Fitness 19, at 2311 N. Tracy Blvd., changed into an In-Shape at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Based on the reaction of the staff later in the day and members as they were informed upon their arrival at the gym, it was a surprise decision.
“It’s a whirlwind, but exciting,” said In-Shape regional manager Rick Cruz. “We’re really excited.”
He said the decision to purchase Fitness 19 will enable the club to provide In-Shape members with three strategic locations in town.
“Location is key,” Cruz said, noting that it enables In-Shape to reach more people in the community.
He said each club will have its own unique programs, such as the club on Tracy Boulevard that offers an outdoor pool, waterslides, racquetball and tennis courts.
In a press release announcing the change, In-Shape CEO Paul Rothbard said: “We’re thrilled to expand our presence in Tracy with a conveniently located, affordable fitness facility. It’s the perfect time of year to offer our members and the community, even more options for staying fit and sticking to those New Years’ resolutions. Our new club will help residents stay healthy and active this winter.”
Each of the former Fitness 19 gym members were informed by staff that they will have free membership to the In-Shape on 11th Street for the next 30 days as part of their existing Fitness 19 membership. Cruz said Fitness 19 members will also see no changes in their membership costs, and each will be allowed to stay under the same rates until their current contracts expire.
As for changes, Cruz said management wants to see what amenities work first. In-Shape officials do, however, plan to improve the equipment, add new interior paint and upgrade the fixtures and décor, he said.
This is the third In-Shape to open in Tracy, but Cruz said it’s not unique to have more than one club in one city. He said Stockton currently has five, and that the Tracy acquisition gives In-Shape a total of 53 gyms across California.
As luck would have it for me my yearly membership expires in two weeks, so I guess I’ll find out quickly if the rates are really going to stay the same. I talked to the In-Shape representatives there last night about this, and they told me not to worry. So I’ll see.
If the rates do stay the same, I hope it’s not something temporary. I’m sure In-Shape is trilled on having a third gym in town, but many of us Fitness 19 members worry that having an monopoly like they do now will only increase our dues in the near future since they’ll no longer have any competition in town except for World’s Gym.