Courts Plus Fitness Center Takes Hit From Competition

ELMHURST, IL — The Elmhurst Park District's fitness center is losing business as it faces new competition, officials say. In 2018, Fitness Formula Clubs, or FFC, opened in Elmhurst, a few years after LA Fitness set up shop in town.

These places have taken a toll on the park district's center, Courts Plus, which has been in Elmhurst for decades. So far this year, Courts Plus, 186 S. West Ave., has seen a 16 percent drop in its membership revenue, the district reports.

Besides LA Fitness and FFC, some storefront fitness clubs have also provided competition, said Jim Rogers, the park district's executive director. One of them, FITT RX, was recently converted into a nonprofit, FITT 60126, after the private owner left the business.

Also, the Lifetime Fitness chain is expected to open a location in nearby Oak Brook, further adding to Courts Plus' competition. "It's another player on the market," Rogers said.

Courts Plus is separate from the park district's general operations and has never received tax money, Rogers said. Some of the other fitness centers are high-end, he said, while Courts Plus is priced in the middle of the market.

"We think we're unique in that we're community-focused," Rogers said. "We are in a good place with Courts Plus. Our Vision 2020 survey shows that fitness and fitness for adults specifically are some of the highest rated things people want."