Exclusively    
            Women

By Dave Harney

The Rochester area has more than 70 health clubs.  There are big clubs, little clubs, clubs for specific sports, and clubs that focus on specialized areas like sports performance and personal training.  There are also some that meet personal preferences, like those that allow women only which is something many women prefer.  But there can be problems with this approach.  For example, some clubs outside New York have had to close because of gender discrimination lawsuits.  And there may also be financial issues.  If a business limits its customer base, it may not be able to attract the numbers needed to create success.  Numerous women only clubs across the country have had to close because of this.

One local club has decided to meet the issue head on.  PHA Health, Wellness, & Fitness Centers has opened what it calls the first “hybrid” club in the U.S.  Hybrid refers to the concept of operating two clubs under one roof.  A coed club is for all, while the second club in the building is a “women only” facility called PHA Women.   It caters to the specialized needs of its target clients, from their different physiologies and training needs, to flexible scheduling because of different demands on a woman’s time.  PHA Women is also an incredibly upscale facility, offering more feminine décor, and the latest and best in personnel, training equipment, and Audio/Video presentation.

But why did owners Bob and Rick Bovee go to the significant expense and effort of creating this new type of facility which also includes the area’s largest chiropractic facility, managed by Campanella Chiropractic.  When asked, Bob says, “It’s simple.  We listen to our clients.  A while ago, we began hearing from women who said they were uncomfortable working out in a coed environment and asked if we could develop a separate club.  We knew that might create problems so we decided the “hybrid” club could be a unique solution. So far we haven’t been disappointed.”

Here are some other answers women gave when asked why they prefer a “hybrid” approach to fitness:

• “I am very self conscious due to injuries and chronic conditions that cause me to be overweight.”

• “I like stretching and doing the inner and outer thigh machines in the more private women only setting. I’m also more comfortable sending my two teenage daughters here.”

• “A woman’s personal fitness needs are very different than a man's.”

• “I like the idea of being able to workout/exercise with my husband in the coed facility. He can do his thing, and I can do mine! But when I come in on my own, I’d rather use the women's only studio.”

Fitness trends rarely start on the East coast.  Most are driven out of California.  But with this new type of club Rochester may be teaching a thing or two to those on the West Coast!

Rochester Resource

PHA Health, Wellness & Fitness/PHA Woman
3450 Winton Place
585.232.8888