The clubs’ staff, contracts and prices won’t change. The parent corporation is also the same and Titan plans to add new equipment, age-specific fitness programs, dietitians and other services.”We want to adopt an overall wellness approach,” Amodeo said. “We have more flexibility as an independent chain to add things members have been asking for.”Titan recently bought the Houston-based Fitness Connection chain and ended its affiliation with Gold’s. Titan owns 17 clubs in the Triangle; Greenville, N.C.; Houston, Texas; and Nevada.But one change will effect local members who travel. Previously, they could use other Gold’s Gyms across the country for free.Now members will have access to more than 9,000 clubs in other cities affiliated with the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. Many will offer free access, but some will charge a small fee, Amodeo said.The conversion of the Gold’s locations in this market will happen over the next three or four months, including various marketing and education efforts to explain the switch, Amodeo said. After that, Titan will look to add more Fitness Connection clubs in this region.The Gold’s Gyms that are converting to Fitness Connection are located in Raleigh at North Hills, on Six Forks Road and on Glenwood Avenue; in Cary on Kildaire Farm Road; and in the Durham side of Research Triangle Park on Emperor Blvd.

Health Club News…YMCA gym sold to Griffith Development LLC

Griffith Development LLC has bought the gym housing the Beaverton Family YMCA for $1.28 million, a sale that closed Monday afternoon, according to Dann Wonser, real estate broker at Macadam Forbes.

The previous property owner, Pardee Properties, managed by Tami Pardee, sold the site at 4925 S.W. Griffith Drive after settling a $1.5 million lawsuit with the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette.

In the lawsuit, Pardee alleged that the nonprofit broke its lease agreement by persuading members to join a competing gym and failing to repair or replace equipment.

As part of the settlement, the gym will close July 29 and transfer gym membership, group exercise programs and older-adult programs to the Beaverton Hoop YMCA. By the end of August, the YMCA will no longer have any financial obligations with Pardee.

Griffith Development, an investor, plans to remodel the site and reopen it fall 2012, according to Bruce Patton, YMCA vice president.

— Dominique Fong Follow @BvrtnReporter

Health Club News…YMCA gym sold to Griffith Development LLC

Griffith Development LLC has bought the gym housing the Beaverton Family YMCA for $1.28 million, a sale that closed Monday afternoon, according to Dann Wonser, real estate broker at Macadam Forbes.

The previous property owner, Pardee Properties, managed by Tami Pardee, sold the site at 4925 S.W. Griffith Drive after settling a $1.5 million lawsuit with the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette.

In the lawsuit, Pardee alleged that the nonprofit broke its lease agreement by persuading members to join a competing gym and failing to repair or replace equipment.

As part of the settlement, the gym will close July 29 and transfer gym membership, group exercise programs and older-adult programs to the Beaverton Hoop YMCA. By the end of August, the YMCA will no longer have any financial obligations with Pardee.

Griffith Development, an investor, plans to remodel the site and reopen it fall 2012, according to Bruce Patton, YMCA vice president.

— Dominique Fong Follow @BvrtnReporter

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