History of LA Fitness in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 26, 2024

LA Fitness is a large American gym chain with over 550 locations throughout the US and Canada. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Irvine, California, LA Fitness provides fitness facilities and services to its members.

1984: Founding by Chinyol Yi and Louis Welch

In 1984, Chinyol Yi and Louis Welch founded LA Fitness in Los Angeles, California. Throughout the mid-1990s, the company expanded by acquiring under-performing fitness clubs in Southern California and developing new properties.

1984: Founding of LA Fitness

LA Fitness was founded in 1984 and is based in Irvine, California. The company started its journey as an American gym chain and has grown significantly over the years.

2007: Expansion to Toronto

In 2007, LA Fitness expanded outside of the United States by acquiring six fitness clubs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This marked the beginning of the company's international growth.

2009: Collier Township Shooting

In 2009, a tragic shooting occurred at an LA Fitness health club in Collier Township, Pennsylvania, where four people were killed.

2010: Acquisition of Phoenix Locations

In 2010, LA Fitness acquired ten locations in Phoenix from Pure Fitness Arizona. Within a year, all but one of the former Pure Fitness clubs were closed.

November 30, 2011: Acquisition of Bally Total Fitness Clubs

On November 30, 2011, LA Fitness acquired 171 clubs from Bally Total Fitness for $153M. Following the acquisition, LA Fitness began closing some former Bally clubs near existing LA Fitness facilities and remodeling others.

July 2, 2012: Acquisition of Lifestyle Family Fitness Clubs

On July 2, 2012, LA Fitness acquired all 33 Lifestyle Family Fitness Clubs in Florida. The decision to sell was made by Lifestyle's board of directors after evaluating their options.

December 23, 2013: Acquisition of Buffalo and Rochester Athletic Clubs

On December 23, 2013, LA Fitness announced the acquisition of The Buffalo and Rochester Athletic Clubs in western New York, expanding its presence in the region.

December 30, 2013: Acquisition of Vision Quest Sport and Fitness

On December 30, 2013, LA Fitness completed the acquisition of all 10 Vision Quest Sport and Fitness clubs in the greater Seattle area, further expanding its market.

2018: Introduction of High-Intensity Interval Training

Starting in 2018, LA Fitness began offering high-intensity interval training classes at certain renovated clubs for a separate fee, incorporating heart rate monitors by Myzone.

2020: Launch of Esporta Fitness

In early 2020, LA Fitness launched their new downmarket Esporta Fitness brand, intended to compete with high-volume, low-price gyms like Planet Fitness. Several former LA Fitness locations on the East Coast were rebranded as Esporta Fitness.

2023: Operational Presence in 2023

As of 2023, LA Fitness operates locations in twenty-three US states and two Canadian provinces, maintaining a significant presence across North America.