Lately, Genesis Health Clubs has had nothing but openings, but now there’s a closure
A year and a half after acquiring two Vasa Fitness gyms in Wichita, Genesis Health Clubs has closed one.
The company, which bills itself as “the largest and fastest-growing privately owned fitness provider in the country,” is more known for opening sites than closing them.
After the spring 2022 purchases of Vasa gyms at Brittany Center at 21st and Woodlawn and another near Harry and Georgetown, Genesis began negotiating to buy the properties where the Vasas were.
“We strive to own all our facilities . . . and were hopeful when we bought two locations from VASA that we would be able to also purchase the buildings from their respective owners,” a statement from Genesis said.
“The clubs were losing a lot of money when we bought them, but we knew we could turn them around if we could buy the buildings and reinvest in them. Thankfully, we were able to buy the East Harry location, but we could not come to terms on North Woodlawn.”
The Brittany Genesis is now closed.
The statement said the members, who previously could use that Genesis only, have now been upgraded to use Genesis clubs on East Central, East Harry, West 13th and in Goddard. In total, these members can now use 35 other Genesis clubs.
These members also will have a 30-day upgrade that gives them access to the newly remodeled Rock Road Genesis while the East Central site is updated.
At the Rock Road Genesis, that includes “additional strength floor space and equipment, a recovery lounge, cold plunge, Himalayan salt sauna, high tech audiovisual cycle studio, and completely remodeled pool/wet area.”
There are now 65 Genesis clubs in Kansas, Kentucky, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa and Florida.
According to the Genesis statement, it sounds like that number could once again be changing soon.
“We would also like to let everyone know that we have big news in the Wichita area coming soon that we can’t wait to share.”
In other Genesis news, the Genesis Foundation for Fitness and Tennis’ annual gala was Friday and raised more than $300,000 for disadvantaged children.
The gala also broke its own attendance record with 335 guests.
The money the event raised specifically goes to provide new shoes, bedding and linens along with athletic grants.
