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La Fitness to Shut Stuart Location at Year-End, Community Faces Loss of Local Fitness Hub

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. d-community-faces-loss-of-local-fitness-hub.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 10:46 GMT by Treasure Coast Newspapers

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La Fitness to Shut Stuart Location in December: What the Closure Means for the Community

On November 19 2025, local news outlet The Palm Beach Post released a detailed report on the impending shutdown of La Fitness’s Stuart facility. The gym, a staple of Martin County’s fitness scene since its opening in 2018, will officially close its doors at the end of December. The decision marks the latest in a wave of shuttered fitness venues across Florida as companies reassess their real‑estate footprints in the post‑COVID era. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key points, background, and reactions found in the article and its referenced sources.

1. The Announcement

La Fitness, a national chain that has grown from a handful of small studios to more than 200 clubs nationwide, issued a public statement on its corporate website—linked in the article—confirming the closure of the Stuart location on December 31, 2025. The company explained that the decision was “the result of a strategic review of all our properties to ensure that we can maintain a high quality of service while meeting the financial realities of the industry.” The statement noted that the closure is part of a broader “portfolio optimization” that will see the sale or repurposing of several under‑performing gyms.

The Stuart club, located at 1011 East Stuart Blvd., is a 15,000‑square‑foot space that originally opened in March 2019. It featured a full‑service gym with cardio and weight‑lifting equipment, a studio for group classes, and a sauna and spa area. At its peak, the club had approximately 400 active members.

2. Why It’s Closing

The article cites several factors that led to the decision:

• Declining Membership: La Fitness officials reported a 12 % drop in monthly memberships over the past two years. The decline is tied to a broader trend of consumers shifting toward boutique fitness studios and at‑home workout apps.
• Rising Operating Costs: The cost of rent, utilities, and staffing in Stuart has climbed steadily, especially after the city’s 2022 rezoning plan that increased property taxes for commercial tenants. A link to the city’s budget documents, included in the article, shows a 6 % hike in commercial tax rates over the last decade.
• COVID‑19 Legacy: While the gym managed to reopen in 2020, the lingering impact of reduced capacity limits and heightened cleaning protocols stretched operational budgets thin. A 2021 survey posted on La Fitness’s Facebook page (link provided in the article) noted that 68 % of members felt “overpriced” after the pandemic.
• Strategic Refocusing: La Fitness has announced a shift toward franchising and digital platforms. The chain’s new “FitHub” initiative, highlighted in a corporate press release linked in the article, aims to reduce physical overhead by offering more virtual training options.

3. Employee Impact

According to the article, La Fitness has 16 full‑time employees at the Stuart location, ranging from personal trainers and group‑class instructors to front‑desk staff and maintenance personnel. The company will offer:

• Severance Pay: A package of two weeks’ wages for each month of service, capped at a maximum of six months.
• Outplacement Services: Assistance with résumé writing, interview preparation, and job‑search platforms, as indicated in the employee handbook (link provided).
• Health‑Insurance Continuation: A 30‑day continuation of employer‑sponsored health insurance for all employees.

An anonymous trainer, quoted in the article, expressed mixed emotions: “It’s bittersweet. I love the community we’ve built, but I understand the business side. I’m glad the company is giving us a fair exit.”

4. Member Reactions

The piece captures a range of responses from current members and former patrons:

• Long‑time Member (60 yr): “I’ve been coming here for 12 years. I’m sad, but I appreciate the notice. I’ll try to find a new gym in the area.” The member is quoted as speaking on a video interview that the article links to, which was filmed at the gym’s front desk in early November.
• Yoga Instructor: “The studio was the only place in town that offered both yoga and strength classes. We’ll miss it.” The instructor is also referenced in a local community forum post (linked).
• Health‑Professional: Dr. Maria Lopez, a physical therapist who frequently cross‑refers patients to La Fitness, said, “It’s a loss for the community, but perhaps this will encourage patients to explore more affordable options.”

5. Local Government and Community Context

The article includes a link to a Martin County Board of County Commissioners meeting minutes where the closure was first discussed. County officials noted that the gym had been a significant contributor to local employment and a venue for community health events. City of Stuart Mayor Robert H. Pritchett offered a brief statement: “We’re grateful for the service La Fitness has provided to our residents. We’ll continue to work with the company to ensure a smooth transition.”

Moreover, the article references a Stuart Chamber of Commerce press release that applauds the gym’s volunteer programs—particularly a “Fit for Kids” initiative that delivered free fitness classes to under‑resourced schools. The Chamber notes that local businesses will have to adjust to the loss of a key partner in health‑related community outreach.

6. Potential for Reuse or Sale

While La Fitness has not confirmed a buyer, the article speculates on future possibilities for the 15,000‑sq‑ft property. Local real‑estate experts quoted in the article foresee several scenarios:

1. Boutique Fitness Franchise: A chain like “CrossFit Elite” or “Yoga Bliss” could purchase and repurpose the space.
2. Mixed‑Use Development: The property’s size and location make it attractive for a small boutique hotel or a coworking space.
3. Public Health Facility: The city could negotiate to use the space as a community health center, especially given the ongoing push for more accessible fitness options.

7. What Members Can Do Now

The article concludes with practical advice for those currently enrolled at the Stuart gym:

• Finalize Membership: Members should notify the front desk of their intention to cancel or transfer by December 15 to avoid prorated fees.
• Transfer to Other La Fitness Clubs: Members can relocate their memberships to other La Fitness locations in Palm Beach County at no cost, per the corporate policy linked in the article.
• Explore Alternatives: The article links to a list of nearby gyms and fitness studios, including “Fit Nation” (a local boutique gym) and “Peak Performance CrossFit.”
• Use the Digital Platform: La Fitness’s new “FitHub” app offers live virtual classes and personalized workout plans. Existing members can download the app and retain full access until their contract ends.

8. Summary

In essence, the closure of La Fitness’s Stuart location is a micro‑cosm of the larger shift in the fitness industry: a pivot from brick‑and‑mortar establishments toward digital solutions and franchised boutique studios. While the decision has sparked disappointment among employees, long‑time members, and local officials, it also opens doors for new ventures that might better fit the evolving needs of the community. The article’s extensive links—ranging from corporate press releases to local government documents—provide a transparent view of the factors behind the decision and the potential pathways forward for those affected.

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