Youfit Health Clubs is about to open its 8thnew club in the Valley – its second one in Gilbert. And several more are coming soon.
Rick Berks, owner of Youfit, has targeted the Valley for expansion – and he’s making good on his promise. Youfit Health Clubs (www.youfithealthclubs.com) now has 43 clubs in Arizona, Florida, and Georgia. And his first Gilbert club (at 706 North McQueen Road) is doing so well that’s he’s opening a second one there, at 870 E. Williams Field Road. Youfit has a unique concept. And people in the Valley are responding to it; each new club here has registered several thousand members within the first month.
Berks’ business model is much different than those of traditional health clubs. There are no long-term contracts (you pay by the month). No intimidating bodybuilders or gym rats (the clubs are not designed for them). No singles scenes. No pressure to join – there are no salespeople. No pushy instructors. And no carbon footprint. These may be the “greenest” gyms in America — the floors, for example, are made of recycled tires or Nike “grind” (recycled sneakers!).
The “Youfit” name is meant to convey a very strong message. These are clubs where “you” can “fit” in, without feeling uncomfortable and without feeling pressure from salespeople.
