A major fitness company is set to make a significant splash in the Birmingham, Alabama, area. Onelife Fitness, a Virginia-based chain, has announced plans to open six new fitness centers in the region, with the first location slated to open its doors by December 2025. This expansion marks Onelife Fitness’s entry into the Alabama market and signifies a substantial investment in the local community.
Onelife Fitness’s Ambitious Expansion
Onelife Fitness, recognized for its “Best Value in Fitness” approach, is rapidly expanding its footprint across the United States. The company, recently acquired by 26North Partners, an investment firm founded by Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, currently boasts over 70 clubs either open or in development. This acquisition has fueled an ambitious growth strategy, with plans to add more than 10 new locations each year, according to company officials.
The Birmingham expansion is a key part of this growth trajectory, with at least six clubs planned for the area. The first of these facilities, Onelife Fitness McCalla at Tannehill Promenade, is set to open in December 2025. The company is investing over $10 million in this initial location alone, creating over 100 new jobs in the local community.
Premium Fitness at Affordable Prices
Onelife Fitness is known for its large, amenity-rich facilities, offering a wide range of options to cater to diverse fitness preferences and goals. These gyms include:
- Studio Classes and Personal Training: A variety of group fitness classes and personalized training programs.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: Access to high-quality, world-class fitness equipment.
- Recovery and Wellness Amenities: Enhancements such as whirlpools, saunas, and hydro-massage.
- On-Site Child Care: Making it convenient for parents to prioritize their fitness routines.
- Sports Facilities: Basketball courts, swimming pools, and racquetball courts at select locations.
- Boutique Studios: Four dedicated studios for specialized classes.
- Recovery Studios: Featuring Red Light Therapy and Hydromassage.
- Functional Training Areas: Expansive areas with turf for specialized workouts.
- Strength and Conditioning Spaces: Large spaces dedicated to strength training equipment.
- Saltwater Pools: Indoor pools for aquatic exercise and recreation.
According to CEO Ori Gorfine, the goal of Onelife Fitness is to provide a “premium fitness experience with high-end amenities at prices that don’t break the bank.” This value proposition, coupled with the company’s rapid growth, indicates a strong appeal to a broad customer base.
Strategic Location Selection
While the specific locations of all six Birmingham-area Onelife Fitness centers have not been publicly disclosed, the company has stated that one of the new gyms will replace a former JCPenney store. This strategy of repurposing large retail spaces into fitness centers is a trend that allows fitness companies to secure large, well-located facilities. The first location will be at the Tannehill Promenade in McCalla. Currently, there are only nine remaining JCPenney stores in Alabama, with four located in the Greater Birmingham Area: The Promenade in Fultondale, Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Tutwiler Farm in Trussville, and Colonial Promenade in Alabaster.
Birmingham’s Growing Fitness Landscape
Onelife Fitness’s expansion into Birmingham comes at a time of growing interest in health and wellness, and also increased competition in the fitness industry. Other gyms and fitness concepts are also expanding in the Birmingham area. Workout Anytime, for example, has opened a new gym in Irondale and is planning further expansion. Iron Tribe Fitness has relocated one of its Birmingham-area gyms to a new location in Inverness. In addition to the traditional gyms, there is an increase in other options as well such as outdoor fitness courts. The National Fitness Campaign (NFC) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama are partnering to bring outdoor fitness infrastructure to communities across the state with fitness courts in 18 of Alabama’s 67 counties.
Other Fitness Options in Birmingham
Birmingham residents have a wide variety of options when it comes to fitness. These options range from traditional gyms to specialized fitness concepts:
- 24e Health Clubs: A downtown Birmingham gym offering a variety of fitness options.
- D1 Training: A non-traditional athletic training facility.
- Gold’s Gym: A well-established fitness company with locations across the globe.
- PureGym: A chain offering flexible memberships with 24/7 access and unlimited classes
- X4 Fitness: A boutique fitness gym that focuses on high-intensity interval training.
Looking Ahead
The arrival of Onelife Fitness in Birmingham marks a significant development in the local fitness landscape. With its focus on providing premium facilities and amenities at affordable prices, Onelife Fitness is poised to become a major player in the area’s fitness industry. The company’s investment of over $10 million in the first location, and plans to open at least 5 more centers in the area, demonstrate a long-term commitment to the Birmingham market. This expansion will not only provide residents with more fitness options but will also create jobs and boost the local economy. As the opening of the first Onelife Fitness location approaches in December 2025, Birmingham residents can look forward to a new era of fitness opportunities.
