Fast-growing health club hits 40 Fla. locations

NORTH PORT — Youfit, a fast-growing chain of health clubs, opened a new gym in North Port — it's 40th Florida location.

The gym is at the high-traffic corner of Sumter Boulevard and U.S. 41, according to a release.

Based in Boca Raton, Youfit brings an anti-traditional health club model to the competitive industry. It offers low monthly rates, starting at $10, in return for a clean, pressure-free workout environment. There are no pools, and according to founder Rick Berks, the atmosphere isn't for bodybuilders and gym rats, but for regular people.

“You'd be amazed at how many people tell me they'd have to get in shape before they'll walk into a club,” Berks says in the release “But we're building clubs for people who want to work out in a relaxed, non-threatening environment, without the trauma and drama of the usual health club.”

The North Port Youfit location is the 53rd in the country, the release states. Other locations are in Arizona and Georgia. Berks opened the first Youfit in 2008 in St. Petersburg, and now has locations spread throughout the Gulf Coast.