AusLeisure

Having opened their first site in Ringwood Victoria in 1997, Genesis Health and Fitness is this month celebrating their 25th anniversary.

Genesis Chief Executive Ian Jensen-Muir notes that it is a significant milestone encapsulating many memories and achievements, both at an organisational level and an individual level, for members and staff.

Jensen-Muir advises “a quarter of a century helping people achieve their wellness goals – we are proud and very honoured to reach this milestone. Wrapped up in these 25 years are countless stories of members building confidence, overcoming health challenges, regaining their strength and finding happiness and we are so lucky to have been part of those journeys.

“We have grown from a single club in Ringwood to an industry leader with 40 locations across Australia, and we’re still growing.

“It’s a fitting time to stop and acknowledge how far the brand has come, the challenges we’ve faced and the opportunities we’ve embraced to see us standing here today as one of the leading gyms in the country. This is thanks to our dedicated head office team, passionate franchisees and extended network of caring and energetic trainers and support staff who are on the ground with our members every day.”

Some key milestones for the company over the last 25 years include adopting the well-recognised blue and white branding nationally in 2014, going 24/7 in 2015, launching the Coaching Zone small group training format in 2017 and commencing the rollout of Reformer Pilates in 2021.

Today, Genesis services more than 60,000 members, runs over 1,100 fitness classes every week and employs more than 740 staff. Some of those staff have been with Genesis for the full 25 years, including fitness instructor Anna Verhees.

Verhees has been a group exercise instructor at Genesis Health and Fitness Ringwood since it first opened its doors and has continued to teach six days a week for her entire career – that’s a very impressive 27,000 classes. She notes “a lot has changed over 25 years – the fashion, the music, the variety of classes – but the thing that stays the same is the wonderful sense of community at the club. We work as a team and make members feel that they are the most important thing to us – because they are!”

There are also a handful of dedicated members who have been with Genesis since its foundation, including 91-year-old Betty Maple who still attends a cycle class three times a week with her husband, 82-year-old Peter.

Betty Maple adds “the secret to a long healthy life is simple: keep moving, eat well, get a good night’s sleep and know your limitations. I also have a square of dark chocolate every night.”

What’s in store for Genesis for the future?

Jensen-Muir shares “we have a lot of exciting developments in progress. Some will involve technology, while others will see us returning to our roots and what it is that people love about the gym experience.

“Over the challenges of the last two years with lockdowns, we’ve been reminded what it is that people really love about and need from their gym – it’s that sense of community, friendship, support and genuine care. That’s the difference between working out alone and working out with us.”

Image: Genesis staff celebrating 25 years at original gym site Ringwood

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