In The News

BEST GYM OR HEALTH CLUB


Not your ordinary workout

Bloom fitness club strives to make clients comfortable

(PRESS ENTERPRISE | By Michael P. Hill)

Think of Bloom Health and Fitness as the "Cheers" equivalent of a health club. The same familiar faces greet you from behind the counter. Customers feel like family. And yes, everyone knows your name.

That's exactly how Bob Groshek wants it to be.

It's a big step coming into a health club. We just try to make it a friendly atmostphere," said Groshek, ower of the Old Berwick Road business, Bloomsburg. "When a new member comes in we really take them by the hand."

Members receive a complete evaluation with one of the center's trainers - all of whom hold degrees in exercise science.

The business, which received 74 votes in our survey, also offers several unique weight-loss programs that focus on team support.

They've done a spin-off on the popular television show "Survivor," complete with "tribal council" meetings featuring a motivational speaker and prizes to the teams that lose the most weight.

Joyce Lehman, 56, has been coming to Bloom Health and Fitness for two years. She had heard about the gym from friends and co-workers.

"A lot of people think places like this are harbors for jocks." she said.

Gyms receiving votes:

Bloom Health & Fitness - 74

YMCA - 51

Paramount - 15

BU Recreation Center - 11

"Not here," she said. Since joining, she's formed a bond with staffers and fellow members. She's lost 60 pounds since joining.

Groshek purchased then Blom Nautilus Fitness Center in December 1996.

"We got a real good start right off the bat...over 300 people joined in January," he said.

Since then, Groshek has spent considerable time and money improving the business.

today, the club boasts over 900 members and a staff of 12.

The focus has also shifted. "Before it was a younger crowd, more college kids," Groshek explained. "We wanted to get to the average person who needed our help managing their weight."

Now there's a little bit of every age - from middle school students to senior citizens.

Trainers also specialize in helping people who are overweight, have knee problems or need cardiac rehab.

As for the future, "We want to just keep improving," said Groshek.