Fitness Chain SPACE Raises Prices by 50% on Popular Low-Cost Plan
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The SPACE fitness chain is increasing the price of its popular 99 shekel monthly "Pix" plan to 149 shekels for members in Tel Aviv and Givatayim, effective December 1. This move effectively eliminates the 99 shekel option, which had been in place since 2015. The company cites rising operational costs as the reason for the price hike, while competitors agree that maintaining such low prices is challenging. The fitness industry is seeing a trend towards more expensive clubs and specialized recovery areas.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- SPACE fitness chain is raising its 99 shekel monthly plan to 149 shekels, a 50% increase.
- The price hike affects members in Tel Aviv and Givatayim starting December 1.
- The company cites rising operational costs since 2015 as the reason for the increase.
- Only three clubs will retain the 99 shekel plan, which is also slated for cancellation.
- Competitors confirm the difficulty of maintaining low-cost fitness memberships.
- The global fitness trend is shifting towards more expensive clubs and recovery zones.
The SPACE fitness chain is eliminating its 99 shekel per month "Pix" plan, increasing prices by 50% for many members. Previously, the chain had 15 "Pix" clubs charging only 99 shekels monthly. Now, only three such clubs remain, and even these are slated to discontinue the plan.
Customers in Tel Aviv and Givatayim received notifications that their "Pix" plan will increase from 99 to 149 shekels starting December 1. The "Multi Pix" plan will be canceled and replaced with a local membership at the same 149 shekel price, while the "Multi Premium" plan remains unchanged. A "Multi National" pass, allowing access to multiple clubs, will range from 179 to 199 shekels, with some branches charging extra for reformer Pilates.
The first charge at the updated rate will occur on November 15 for December's membership. Members will receive a one-year upgrade to a "Multi" membership, granting access to all chain clubs except the "counters," as part of the price adjustment.
SPACE CEO and owner Chaim Frankel stated that new clubs opened in recent years already launched at 149 shekels. He explained that the 99 shekel price had been maintained since 2015, despite significant increases in labor, rent, maintenance, energy, and equipment costs. Frankel emphasized that SPACE continues to invest in upgrading existing branches with advanced equipment and renovations, asserting that even after the price hike, SPACE remains competitive in terms of quality and service, offering full access during operating hours.
Competitors acknowledge the difficulty of maintaining a 99 shekel monthly price due to high labor costs and facility upkeep, especially after challenging periods like the pandemic and recent conflicts. The trend in the global fitness industry is shifting away from low-cost clubs towards more expensive options, with a growing focus on recovery zones and increased popularity among teenagers, driven by social pressure and health awareness.