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
355 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Bella Houtz
Vasa Fitness is a great option for personal trainers and solo workouts. Vasa always has great facilities and customer service.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sadie Scoville
I’ve been to Vasa with my friend to do Zumba, and I love the clean open design of the gym
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.
Amelia Gibson
Vasa is great because they are very helpful, and are super easy to use.
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!
Nana Asiata
Vasa fitness center has great quality equipment. Their staff is very friendly and kind.
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.
Avery 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.
Bella Houtz
Vasa is an awesome gym and has great customer service.
Stacy
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.
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.
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.
Trent
They seem like most other gyms out there. Nothing very noteworthy. They do have pretty good price deals sometimes.
Michael
They are great at marketing and selling. Not very clean though
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.
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.
Brette
I have really enjoyed my membership here it is always clean and staff is always quick To do anything to help you
Hannah
I've been a member of VASA for more than a year now. No complaints. The extent of what they offer is impressive and I enjoy being there. It's clean and well-staffed. I recently started using their KidCare and am happy with the $15 flat fee per month no matter how many days I use it.
Suzanna Wootton
The vasa I went to was always crowded, dirty, and smelly. I wish there were more machines/weights to use without having to wait in line. Takes double the time to finish your workout.
Derrick Martinez
Worst costumer service I have seen. I am actually a friend of the owner and I know they are trying to fix this but they have not made enough progress. Billing system does not work and they will constantly create issues.
Kaylee
The service is terrible. I tried on multiple occasions to receive help with problems that were their fault and I could never get adequate service. The employees are rude and are too pushy when it comes to up-selling. When I signed up I was told there would be no penalty for cancellation, however when I did cancel I was charged a fee and they were really hard to work with. They cannot take no for an answer. Their only redeeming quality is clean facilities.
Hannah
Every time I go to VASA I am greeted with a smile. The machines run really well and they keep the facility clean.
Evan Rasmussen
Always insanely crowded, IMPOSSIBLE to cancel with them. broken equipment.
Raquel
Not a fan of the quarterly charge to lock in your rate so it doesn’t change. Customer service wasn’t super helpful.
Alex Rogerson
Not a huge fan of Vasa. The environment is not inviting to those of us who aren't meat heads and are fatties just trying to stick with our New Years Resolutions. The start-up fees are also annoying. It would be nice to have a set time frame where only 'less-fit' members could work out... this way my wife wouldn't be so intimidated by all the hott single ladies trying to hit on me as I so perfectly curl those 15lb weights.
Danielle
I love working out at Vasa everyday. It’s always so clean and the staff is always so welcoming.
Nichole Davidson
The facility was clean and has a good variety of machines and even a cinema room which made the workout go by quickly. It's also very inexpensive. I've never had any luck with getting an employee to help out so if you're unfamiliar with gyms or workout machines you'll have a hard time starting out at Vasa.
John Smith
Like most gyms, there are quite a few fees for a membership (opening fee, closing fee, maintenance fee, etc.). It's possible to do month-to-month, but the price is close to unreasonable. The only reason I go is because I've got a corporate pass; otherwise I'd exercise at my local rec center.
Brooke
Vasa has the worst up front/hidden fees. Every vasa gym I’ve been to is always super crowded. Good equipment, but the fees are ridiculous.
Alex Murphy
I have been multiple times as a guest. I like the facility itself, but am not ready to buy a pass. Now, they won't stop calling me even after I have asked them to various times.
Stephanie
50% of the time, the cardio machine I choose is broken or defective in some way. Very frustrating.
Stacie Walker
My Vasa gym in Layton, Utah is conveniently located five minutes from my house and has great hours. It has the necessary equipment for me to get a good full body work out in. The facility could do a better job keeping machines in working order and wipes full. The reason I love Vasa is because of my trainer, Vu T. I joined the gym to get ready for my wedding & honeymoon this past July but, to also learn proper technique and safety. I am lucky enough to be paired with Vu who puts those two things at the forefront of his training sessions. Vu challenges me, makes me laugh and has catered to my specific fitness level and goals. I look forward to going to the gym and seeing how much stronger I can be.
Michelle
If you get the option to pick your trainer ask for Vu. Best one of all. Understands your goals spends the time with you. Helps you get there also doesn't treat you any different because of your current weight or gym skills.
Rachel
Customer service is horrible! Extremely negligent charged someone else's card for my husband's account and never caught it even when I changed my payment dates multiple times. Then I cancelled my account and they said that I didn't have been charging my card still, and won't stop! They are a horrible company to work with, they're fine taking money out of you account every month, but the second you try and cancel, they don't stop! STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY!
Maile Curtis
I have really enjoyed their low membership cost. Also, their facilities are nice, clean and inviting. Also, I like the people who work there.
Doyal Stewart
I've used Vasa a bit when I wanted to go to the gym to workout. I have not had any issues with them, but my son has. For the most part, the gym has been clean and has offered all of the machines I wanted. I really like their cardio cinema room and their hot tub.
Kathryn Andrus
I don't have a VASA membership anymore but when I did I had a good experience with it. I really enjoyed the Orem University gym. It was well maintained. The Provo gym has really awful treadmills in the cinema room which hurt my knees a lot. When I cancelled my membership I had an extra charge that was taken off and I was pleased with the customer service.
Quen Wilson
VASA has given me the opportunity to improve myself physically and the helpful staff that they have there are more than wiling to answer any questions and assist you with any problem. I highly recommend VASA!