Genesis Health Clubs Acquires NJ’s Atlantic Club in Northeast Move
Genesis, a privately-owned fitness operator based in Kansas, has set up shop in ten states with 68 health clubs
Genesis Health Clubs, the largest privately owned health club operator in the U.S., has officially made its foray into the East Coast fitness market, acquiring The Atlantic Club, which has two locations in Manasquan and Red Bank, New Jersey. The deal marks the 67th and 68th clubs in Genesis’ portfolio.
The fitness operator’s N.J. deal follows a similar agreement in Indiana last month, where Genesis acquired Tri-State Athletic Club in Evansville.
Rodney Steven II, president and owner of Genesis Health Clubs, announced the acquisition on LinkedIn:
“Today is monumental for Genesis as we acquire The Atlantic Clubs in Manasquan and Red Bank, New Jersey! This expands us into our 10th state, reaching a total of 68 clubs,” he wrote. “This venture into the northeast is especially exciting, as we position ourselves just a short drive away from The Jersey Shore, New York City and Philadelphia. The Manasquan location is a very iconic club for health & fitness featuring a vast campus with 9 impressive buildings.”
The fitness operator has also onboarded The Atlantic Club’s Kevin McHugh to its team. McHugh, previously a chief operating officer for The Atlantic Club, will serve in a management role for the new Genesis-Atlantic Clubs.
The Rise of Genesis Health Clubs
First opened in Wichita, Kansas, in 1968, Genesis Health Clubs was a single location when Steven purchased the fitness operation in 1994. Since then, Genesis has grown to 68 clubs in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Indiana and now, New Jersey.
In a letter to members, Steven stated that Atlantic Club members will gain immediate access to Genesis’ other nationwide locations at no extra charge. He also indicated that there would be upcoming renovations, including new exercise equipment and “other club priorities,” and assured that The Atlantic Club’s instructors, trainers and staff have been welcomed into the Genesis structure.
Steven also indicated that more is in the works, noting that as the nation’s largest tennis and pool operators, Genesis is “excited to grow both sports in New Jersey” and hinted at “exciting news” in the months and years ahead.
The NJ facilities offer cardio and strength training machines, personal training, tennis, aquatics, Pilates, various court sports and cafes, as well as a salon and spa, with services such as Cryoskin.
Health Clubs & Gyms Flourish Post-Pandemic
Genesis Health Clubs’ continued expansion comes as health clubs, gyms and studios are seeing a major resurgence in member attendance as in-person fitness rebounds from COVID-19, according to IHRSA. Similarly, big-box fitness players are reporting increased membership, such as Planet Fitness, which is nearing 20 million members.
Luxury fitness and lifestyle operator Life Time, with some member amenities similar to those found in Genesis Health Clubs, reported that visits per membership were up approximately 24% through the first nine months of 2023 compared to the first nine months of 2019. Life Time is set to open its own facility in the Red Bank area in early 2024, which could rival The Atlantic Club.
