|
 |
SPECIAL SECTION |
 |
|
Leisure Fitness
New Bethesda store opens
Click here to view this story as it appeared in print
Written byKaren Finucan Clarkson
The new Leisure Fitness on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda breaks the mold when it comes to shopping for fitness equipment. From treadmills to rowers, from ellipticals to home gyms, the area's largest selection of high-quality equipment is now being offered under one roof.
Leisure Fitness's 15th store is groundbreaking in concept. "When customers enter our store, they are invited to journey along our path to fitness," says Frank Williams, store manager. The winding path allows patrons to not only learn about the types of equipment Leisure Fitness carries, but about the manufacturers the company has chosen to represent. "We are very selective about the companies we sell," says Williams. "We want consumers to understand why these manufacturers are tops in the industry and what sets each of them apart from the competition," he says.
Educating consumers is a top priority at Leisure Fitness. "It's in everybody's interest to ensure that the equipment someone buys is the best choice for their unique fitness needs," he says. To accomplish this, Williams and his staff of trained professionals take time to explore a customer's goals, desires, level of fitness, previous injuries, as well as budget to help them select the most appropriate piece of equipment.
Leisure Fitness encourages customers to "test drive" equipment before purchasing it. "I invite them to do a full workout on whatever piece they're considering," says Williams. "We tell our shoppers to wear sneakers and bring a towel and water bottle. They should work the equipment here just like they would at home," he says.
Whether testing equipment or simply browsing, a visit to Leisure Fitness is relaxed and pressure-free. The exposed ductwork and track lighting overhead; aerobic hardwood floors and gray carpet below; and red and white columns with pre-fabricated, textured, sheet metal at the base soothe the sensibilities and provide an atmosphere that is conducive to exploring the wide array of fitness equipment available for one's home.
Leisure Fitness is the brainchild of Silver Spring native Katina Geralis. After graduating from the University of Delaware with a degree in physical education studies, Geralis worked in fitness sales for several years before starting the company in her garage in 1985. "My passion lies in helping people achieve their health and fitness goals by giving them access to quality exercise equipment that fits their lifestyle," says Geralis. "That's why I started the company."
From those humble beginnings, Geralis has taken Leisure Fitness to new heights. With roughly $40 million in sales last year, the company continues to be the nation's top dealer for Precor and Bowflex fitness equipment. Leisure Fitness carries equipmenfrom several other manufacturers including Vision Fitness, Smooth Fitness, Schwinn, Lamar Fitness, Keys Fitness, Inspire, and Horizon Fitness. Leisure Fitness is the only fitness equipment dealer in the Mid-Atlantic region to stock 13 of Consumer Reports' top-rated fitness products.
In addition to sales, Leisure Fitness offers customer support and service. "I always encourage customers to read their owners' manual," says Williams. "But, if they can'figure something out, I'll set aside time for them to come in so that I can answer questions and actually show them how iworks," he says.
The Bethesda store is Leisure Fitness's second in Montgomery County. The first opened in Rockville, across from Congressional Plaza, in 2004. The company also has stores in Washington, D.C.; Virginia; Pennsylvania; and New Jersey. Its corporate headquarters is in Delaware.
The Specifics:
Address:
6831 Wisconsin Avenue Located in the Shops of Wisconsin Avenue
Phone:
301-657-5670
Web:
www.leisurefitness.com
