LA Fitness Chain plans four gyms in region

One of the country’s fastest-growing gym chains plans to open four Buffalo-area locations in 2013, creating about 200 new jobs.

LA Fitness’ aggressive expansion into Western New York will begin early next year with the opening of two facilities – a 45,000-square-foot facility on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo and a 41,000-square-foot facility on Transit Road in Clarence. The centers will be the two largest in the area.

“We’re excited to come out there,” said Bill Horner, senior vice president/chief real estate officer of the Irvine, Calif.-based company. “It’s going to be a great market for us.”

Horner said the Western New York market is ripe for LA Fitness because existing clubs are smaller and the chain’s larger facilities enable a more comprehensive approach to fitness.

“We don’t consider it a market-share game at all,” he said. “With the size of our clubs and the equipment package, we’ll meet needs that have gone unmet.”

Construction began in May for the Buffalo LA Fitness facility at 1893 Elmwood Ave. near Hertel Avenue, and will conclude by the end of the year. The Clarence club will go in the site of the former Linens ‘n’ Things at 5089 Transit Road in the Walmart plaza. Renovations at that location will begin in October.

In addition to a three-lane 25-yard lap pool, the facilities will include a whirlpool sauna, a full basketball court and separate rooms for fitness classes and indoor cycling.

Each club will have 45 to 55 employees and will offer positions, including 12 full time, in management, sales, member services and personal training.

Horner said there are plans for four LA Fitness centers in the area.

The chain has 510 locations nationwide and in Canada.