Growing South Florida health club reaches 50 locations

Growing South Florida health club reaches 50 locations

A South Florida-based health club has breached a milestone of 50 clubs nationwide, with more openings planned in the coming months.

After starting in 2008, Youfit Health Clubs has reached a total of 54 locations in the nation, 41 of which are here in Florida — including 16 in South Florida.

The clubs, where members pay month-to-month without a contract, focus on building a low key atmosphere without intimidating bodybuilders and gym rats.

“You’d be amazed at how many people tell me they’d have to get in shape before they’ll walk into a club,” said owner Rick Berks. “But we’re building clubs for people who want to work out in a relaxed, non-threatening environment, without the trauma and drama of the usual health club.”

The Coconut Creek-based company recently opened four new locations in Florida over the past month in Sunrise, Winter Park, North Port and Venice. The company plans to open more clubs in California, Tennessee and Georgia in the coming months.

“We’re proud of our Florida heritage,” Berks said. “It’s largely because of Florida that we were able to reach the 50-mark – and beyond – so quickly. We’re creating new businesses here in Florida, and new jobs. And we’re creating them in an environmentally-friendly way.”