Genesis Health Clubs Celebrates 25 years

“The fitness industry is constantly changing, Rodney Steven II says, but health clubs are here to stay. Count his Genesis Health Clubs among them. From a single location, the business — now in its 25th year — has grown to seven four clubs in Wichita and one each in Hutchinson, Salina and Emporia. Nationally, the number of health clubs has nearly tripled from the mid-1980s, from about 10,000 to 29,750 at the beginning of 2009, the most recent year for which numbers are available from the International Health , Racquet & Sportsclub Association. Industry revenue has grown from $6.5 billion in 1993 to $19.5 billion in 2009, according to the association. Genesis will keep growing as long as the staff is willing to provide the personalized, passionate service that has made it a success, he said. That's been his emphasis from the start. The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association said in a statement that Genesis, one of its members, has been successful because of "its ability to meet member needs and continually offer diverse programming that keeps them engaged and interested in exercise’ and has stayed ahead of the curve by adding corporate wellness and rehabilitation services.”