Beyond the hustle and bustle of Beechmont Avenue, an oasis for fitness enthusiasts from all walks of life has served the Eastside community faithfully for 50 years.
“From the beginning, the atmosphere of Beechmont Racquet & Fitness was designed to be a place like the television bar ‘Cheers,’ where everyone knows your name and the members feel like it’s their club,” shares Owner Lance Atkins.
The original eight tennis courts were built in 1976 by a developer who wanted to capitalize on the nationwide tennis boom but always planned to sell. The vision truly began in 1977 when Bill and Helen Atkins and their business partners, David and Carol Luppert, purchased the club. Since then, Beechmont Racquet & Fitness (BRF) steadily transformed into a comprehensive fitness club, adapting to seasonal shifts, evolving workout trends and member preferences.
While tennis is at the heart of the club, it quickly became much more. In the 80s, the facility expanded to offer racquetball and indoor soccer. The club underwent a major renovation in the 90s to accommodate rising demand for general fitness, redeveloping the soccer areas into weight rooms, group fitness studios, a basketball court and a lap pool.
One secret to BRF’s enduring legacy is this commitment to adapting as the fitness landscape changes—whether through facility overhauls, subtle cosmetic refreshes like fresh paint or continuously updating machines and gear. More importantly, it’s the reliability and community they’ve built around the features and amenities.
“Our members love that there’s a great club atmosphere here where people can come and see familiar staff members, work out with neighbors and compete in sports with friends. For many, the club is a place of comfort, belonging and health after dealing with the stress of their day-to-day lives,” Owner Jami Verdin tells us.
Bill and Helen bought out their partners around 1999. At that time, the club added a massive office building facing Beechmont Avenue that houses anchor tenants like Beacon Orthopedics and Reliable Transportation Solutions. This expansion also made room for a larger kids center, a smaller kids gym and an expanded indoor running/walking track.
In 2008, the day-to-day management of the club transitioned to Bill and Helen’s three kids: current owners Jami Verdin, Brandon Atkins and Lance Atkins.
“We worked in the club as kids, and we saw how hard our parents worked to keep the business strong. We feel like the members appreciate that the owners are the operators, are approachable and may be on their tennis team or in an exercise class right next to them,” Owner Brandon Atkins explains.
“It makes us proud to see all the members out in the community who BRF has had a positive impact on,” Jami adds.
From the moment you step through the doors, BRF sets itself apart. While the club’s scale is impressive, the motto comes to life immediately: “We are more than a gym; we are a community.”
That sense of connection is everywhere—from a friendly greeting at the bar to members gathering in the lobby to catch up on work, share a beer or a smoothie, play Mahjong or watch a tennis match. It is a welcoming space where members can arrive as they are, reconnect with familiar faces and simply enjoy being together.
“We love the loyalty of our members. We have many who have been here over 30 years–a few who have been here almost the entire 50,” Brandon mentions.
Some of those members believed in the BRF ethos so much they became employees. Like Front Desk Staff Member Tom Benedetto, a member since 1988 and employee since 1992, or Melissa Roberts, who became a member in 2011 and now serves as the Director of Marketing and Member Experience.
“I fell in love with Beechmont Racquet & Fitness from the moment I walked in as a potential member 15 years ago,” Melissa notes. “There are just so many options and things to do that you never get bored. As someone who now works here, I get to see the heart behind the community, and the family feel runs throughout the staff and members.”
Kathy Fisher, a member for nine years, joined for tennis but quickly became a regular at fitness classes and on the workout/weight floor. In her early 60s, her fitness level has continued to increase over the past couple of years, and she’s confident the club will have the resources she’ll need as she gets older.
“My husband and I discovered indoor cycling this past year, and we recently added the sauna afterward. It’s a great activity for us to do together and meet a different group of people. I have met so many wonderful people of all ages through tennis and fitness classes,” shares Kathy.
Recent improvements include a major remodel of the bar and lobby area in 2019 and the addition of a large turf-covered functional training space in the upstairs weight room in 2023.
There are endless options to appeal to all members and athletes, helping them stay healthy and active. BRF caters to members' fitness goals, even as they change, from folks who want to lift heavy to training for a HYROX or triathlon, to recovery training; they have you covered. Plus basketball, tons of group fitness options, an expert team of trainers, racquetball, childcare and much more.
“Variety in your fitness routine is the key to staying healthy, and we absolutely have that,” Melissa emphasizes. “We want to be a place people feel is accessible, comfortable and welcoming, no matter where they are in their fitness journey.”
For three generations, BRF has been a cornerstone of fitness in the community, and they plan to continue serving the Eastside for years to come.
“We love that we really are a business that can help our members live better lives. Whether it’s someone just enjoying one round of tennis or pickleball with friends or getting healthier as a result of exercise, witnessing the longevity that people can achieve from making exercise a normal part of their lives is very rewarding,” Lance imparts.
Discover the community-driven fitness club that offers many options to help you start, stay the course and succeed. See it for yourself; schedule a tour today: BeechmontFitness.com.
“I fell in love with Beechmont Racquet & Fitness from the moment I walked in as a potential member 15 years ago.”
"I have met so many wonderful people of all ages through tennis and fitness classes.”