VASA Fitness Welcomes Chris Tarrant as Chief Growth Officer to Drive National Expansion

VASA Fitness Welcomes Chris Tarrant

VASA Fitness, a prominent player in the affordable fitness club market, has taken a significant step forward by appointing Chris Tarrant as their new Chief Growth Officer. This strategic move, announced on January 27, 2026, is expected to bolster the company's efforts in national expansion and sustainable growth.

A Storied Career in Development

Chris Tarrant is not new to leadership roles; in fact, he brings over 30 years of meticulous experience in the fields of market planning, real estate, and development for well-known consumer brands, including industry giants like McDonald's and Starbucks. His history with VASA as a board member uniquely positions him within the company, giving him an insider's understanding of its culture and operations.

In his new role, Tarrant will spearhead VASA's Real Estate and Development teams. His responsibilities will include overseeing site selection and market planning, ensuring that VASA’s expansion is both efficient and consistent across various regions. Given the competitive nature of the fitness industry, Tarrant’s hands-on expertise in scalable development will be pivotal for the organization's growth trajectory.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

Throughout his career, Tarrant has demonstrated a strong ability to align expansive growth strategies with operational effectiveness. This balance is particularly crucial for VASA as they aim to preserve the high-quality experience their members expect while strategically growing their footprint. His previous tenure as Chief Development Officer at Sweetgreen exemplifies this, where he drove the brand's national rollout while promoting sustainable practices within its development initiatives.

Rich Nelsen, the CEO of VASA Fitness, shared his enthusiasm about Tarrant's appointment, noting that Chris offers a rare combination of vision and operational strength. His keen understanding of VASA's values and mission will be instrumental as the company embarks on this new chapter of growth.

The VASA Fitness Experience

VASA Fitness has established itself as a leader in the high-value, low-price fitness club sector. With 70 locations spanning states like Colorado, Utah, and Illinois, their mission focuses on providing an inclusive and enjoyable fitness experience for everyone. Their membership model, which offers access to premium facilities and group classes at a starting price as low as $14.99 per month, exemplifies their commitment to affordability without quality compromise.

Members of VASA Fitness can expect not only high-quality gym equipment but also specialized classes and personal training options, all within a community-centered environment. Furthermore, VASA Fitness has been recognized as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years, a testament to their positive workplace culture.

Looking Ahead

As VASA Fitness continues to navigate its growth journey, the appointment of Chris Tarrant signifies a commitment to expanding its reach while maintaining operational integrity and enriching member experiences. With Tarrant at the helm of growth initiatives, the fitness community will undoubtedly witness an exciting evolution of VASA Fitness in the years ahead.