LA Fitness Acquires XSport Gyms, Expanding in NY, Chicago

Fitness International, operator of LA Fitness and several other gym brands, has acquired XSport Fitness in a move that will expand Fitness International’s presence in New York, Chicagoland and Virginia as it assumes 35 XSport gym locations.

Speculation had swirled for weeks surrounding the deal, which will see Fitness International investing in the newly acquired XSport Fitness gyms and rebranding them under one of its four brands.

The XSport Fitness website is no longer running, instead directing users to LA Fitness’ site.

Along with LA Fitness, Fitness International operates Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club and Club Studio.

Fitness international expansion

“We are proud to add XSport Fitness’ facilities to our nationwide network of health clubs,” said Fitness International club operations president Jill Greuling. “This expansion solidifies our position as one of the largest privately-held health club operators in the United States and provides the opportunity to bring our best-in-class fitness experience, with the widest range of amenities and the friendliest service at an affordable price, to more people across the country.”

In an email to XSport Fitness club members, the gym brand announced that it had decided to exit the health and fitness club business and would transition its clubs to LA Fitness effective July 16, 2024. Fitness International is honoring all active membership agreements and their specific club-access privileges.

Industry consolidation trends

The XSport Fitness acquisition mirrors other moves made in recent months.

Virginia-based acac Fitness & Wellness Centers struck a deal this spring for La Maison Health & Fitness, a family-owned fitness club in Philadelphia, growing acac’s portfolio to 14 clubs.

Genesis Health Clubs, having long eyed the New York market, finally made good on its quest to make its mark on the Empire State, acquiring two Saw Mill Clubs locations in Mt. Kisco, New York, along with a pair of Atlantic Club locations in New Jersey. The Kansas-based Genesis operates over 70 clubs across 11 states.

Chuze Fitness, a high-value, low-price (HVLP) California-based gym chain, expanded to the Florida market following its acquisition of Bailey’s Health & Fitness in 2023, giving Chuze 16 new locations in the Jacksonville area.

Group fitness has also seen similar deals, with 9Round Kickboxing Fitness securing all 56 iLoveKickboxing locations across the U.S. and Canada earlier this year.