Gym chain offers fitness for less

CHERRY HILL, New Jersey - November 4, 2009

In this economy, not too many businesses are expanding. But Retro Fitness gyms, including the one at 1447 Brace Road in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, are popping up faster than a body-builder's muscles on steroids.

Just ask Leon Butler -- who's near 60, but is still seriously into fitness.

"I like coming here because the people are friendly, and it's convenient for me," Butler epxlains. "It's close to my house. And I get a good workout here."

As for the price, Butler says, "You can't beat it."

The Retro Fitness concept is simple: More fitness for less money. Memberships cost $20 a month, with a one-year contract.

They keep membership costs down by keeping it no-frills. The equipment here is top-notch. But you won't find saunas, swimming pools or instructor-led classses.

And that's just fine with their members. Several told us they dropped their memberships at fancier, more expensive gyms.

Kate Monagle of Marlton says, "It has everything that I need. It has the treadmills, the ellipticals, and it's very, very cheap, reasonably priced."

Theresa Riley, the club's general manager, explains why she thinks the members like the club. "They don't want to come into a place where they have the pools, they don't use it anyway. And I think they figure,' why pay that money if I'm not going to use it?'."

Members who want to buy energy drinks can take advantage of the Retro Smoothie bar. Same goes for baby-sitting, which is $3 per session.

For more information about Retro Fitness, including locations, click here.


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