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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Star Rating
377 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
gh
Overall a good 3.5 star gym. Better than 24 HR and not quite as good as Golds (although many like Vasa better) Pros: Price, clean, A/C is kept at a perfect 71-72 degrees, quality equipment, decent amount of classes, friendly staff, racquetball and basketball courts, hydro massage chairs Cons: Crowded, small pool (always crowded), poorly designed sauna, street shoes and workout clothes worn in sauna/steam rooms, and people who only pay the $9.99 but use all of the facilities (staff is way too busy to check on this)
Dave Brinton
I love the new attitude and branding of VASA. The American Fork gym is very friendly.
wanda
i always enjoy the classes they provide. i really like the zumba class. instructor is always upbeat and energetic. workers are always welcoming and smiling.
Melissa Reinoso
Some of the locations are kind of dirty, but they seem to try and take better care of the equipment than Gold Gym used to do.
Shanna
I currently have a vasa membership. I love it. The exercise class room could be a little cleaner though.
Kim Miller
Great gym at a great price. Many locations to chose from and everything I need to work out.
Leslie
Inexpensive place to work out with lots of amenities. Because it’s so cheap it’s usually always busy, though.
Tualagi
Zumba classes are so much fun! the instructors are so LIVE and outgoing and makes you wanna come back to the next class. I only have a memebership here just for the Zumba classes and its a good deal.
Preston Fowler
Vasa is a safe environment to exercise based on your needs, I enjoy going there every day.
Thomas Hullinger
Vasa has an easy sign up plan. I like that it isn't expensive and by the month. Easy app to sign in and keep track. Very good selection of work out gear and clean locations that are very convenient.
tini mapu
They are so cheap! $10 a month is an amazing price to workout.
Marie Wilkes
It’s all fine and good unless you need to cancel your membership. Then they find every loop hole in the book to keep charging your card. You call to cancel and they say it’s all good and then they keep charging you because you didn’t respond to an email confirming that what you said in person is true and even then you ha e to cancel while your account is up to date and so you pay that and then they fond another loop hole. Honestly check out the better business reviews. It’s a corrupt company!! Preying on people too busy to double check what they tell you.
Stephanie Brinton
I was a member of Golds Gym before it became Vasa. I like the customer service better now that it has changed over. I did have a problem with the billing on my account, but they took care of it without a hassle. I was able to put my account on hold for the summer without a fee. That was a big plus for me.
Robin
i really like the zumba classes. but i dont like the dirty bikes and the smell. they need to hire mature front desk and sales team. i am glad i had a free to try it out for a few weeks and decided not to sign up.
Aiga
they hire immature college students that has no clue what there doing. front desk was having a totally in appropriate conversation while the other worker was on her cell phone. i opted out to get messages and i still got them daily, very annoying. cancelled my membership and they charged me more than what i was quoted.
Ron Durfey
Too trendy of a place for me. Hate this place and especially my location. I am a 49 year old man and don't feel comfortable in this location.
Jr
eveyone i work out with are members of Vasa. Automatic monthly and affordable payments. the classes provided are fun and motivating. equipments are top notch.
NT
i only pay $9.99/monthly which is a great deal. I love the evening Zumba classes twice a week and the time is perfect for busy mother's like me. fun atmosphere. nutrition snack bar has the best smoothies.
Rashida Laumatia
Highly dislike all the extra fees and prices continuing to increase. Also, dislike all the emails and text messages. Even though I opted out of all that they’d till sent me daily messages and it was very horrendous. My experience just wasn’t great, the workers are very immature and we’re always talking down on a previous customer. That’s why I stopped going to Vasa and started going to private owned gyms. And when I wanted to cancel they tried adding on more fees. TERRIBLE!! No thanks!!
Kristin G
I live in Utah and love my Vasa membership. I am able to play indoor tennis during our winter months.
Carolynn
We paid for our sons membership and he loved Vasa. When we had to cancel it because he moved out of state, it was a simple process.
Lesa Burgess
This gym is way above the rest of the gyms out there. You will pay for what you get but your Vasa gym will offer you programs, facilities and cleanliness that you will NOT see elsewhere. When VASA is busy, there will still be machines, weights & equipment available. The locker rooms on site are also very well presented, clean & in order. I am very impressed with the teachers for all of the different classes as well as the day care center they provide.
Hunter
Waasa fitness is by far the best GYM around town it’s equipment is new organized and the staff is great.
Bella Houtz
Vasa Fitness is a great option for personal trainers and solo workouts. Vasa always has great facilities and customer service.
Sarah
I was pleased with my experience at Vasa. I felt their membership rates were fair, enjoyed the classes that they offered, they had tons of equipment, and a nice pool. Cancelling was fairly seamless as well.
Rafael Lorenzo
VERY UNHAPPY, CALLED TO CANCEL MY MEMBERSHIP AND THEY DIDNT CANCEL IT, CALLED AGAIN AFTER NOTICING AUTOMATIC CHARGES FOR MONTHS AND THEY DIRECTED ME TO A WEBSITE WHERE YOU HAVE TO PAY TO CANCEL, INCREDIBLE, THEY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO ISSUE REFUNDS, AND THAT THEY HAD SENT A NOTICE, AN EMAIL I GOT AFTER THEY HAD CHARGED ME. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS BUSINESS TO ANY ONE. BASED ON THE EXPERIENCE OVERALL NOT JUST THE CHARGES.
Tanner Hales
I like the facilities at every VASA that I have ever been to, but I have been less than impressed at their customer service. When I needed to cancel my membership because I was moving, it was a serious pain. There is no real way to do it online, and then when I went in to cancel it after I had already moved, somehow it did not actually get cancelled. I finally cancelled the payments, thinking that they would cancel the membership. Nope, the reported me to a collections agency after a few months. Had to pay a couple hundred bucks, and FINALLY got it cancelled. Will never go here again.
Anna Hu
I have gone through quite a number of gyms, but my experience with Vasa has definitely been the best. Through Vasa, I have gotten the cheapest gym membership with the most services. While other gyms I have been to have been upwards of $50 a month, my current Vasa pass allows me to go to ANY Vasa gym and attend any class for only $20 a month. I love the Vasa classes they provide, as they always have great trainers leading them and leave me feeling worked out well. They have everything I would ever need, and enough machines that I am generally not kept waiting. The staff is very nice and reliable, and overall I love the Vasa gyms.
Cody Linden
I go to the VASA across from my apartment and have always had a good experiance, not too crowded, plenty of free weight and machine options. Also the cardio cinema is nice for a change every so often. Some of the fees though could be mentioned more clearly upfront.
Spencer Hodgson
They're a little expensive and the people that work out there are all gym bros that go there so show off and flirt with girls.
Amelia Gibson
Vasa is great because they are very helpful, and are super easy to use.
Tom
I am currently a member of Vasa Fitness and they have nice facilities, and everything that one could ask for in a gym membership. Very easy for me to work out and that is why I love it.
Sadie Scoville
I’ve been to Vasa with my friend to do Zumba, and I love the clean open design of the gym
Kip Fowler
I've been a member of Vasa fitness for years and they have high quality equipment and keep the gym really clean. I always see someone wiping down the equipment. I appreciate that they have a great deal of free weights and classes to choose from.
Ashley
I enjoy going to Vasa because my daughters and I go there whenever we feel like we need a work out in. Plus I can get my laps in there along with playing tennis!
L. Fowler
My current gym that I frequent almost every day. The equipment is up to date and is fixed in a timely manner. The staff is friendly and helpful. I like the convenience of the location and the fact that it has a daycare nearby I can drop off my child while I workout. Billing is a little tricky though. Once a year they charge you a maintenance fee that I think should be included in our monthly fee. I thought that was something we were paying monthly fees towards.
Aaron Vigil
Vase is a scam . Was not happy with service and cancelled with in the first month. After fees and stuff out the door $252 for 2 Of us. Go any where else.
Nana Asiata
Vasa fitness center has great quality equipment. Their staff is very friendly and kind.
Bella Houtz
Vasa is an awesome gym and has great customer service.
Stacy Kay
Golds gym, but with a name change. Dirty, too busy and geared more towards the bodybuilder types. Shady sales practices.
K Robison
A little more expensive but a really nice gym. But if you pay more you get an unlimited guest pass which is nice.
Julia Scoville
They have good equopment. I love the cardio cinema room. Not always the best customer service.
Danica Moosman
Vasa is by far the best! The staff is always very kind and the atmosphere great! I love working out here and it is always very clean and organized!
Jeffrey Foutz
A lot of locations to go to. Lots of people at the gym usually, but there are slower times. The prices are great and there is a large selection of equipment. Staff is friendly and helpful.
Jeff Martin
Had a free trial here but didn't like it as much as Gold's Gym. Not as much equipment and it was more focused on cardio it seemed like.
Joseph Grantham
It seems I'm the last to know about VASA's less than good customer service. I got a membership to try and get in shape. They tried to up-sell me, but I was concerned about the cost. 160 a month, plus membership is not cheap. I was told by the manager of the location that if I could not afford it I could cancel and just pay the cancellation fee when I could. That was an outright lie. The only way to get out of a contract is to move away, or sell it to someone else, then pay the 100 dollars. Never again. Good place though, and I got to be good friends with my trainer.
Trent
They seem like most other gyms out there. Nothing very noteworthy. They do have pretty good price deals sometimes.
Jefferson Farmer
Been to Vasa a few times for their free-trial promotions that they offer. The dude at the front counter was a demeaning jerk. I immediately wanted to leave.
Michael
They are great at marketing and selling. Not very clean though
Landon Robison
I've been to Vasa a few times with my friends. Their equipment is new and really nice. It has been really crowded the couple times I have gone and the front desk staff was pushy and not the friendliest.