American Woman Fitness Spa to reopen
Former manager Tonya Eckstrom says she will honor existing contracts
The new owner of American Woman Fitness Spa will have a familiar face to clients.
“We’ve become a family, dysfunctional at times, but a family,” Eckstrom said. “I couldn’t let the ladies down.”
American Woman unexpectedly closed its doors more than two weeks ago. A note advising the spa’s closure was left on the door and phone calls went unanswered as clients scrambled to get their money back.
Eckstrom said she and the other new owners will honor the contracts of members who want to return to the women-only spa.
“I know we didn’t get the money for it, but it’s the right thing to do,” Eckstrom said.
Eckstrom has been involved with American Woman since 1989, when she began exercising there. She’s worked at the spa under four owners.
“I’ve learned a lot from each of them,” Eckstrom said. “In some cases, I learned what not to do.”
Eckstrom met Monday with members who had contracts with the former owner and told them of her plans to reopen. She said she needed to “nail down” the lease agreement before announcing the date.
“I really wanted this club open yesterday,” she said. “Some of those ladies are on a fixed income. Some use walkers. We were the place they felt comfortable and we will be the place they can continue to come.”
Eckstrom said she knows that many American Fitness clients have had offers from other gyms, but she hopes some of them return.
“I’ll be there waiting for them,” she said.
Eckstrom previously owned a fitness club in Madison, Miss.
“I decided this was my love,” Eckstrom said. “I couldn’t just watch it go like this.”
