Crunch Fitness looks ready to open second location in Des Moines metro. Where's it going?
A Crunch Fitness could be coming to Des Moines' south side in a long-empty big box store space.
The gym franchise appears to be expanding to 1200 E. Army Post Road next to Hobby Lobby in a building that formerly housed a Gordmans, which liquidated in 2020. It would be Crunch's second location in the Des Moines metro — one opened earlier this year at the former AMC cinema in Urbandale at 8501 Hickman Road.
Work already has begun on the building's interior. A representative from IndusPAD, the industrial real estate agency tasked with leasing Southridge Square, declined to confirm whether the next tenant is Crunch, but said a "fitness user" was committed.
City records, though, name the chain directly. Notes from a meeting with the project's architects In June point to the 60,378-square-foot space being converted into a Crunch Fitness.
New York-based Crunch Fitness did not respond to requests for comment.
Crunch Fitness to neighbor incoming Genesis, pickleball
The new fitness center would closely neighbor the soon-to-open Genesis Health Club in the former Sears building at Southridge Mall. The $13.5 million, state-of-the-art facility will feature an expansive weight training area, cardio equipment, a smoothie bar, a sauna, multiple basketball courts and an indoor, five-lane swimming pool.
Plans call for a sports bar with 12 pickleball courts, two volleyball courts and several sports simulators next door.
More: For all the pickleheads: Here's 11 spots to check out for pickleball in Des Moines
While Crunch and Genesis might appear to be competitors, their prices are widely separated. The monthly rate at Genesis' current south side location, 401 E. Army Post Road, is $78. The gym there is slated to close once the Southridge branch opens.
By comparison, Crunch's lowest-tier membership is $9.99 a month. The clubs have cardio equipment, a selection of weight machines, a high-intensity interval training area, saunas, free weights, a lobby and a child care area.
Addison Lathers covers growth and development for the Des Moines metro. Reach her at 608-931-1761 or alathers@registermedia.com, and follow her on X at @addisonlathers.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Is another Crunch Fitness coming to the Des Moines metro?
