By Stephen Appezzato
RED BANK – Kansas-based fitness giant Genesis Health Clubs bought The Atlantic Club’s Red Bank and Manasquan locations, adding the gyms to its list of 68 health clubs.
Genesis, the largest private fitness provider in the country, assured members the transition would be smooth, with Atlantic Club president and COO Kevin McHugh staying onboard with the clubs. McHugh has accepted a management role with Genesis and will oversee both campuses.
“We’re excited to be able to continue providing everyone the same great product they’ve enjoyed for years, and also to become a part of a fitness leader like Genesis that will support the growth of all of our businesses and willingness to reinvest into both campuses’ future growth,” McHugh said.
In a letter addressed to club members, Genesis owner and president Rodney Steven revealed “key member areas” will be renovated in the coming months with new saunas, equipment and lighting. Members will have access to all of Genesis’ other clubs across the country with no membership rate changes.
Vice president of marketing at Genesis Jake McCabe confirmed that the Milagro Spa will retain its branding and amenities, and will not see any changes at this time.
“To say we’re excited about acquiring The Atlantic Club would be an understatement,” Steven said in a release, mentioning The Atlantic Club’s history and success. “We’re excited to be able to jump into something that’s already working so well, and reinvest in it and help them keep doing what they’re doing,” he said.
Genesis retained The Atlantic Club’s staff and promised 401k plans, health insurance and “a lot of the benefits that can be hard to come by in the industry sometimes.” Steven said members will have the same programming that was provided to them by The Atlantic Club and will shortly see the reinvestment into the club.
The buyout is Genesis’ first foray into New Jersey and the Northeast. The Atlantic Club’s locations will be rebranded as Genesis Health Clubs – The Atlantic Club Red Bank, and Genesis Health Clubs – The Atlantic Club Manasquan.
The Atlantic Club first opened in 1977. In 2002, the club’s Red Bank location opened, and in 2015 the location saw major club renovations.
The article originally appeared in the February 1 – 7, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
