Julia Sanders

Shoes are a basic commodity that many may take for granted. However, many less fortunate cannot afford shoes. To assist, Excel Fitness stepped in to show generosity for those in need.

The franchise group partnered with Samaritan’s Feet, a nonprofit organization that provides shoes to those in need. From Nov. 25-Jan. 3, the franchise group’s Northwest Arkansas clubs set up donation boxes to collect shoes for students in Bentonville and Springdale, Arkansas. The drive was held in six of the group’s clubs. Due to the generosity of local community members and Excel Fitness, the clubs were able to donate 122 pairs of shoes for kids in need.

The franchise group first heard about the opportunity to partner with Samaritan’s Feet from one of its members, Kyle Alexander, who is also the regional director – mid-south domestic programs at Samaritan’s Feet. He came to Excel Fitness leadership asking if they could do the shoe drive, and Excel agreed with enthusiasm.

Excel chose to partner with Samaritan’s Feet because of their incredible mission to bring hope to those in need through the gift of shoes. Samaritan’s Feet’s work goes beyond just providing footwear — it’s about inspiring confidence, improving health and showing compassion to communities that need it most. By joining forces, Excel Fitness was able to make a greater impact and help change lives, one pair of shoes at a time.

“It was incredible to see our team and members come together for the shoe drive.
Knowing that each pair donated is making a real difference in someone’s life is truly rewarding. This was more than just a donation — it was a step toward helping our community,” said Lexi Prince, shift lead at Excel Fitness.

Ohana Growth Partners started the year incredibly busy, hosting five open house events across three states. Three of the grand opening events occurred in Washington, one was in Tennessee, and one was in Maryland.

“Having the opportunity to open new clubs and bring our Ohana spirit to local communities is the highlight of what we do! Anywhere we go, we get to provide a high-value, low-cost membership that has a lasting impact on everyone’s physical and mental well-being,” said James Pope, director of operations west. “We truly become a part of the community, and it is real privilege to be a part of the Ohana that makes it happen!”

During the events, attendees were able to enjoy free workouts in the gyms and complimentary PF^® Black Card amenities. There were also ribbon-cutting ceremonies, doorbuster giveaways and prize drawings.

Each open house event drew about 50-70 people. Many special guests attended to show their enthusiasm for the new clubs, including Washington Capitals Alumni Ken Sabourin, University of Washington’s Mascot Harry the Husky, personalities from Movin 92.5, 96.3 Jack FM, 95.7 The Jet and 100.7 The Bay, officials from the Roberston County Chamber of Commerce, Bothell Kenmore Chamber of Commerce, South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce and Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from local Boys & Girls Clubs. To wrap up the excitement and show its support for its local community, Ohana Growth Partners presented the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, Boys & Girls Club of King County, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County and Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County with $1,000 checks for their organizations.

“We are incredibly grateful for the amazing turnout at our grand open house and thankful for our hardworking crew who made this all possible. It’s been an exciting journey, and we’re thrilled to officially be a part of this community,” said Victor Santana, Port Orchard general manager. “We can’t wait to help our members reach their fitness goals and create a space where everyone feels welcome and motivated!”

The Bothell, Washington, location opened on Dec. 18. Then, the Port Orchard, Washington, and Springfield, Tennessee, locations opened Dec. 19. Next, the Ballard, Washington, location opened Dec. 23, and the Eldersburg, Maryland, location opened on Jan. 29. All the locations boast amazing amenities, including strength equipment, cardio equipment, a dedicated HIIT area, a dedicated mobility and stretching space, and a Black Card Spa area with HydroMassage loungers, massage chairs, tanning beds and more. These new Planet Fitness^® clubs quickly racked up members, counting over 2,000 to 4,000 members within the first three months of opening.

These newest additions bring OGP to 39 locations in the Maryland/Washington, D.C., area, 16 in the Seattle area and 14 in the Nashville area. Overall, the group owns and operates 84 Planet Fitness clubs with more than 550,000 members in Maryland, District of Columbia, Tennessee, Florida, Washington state and California. The group also is a joint venture partner with six clubs in Australia.

Early December was a busy one for Midwest Fitness Partners! On Dec. 4, the franchise group celebrated the opening of three new Planet Fitness^® locations. The new gyms are located in Bridgeton, Fenton and Brentwood, Missouri. By the end of 2024, Midwest Fitness Partners had 55 clubs in Missouri and had opened five clubs in one year.

This is not the first time the franchise group has accomplished opening three clubs in one day, as they did the same thing in December 2020. “Opening three clubs in one day is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the hard work of our team. With eight more clubs in development for 2025, we’re thrilled to continue expanding and bringing the Judgement Free Zone^® to even more communities,” said Mike Hamilton, COO and co-founder of Midwest Fitness Partners.

The new locations feature amazing amenities, including tanning beds, red light therapy, HydroMassage beds, plate-loaded machines and Vicki vending machines. All three clubs are over 30,000 square feet and are open 24/7.