Move over Equinox, there’s a new sheriff coming to town before you — The Health Club.
Given Charlotte’s wealth and fitness obsession, it’s amazing to me that we don’t have a high end, Equinox-like gym.
“Charlotte is primed for the arrival of a major health club, and the opportunity couldn’t be more timely,” fitness industry leader Brandon Cullen of MADabolic told me. “Both Life Time and Equinox are actively exploring locations in the South End.”
Stinks for them because they’ll be late.
29 year old founder Addy Collett plans to open the doors to The Health Club in January. The 18,000 square foot facility will feature an open gym with top-of-the-line equipment, mezzanine level with classrooms for bootcamp and pilates classes, and luxury locker rooms with dry saunas and eucalyptus steam rooms. It’ll also have a co-ed cold plunge and hot tub area (spicy!).
The Health Club is located in Oakhurst Commons, a 5-minute drive from Cotsold, Plaza Midwood, Elizabeth, Eastover, and on the way to Charlotte Country Club (no fitness facility) from Myers Park. It’s a sneaky good location and in the same growing development with Mood House, Switchyards, Illios Crafted Greek, and Brunches.
[Related story: Money Talks: Lawyer making $310K says “East Charlotte real estate about to explode”]
Founding deal: Addy will release a batch of 200 founding memberships in a few weeks priced at $189/mo for an individual or $349/mo for a couple. I bet these will sell out within 48 hours. FYI, their newsletter list will get first dibs.
- Standard memberships will then cost $229/mo with a $199 enrollment fee (waived for founders).
“We plan to cap membership at 1,800 members to ensure we maintain a high-quality experience for all members and avoid overcrowding,” Addy shared with me.
Eats: The Health Club will have a grab-and-go section featuring PROMIX products, Saps, and local items like Raw Bites by Risa. They’re also considering a smoothie station (would be popular IMO), but that will not be initially available.
What I’m watching: Addy has an impressive 12.6K followers on Instagram. She’s part of a growing influencer/owner trend.
Entrepreneurial fam: Addy’s family resume is legit — her husband Nick (married 10 days ago!) co-founded Pioneer Communities, her sister Coley started Coley Home (I have their headboard!), and her dad John co-founded Collett & Associates.
Opportunity: “Currently, the fitness landscape in Charlotte is operating like a B-market, despite the city’s A-market rent rates,” Brandon shared with me. “Years ago, the food and beverage industry caught up to the rising costs — overnight, we went from $5 Bud Lights to $18 cocktails. Unfortunately, the fitness industry hasn’t followed suit and remains well behind. Our fitness options in Charlotte are underpriced for what this city offers.”
When I asked Addy about the difference between The Health Club and Equinox, she added “We’re an all-in-one fitness and recovery experience with three classrooms, sauna, steam room, cold and hot tubs — amenities most Equinox locations only offer selectively — combined with a focus on longevity and holistic well-being.”
I’m bullish 🐂. And yes, I think I have to sign up for the founding membership (although I need to get a bit more chiseled before my co-ed hot tub debut).
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