Spring Fitness Centers Supporting our Troops 
The finest family fitness centers in Spring, Tomball and Magnolia

What differentiates the Spring Fitness centers from their competitors, including several big-box operations, is a charitable initiative that no other club in the area, and, conceivably, nationwide, is conducting. Last August, the company began offering free six-month memberships—no strings attached—to U.S. military veterans and active-duty personnel. The idea was the collective brainchild of owner Tom Kennison; general manager Derek Terell; a hospital corpsman during Operation Desert Storm in 1991; and Spring Fitness staffers, most of whom have either served in the military or have family and friends who’ve also answered their nation’s call. The team launched the campaign to honor military personnel residing in their market, acknowledging and honoring their service and sacrifice, by opening the clubs’ doors to them for free. The program got underway in a low-key way, with some roadside signs and a flier in a coupon booklet sent out in the mail. Now, some 100 veterans and active military men and women are making use of the gyms at no cost. Each pays a $35 processing fee when they sign up, but, beyond that, nothing, and Spring Fitness receives no tax benefit or other compensation. “For clubs, the only downside is if you’re worried about money,” says Kennison, “but I’d encourage everyone to do this. With the six-month membership, our service men and women can use our facilities, stay in top shape, and not have to pay a single cent. In return, we feel good about giving them a place to come where they’re appreciated, and about being able to contribute something to their health and wellness. “Even people who aren’t vets or in the military have found this program appealing,” notes Kennison. “They want to become members because they’re proud of what we’re doing.” About 70% of qualifying members who take advantage of the free six-month membership continue to pay regular membership dues after their has expired. Spring Fitness, whose heart is apparently as big as, well, Texas, is also involved with the RBI Foundation, which supports youth baseball; participates in fundraisers for Susan G. Komen for the Cure; and hosts blood drives at each of its clubs twice a year to support the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. When asked how long he plans to continue offering the program for veterans, Kennison replies, without hesitation: “Forever. We’ll never stop.”