Snap Fitness is Friendly, Fair and Fit For Anyone

, located at 1359 E. Michigan Avenue in Saline, is a 2400 square foot,  24-hour health and gym facility, reasonably priced and requires no long term contracts.

Dave Vaillancourt, Snap Fitness owner, opened the gym four years ago this November. He had retired from the industrial services computer industry and was looking to start a business. 

“I was looking for a business, did my homework, and this fit my psychological profile,“ he said. 

Vaillaincourt had nineteen members sign up on opening day and has kept a steady membership ever since. 

“We have a pretty good retention rate,“ he said. 

Vaillancourt talked about the importance of forming relationships with customers. He greets each by name when they come in. 

“A lot of people meet other people here and become friends, too,“ he said.

Snap is different from other workout facilities in several ways, but mostly because it is open 24-hours per day. Each member is given a key card when they sign up for membership, allowing them entry whenever they choose. Vaillaincourt says the facility is “mega secure” as he points out the many security cameras, as well as emergency levers placed throughout the gym. Pulling the lever is like dialing 911. Members also have the option of wearing an alarm system necklace if they choose, available at the front desk. 

Snap Fitness is an international chain with 1,400 gyms worldwide. They have a user friendly website for members with everything from how-to video’s for exercises and proper form, to diet and nutrition information. 

The gym features a fitness trainer, Frances Brockway, on site who is available for training for an hourly fee. She has over 20 years of experience. 

"I work one-on-one with clients for weight loss, body sculpting, strength training, nutrition, cardio, flexibility enhancement and weight management," Brockway said.

In addition to being safe and convenient, Snap Fitness makes it easy to join. Members must sign a rules and regulations agreement, but aren't required to sign a long term contract. Patrons can pay one month at a time, pay ahead quarterly, bi-annually or annually.

“If you pay ahead you get discounts,” Vaillancort said. 

Members are also offered the option to freeze their membership up to three months out of the year if they are vacationing or leaving town for a time during their membership. 

Vaillancort likes that his gym is non-intimidating, and prides himself on maintaining a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. 

“You’re not going to slip in any puddles of testosterone here,” he laughed. 

His place is fit for anyone at any level, whether someone wants to work cardio on treadmills and elliptical machines, or beef up with the free weights and machines. There is also a stretching area, fitness ball and step available for use. Bottled water is available for 25 cents, and clean towels are complimentary.

The equipment is always clean, and most often very available, even though there is no time limit for usage.

“Rarely does someone have to wait more than a couple of minutes for a machine,” Vaillaincourt said.

Snap Fitness is currently offering summer specials, including a two-for-one offer, or 99 days for 89 bucks. For more information call 734-429-4567, or visit their website www.snapfitness.com/saline.