Fitness 19 - only the wallet stays heavy
Affordable gym memberships at two locations
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Amy and Rod Nagy, owners of two Fitness 19 locations in Western New York, believe that gym memberships should be affordable. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Fitness 19 is approaching gym memberships with a new attitude - you aren't forced to stay.

Rod Nagy, owner of two Fitness 19 locations, said the gym has three major points:

1 - Affordable fitness. 2 - Quality equipment.

3 - No contracts.

"We don't offer contracts. We feel if we can't keep you happy, then cancel anytime," Nagy said.

Memberships are less than $20 a month. Families can add members for as low as $5 per person.

Fitness 19 first opened in Lancaster on Oct. 2, 2006. With the celebration of the first anniversary of its Lancaster facility, Fitness 19 introduces its second location on Maple Road in Amherst.

Opened in August, the 722 Maple Road location, offers another facility for Fitness 19 members, and more are scheduled to follow.

Nagy said, by placing the second location just seven miles from the first, he offers options for the members living between the two. Located in the plaza at North Forest and Maple roads, the gym is a central location for Amherst as well.

Members of Fitness 19 have access to any of the locations nationwide.

"We take pride in that we are a non-intimidating facility," Nagy said, adding families and members of all ages, from as young as 12 to 90 and older, use the gym.

For less than $20 a month, members have access to the equipment for an overall workout. Nagy has installed more than 40 cardiovascular equipment pieces, including elliptical machines, treadmills and stair machines.

Nagy also said there are a tremendous number of strength machines and free weights.

Yoga and Pilates classes will be starting soon.

Nagy said they are close to releasing the information for a third location, and are also close to choosing a site for a fourth. This would bring him closer to his goal of having six locations in the greater Buffalo area.

Although not a native of Buffalo, Nagy said he feels at home.

"I tell people that I have made more friends here. The people are amazingly friendly," the California native said.

He and his wife Amy live in Buffalo with their two children.

Nagy is a veteran in the fitness industry. He has 27 years experience, having worked as a franchise representative and for major gym chains.

In his role as a rep, Nagy was introduced to the Buffalo area and decided to make the move three years ago. He opened his first gym at 6375 Transit Road, Lancaster and has been moving forward since.

"I wanted to offer affordable fitness centers with no contracts," he said.

Day care is available at the facilities, which are open everyday except Christmas.

The gyms are open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The Lancaster location's phone number is 651-1919 and Amherst's 688-1911.

For information, visit www.fit ness19.com.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com