- Vasa
Vasa
Founded on November 15, 2014, Vasa Gym is a Utah-based fitness center chain focused on providing an inspiration fitness experience to all types of consumers, for all skill levels, with a mission to uplift anyone who walks through the doors through fun, happy fitness. Vasa has 23 locations across Utah with a brand promise of having the best gym prices in the state. The word “Vasa” comes from the Latin term for “vessel.” Vasa Fitness currently has over 150,000 gym family members in Utah and opened its doors to eight new facilities in Colorado, one in Kansas, and one in Oklahoma.
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The Good
- Price and contracts
- Vasa buddy pass
- Childcare services
- Upfront fees
- Classes
- Trainers and nutrition
- Other available amenities
Price and Contracts
Memberships can be purchased as low as $9.99 monthly for the basic plan; however, basic plans do not come with access to fitness classes, group fitness, or personal trainers. For those seeking classes and other amenities such as child care and access to ball courts, intramural activities, and steam rooms, the fitness plus plan at $21.99 monthly would be the best option. If you are interested in taking your fitness to the next level with a number of team training sessions and InBody composition scans, you can invest in the Vasa Fit plan with a monthly fee of $49.99 per month. This plan does not require an initiation fee and the 1st month is free while you make sure that it is something that you are interested in.
Vasa Buddy Pass
It is not uncommon for people to want to be able to bring a friend or family member with them to the gym. Vasa provides the opportunity for members to pay an extra $15.99 per month for unlimited access for guests. Each time that you attend the gym or facility, you are able to bring 2 guests with you. Your guest pass will provide them access to the facility
Childcare Services
Child Care is $3.00 per 90 minutes per visit or $10 per month for the first child and $5 per month each additional child added. (It must be set up through automatic billing at the club). There are also additional charges for picking up your child late. Racquetball is complimentary for all Vasa memberships except Basic. An additional $10.00 guest fee will be charged per participant if they are not a VASA Member or if they are a Basic member. Overall, we found Vasa's membership fees to be much more affordable than many of their competitors whose monthly fees can get as high as $150 or more.
Upfront Fees
There have not been any complaints online regarding upfront fees for any of Vasa's membership packages. We found many gyms require upfront fees upon joining/signing up for a membership with fees as high as $300. With such low monthly fees to begin with, Vasa beats the competition in this regard. Enrollment in the basic membership requires a $49.00 enrollment fee and the fitness and vasa fit plans do not have extra fees.
Classes
Each Vasa Fitness center offers independent classes ranging from cycling, pilates, and Zumba, to HIIT, R.I.P.P.E.D. and Power Pump, and water-exercise programs such as aerobics and Zumba. Vasa is the only fitness center offering CardioCinema, allowing runners to watch movies during their workout. Members can enjoy a vast array of fitness options such as aerobic classes, cardio equipment, cardio cinema rooms, free weights and strength training machines, private personal training, and group fitness sessions. Customers across the board are pleased with the number and selection of classes offered.
Trainers and Nutrition
Exclusive access to personal trainers is available for members at an additional fee. Sessions are 60 minutes and trainers provide education on the use of equipment, cardio exercise, supplements, weight lifting, resistance training, and healthy lifestyle nutrition tips. Vasa takes an innovative approach by using a Visual Fitness Planner which assess the likelihood of contracting various diseases and cancer, calculates chronological age against seven health risk factors determining a "true health age," as well as showing members a 3D image of their bodies' potential change through weight loss and muscle growth.
Another aspect setting Vasa apart is its attempt to make a difference in local communities by charitable donations and programs helping families and individuals get and stay healthy. Vasa offers free weekend passes to anyone coming in, in hopes to attain new clientele. Previously yearly passes have been given to winners of nominated families who communities deem deserving. The gym also provides a blog on its company website educating consumers with healthy tips as well as information on trainers.
Other Available Amenities
Other amenities the company offers at their fitness centers include pool, Jacuzzi, tanning, hot tub, sauna, tennis courts, massage beds, daycare, free weights area, and functional strength training areas. Depending on the location, there may be one or more amenities that are not offered. We found this to be a downside, since the majority of the locations are in the same state/region. A plus is the variety of amenities offered. Many of the fitness centers we reviewed had the basic pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna. The wide variety of amenities that Vasa offers are typically for more expensive high end gyms.
The Bad
- Hidden fees
- Vasa membership cancellation
- Equipment
- Cleanliness
Hidden Fees
Vasa also charges penalty fees if a member sets up automatic payments and the card used doesn't function properly. A $40 fee will be charged, even while not being under contract. Make sure that your card is working and that you are in touch with customer service if you are concerned with being overcharged. The sooner you get in, the better your chance of being helped. If you are looking to cancel your membership you will be charged $40 on top of the other monthly fees or contract fees that you will need to pay. An annual fee of $39.99 is charged each year which is considered the "rate guarantee fee". Vasa should work to factor these costs into the monthly price instead of making the cancellation process more confusing.
Vasa Membership Cancellation
According to several dissatisfied customer complaints scattered on the web, once under contract there is simply no possible way to get out of it, not even with cold hard cash, unless members can provide proof they have moved outside of a 25-mile radius of each of their 33 gym locations. Once proof has been provided, there is still the chance that fees for service during the closing of the account will be charged. When you contact your local gym or Vasa customer service to cancel, make sure that you know exactly you will be required to pay upon cancellation.
Equipment
Equipment for most Vasa locations is fairly new and the gyms are large and well-maintained. Some customers have complained that there aren't enough machines to handle busy high-traffic hours (i.e. after work crowd). Also, some gym locations have old or broken equipment. For example, one customer complained to the Vasa management on three separate occasions about the broken stationary bikes in their CardioTheater which were Out of Order or in a poor state of functioning. Having to wait to use equipment during rush hours is a common issue we found for many fitness centers in addition to the equipment being old, broken or outdated. This still puts Vasa at less-than-excellent in this area.
Cleanliness, Sunday Closures
Vasa's cleanliness policy states that if a piece of equipment is broken or an area of the gym is not clean, for members to report it to the front desk immediately. Many have complained of the sanitary situation at some facilities stating the floors are covered with dirt and hair for days. Other complaints have been made about safety issues, having power cords and strips showing open wires, providing proof on social media sites. Complaints of doors not opening on time, causing members to request a prorated amount for membership costs. Many members including students have also complained of the hours of operation in Utah County and facilities being closed on Sundays.
The Bottom Line
Throughout several member reviews, most customers thoroughly enjoy Vasa Fitness for its low prices. If consumers are looking to solely utilize the gym equipment, a basic membership is more than fairly priced. According to members, the flip side of the low pricing is that you get what you pay for. Recently newer fitness equipment has been installed in several locations to replace the broken equipment. The broad array of classes offered make it worth overlooking some of the gym's flaws.
Other strengths are Vasa's personal training program and additional amenities-which are generous for the inexpensive monthly price. Gyms are not open 24 hours and each have different hours of operation, which can be a downfall to some. There have also been complaints concerning the cleanliness of the facility. The major one being dirty floors that have not been swept in days. Overall, this fitness facility has many attributes their competitors offer, making it an easy decision for curious consumers to step inside and find out if it fits their fitness goals and lifestyle needs.
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User Reviews
Star Rating
359 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Aaliyah Lobendahn
I’ve only been a couple times but I love going there. Tons of equipment and everything you need for a healthy and fit life style! Someday I’m gonna need to get my own pass to go everyday!
Chantell Filiaga
Love Vasa! Good price for all you get. They have clean machines I always go In and the place is always clean and neat. Sauna rooms are always clean every time I’ve gone. Staff is polite and helpful.
Poundesk
Vasa is one of the better gyms with the newest equipment. I never feel judged while working out there. It is really busy at the first of the year but all gyms are. It slows down and is easier to get equipment later.
Kathryn Rogers
I am very sorry I ever signed up for Vasa fitness and their training classes or training courses had a personal trainer went pretty good had maybe three weeks left of personal training they are now charging me five hundred and $40 for not completing my sessions for services I did not receive they are scam scam money hungry and scammers mymy trainer went out of town for Thanksgiving referred me to one of the other trainers I kept calling to get my session in calling to get my session in no response I had a goal set so I could get married and be able to fit in my dress and kept getting no answer now I'm stuck in a pain it I'm going to have to contact an attorney and get them to cancel my membership because there's no way I can pay them off until they quit billing me but they say they want in full or they won't cancel my membership this is BS
Amy Christian
Best value for a gym out there. We got a new VASA near my home and it is so clean and updated. Makes going to the gym enjoyable and not a chore. Also, amazing service at the front desk. Very attentive and friendly
Nate Jenson
Vasa has gyms. Fine. But they have hidden fees after hidden fees. I was told about a $50 sign up fee, but not a $50 'maintenance' fee. I was not told about early cancellation fees and then when I waited for the early period to pass to avoid the fee, it only went down 50% as there was a regular cancellation fee. Will never go to Vasa again.
amy rex
I love the team classes, from Yoga to High fitness. and the cinema makes an hour on the treadmill so much more bearable.
Nicholas Genes
Typical gym with the idea of not overpaying however they find ways to hamstring you and keep you paying. Don’t get into anything without know them consequences of getting out!
Lorena Carver
Great classes and instructors! I just wish my local vasa gym was bigger overall.
Lindsey Newman
I really love the classes and instructors that work at VASA! It’s always a full class and the energy is high. That being said, the bulk of the gym often has equipment that is out of order and it seems to take them awhile to get those swapped out. All in all though I think they do a good job at maintaining a clean and professional environment.
Michelle Schow
Vasa has great membership options and the prices can't be beat. The gym tends to be more crowded during peak hours (early morning).
Olivia Hakes
Vasa is my favorite gym I’ve been to! The facility has everything you’d ever need! I also love how many locations there are and how different each one is
David T
I love Vasa. You can't beat their price and equipment for that price. I like too that you can work out at any VASA because I like to mix my workouts up.
Nikki Zimmerman
I love the variety of workout machines and classes Vasa has to offer for the money!
AGenes
Love this gym! Great value for your money. Employees are always smiling. Send me free personal training sessions every once in a while.
Mykahla Nelson
Vasa is such a great company ! I love taht they have so many options to work out! You can go swimming, take classes or work out on the many machines they have !
Jami Lucas
I got a new membership about a year ago and have loved the facilities and the company.
Dillbrow
These turds will try and do everything possible to keep you stuck in their BS Gym contract scam. I’d rather invest my time and money at a hole in the wall gym than this over glorified gym for tools
Ashley Wadiak
Better than planet fitness . Wish my gym had more amenities such as a pool and sauna
Audrey Mitchell
Went to an incredible cardio class for free as a guest with a friend who had a pass. The experience was great and made me want to by my own personal pass
Erika Douglas
I loved going to the gym. Until things changed for our family. It was very hard to get out of my contract with this gym.
Reckholdt
There gyms are located all over our valley which makes it very easy and accessible to get there. Equipment is good and great value for an affordable price. Some gyms are better than others.
Juliana Gama
I tried to cancel my membership. but it is impossible! I just don't have time to go and work with a personal trainer! They said. Sorry but you have to pay $480 for canceling a membership.
Eddie Rios
Vasa is my current gym and my only gym. It offers convenient locations, expert guidance, and clean and modern equipment. Value far outweighs the cost and Vasa has proven to be more valuable to my health than just about everything else out there! Go Vasa!
Jamie Neider
I didn't keep my membership for long, but I appreciate how easy it was to sign up and cancel when I was done.
Sydney J
I got a membership through a Black Friday sale which promised my membership would be $17 per month. This month I got a charge for $75 from vasa and they claimed it was my “yearly subscription fee” even though I was never made aware of this fee when I signed up and I don’t have a yearly subscription. Once I tried to cancel my membership, they tried to charge me ANOTHER fee. This gym is full of scams and the equipment and facilities aren’t even that nice. The hours are whack and it is definitely not worth it. If I could do it again I would 100% join another gym like planet fitness where this wouldn’t happen.
Juliann Mecham
Vasa is a very intimidating gym to me in my opinion, I feel like it has a weird vibe and I would not recommend. I would choose other gyms over Vasa.
Taylee Warner
I love this gym. They have such nice equipment and offer so much. I feel very comfortable here.
Darbles32
Vasa is an affordable gym that has all the equipment I need. I especially like the movie room that they have
JamieD
I love our Vasa! Excellent classes and a comfortable inspiring community. A great value
Bryndie
Good gym, decent customer service. They can feel kinda pushy and there’s a lot of hidden fees but it’s still a good quality gym
Seth
I’ve had good experiences with them personally but I feel like they are a tad bit over priced but they also are not transparent with there contracts.
chris Francom
If there were another gym that had racquetball courts, I’d go there. It’s over crowded and the dressing room is poorly ventilated and stinks.
Kbr
I find that I’m being charged for things that I never attended or had and that the plan that was originally sold to me has gone up without my knowledge.
Randy Rhodes
Love the variety of equipment. Personal trading seems a bit expensive and the gym is usually quite crowded. Hours are good.
Cam McClellan
You can’t beat the price and equipment selection. Sometimes the pool is a little dirty but overall I would highly recommend.
SkylarPickens
The costumer Service was amazing! They had a great sauna and hot tub for after you workout!
Brooke L
I like the classes at Vasa, except that they are often very crowded. At my local Vasa, the equipment often runs out for certain classes. The teachers are mostly great though, and I like the convenience of the location.
Jacob
Vasa is fantastic! With top notch facilities and great fitness classes, I can always get the exercise and training I want.
BJ Tenney
I love that my Vasa pass works at all vasa gyms. I have a gym near my home which is perfect for lifting weights or using a treadmill. They keep the equipment up to date and I don't ever remember seeing a piece of equipment I've thought is too old to be there. The gym near my work has a swimming pool, racquetball courts and a basketball court.
Roberson
Awesome gym. Access to lots of things such as steam and suana rooms, free weights and machines, they even have a movie theater room and pool. Friendly staff. Reasonable prices.
KC
Vasa has a been a good, affordable gym for us. The equipment and classes are good. They just redid the cycle room where we go too. Sometimes the classes get too full. Wish they would add more of the popular ones.
Sara Smith
I love going to high fitness classes as they provide a great workout every time I go.
Luke Blake
Vasa is my go to gym! I love the place and its cleanliness and everything about it. I would recommend for sure!
Roman Christiansen
Vasa gyms are everywhere in my area and have a great reputation for the quality of facilities and amenities. Be careful about long term contracts and know exactly what you’re signing up for when you join.
Cooper Thompson
Vasa is a great gym and the equipment is outstanding it's a great place to stay in shape in the holiday season
Brody Ballantyne
i love going to vasa they have so many actives to do there and a really good room for exercise
Treyson Lewis
Vasa is a great place to get a good lift in, I have been a pass holder for a while and its been great.
Max Haynie
I love Vasa because they have a wide range of products and exercise options. I just don't like people that don't rerack their weights.
Mason Henrie
VASA is the real gym. I went there and I almost felt out of place how intense and upbeat it was. I stuck with it though and I love this gym every morning