APPLETON, Wis., May 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vertical Fitness Group (VFG) is converting 11 Gold's Gyms in Minnesota and Wisconsin to its new "Xperience Fitness" (www.myxperiencefitness.com) concept. The Appleton, WI-based health club management group recently reached an agreement with Gold's Gym International (GGI) to part company in order to launch its new brand.
VFG has been a franchisee of Gold's Gym International since 2003. The six Minnesota gyms involved in the May 1 brand conversion include locations in Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Buffalo, Monticello, Vadnais Heights and Woodbury. The five Wisconsin locations are in Appleton, Green Bay, Hales Corners, Menasha and Racine.
VFG also has reached agreements with four Milwaukee-area Cardinal Fitness gyms to join the Xperience Fitness brand giving the new company a total of 15 Xperience Fitness locations throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Fitness as it should be
"Xperience Fitness (www.myxperiencefitness.com) is all about fitness as it should be – on your terms," said VFG Partner Jon Barton. "No contracts. No gimmicks. Just fair and honest pricing and great facilities with topnotch amenities. We are built around a singular unifying concept: We believe that by actively participating in a fitness lifestyle – or "experiencing fitness" – you will be affected in a way that allows you to get greater joy out of all the important moments in your life."
Barton said that during the conversion to Xperience Fitness current members would not experience a disruption to their normal gym routine:
- Membership rates will remain $9.99 per month
- Local gym staffing will remain the same
- Vertical Fitness Group will continue to own and operate all gyms
Beginning in May members will receive a new key tag chain to check-in. Clubs will be refreshed with a new, motivating design and colors.
"Our facilities are topnotch and our equipment and amenities among the best," said Barton. Most Xperience Fitness gyms feature basketball and swimming.
Not your grandfather's gym
"Xperience Fitness promises to our members to be a future-leaning, technology-facing fitness center built for 2012 and beyond," said Barton. "In addition to our low rates and no long-term contractual commitments, we will offer fast, technology-based procedures with self-managed capabilities so members have the ability to direct their own fitness experience if they so choose. We have developed tools that deliver on the promise to help our members lead an active lifestyle and bring the experience with them wherever they go."
The Xperience Fitness website – www.myxperiencefitness.com– will serve as a member "user manual" offering relevant content, expert advice and the ability for members to track fitness progress through a Member Profile, make online payments, and participate in helpful live chats.
Joining the IHRSA Passport Program
Xperience Fitness members will enjoy the added benefit of being part of the IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association) Passport Program that grants members access to health clubs throughout the world at discounts of 50 percent or more depending on the individual health club's policy.
"IHRSA is an association featuring more than 9,000 health clubs ensuring our members will have a large selection of facilities to choose from when they are away from home," said Barton.
About Vertical Fitness Group
Appleton, WI-based Vertical Fitness Group is led by veteran fitness industry executives Jon Barton, Tom Davidson and Jamie Nelson. Vertical Fitness Group plans to own and operate health clubs on a national basis under the Xperience Fitness brand. The Vertical Fitness Group executives have more than 55 years of direct experience in the fitness industry.
The Xperience Fitness logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12688