Louis Welch, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of LA Fitness, Dies at 71

Welch, an influential industry leader, grew LA Fitness into one of the world’s largest fitness chains

Louis Welch, co-founder, president and co-CEO of Fitness International, LLC, the parent company of LA Fitness, has died at 71 after a two-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and loved ones. 

Welch, a fitness industry leader, co-founded LA Fitness in 1984 and grew the company along with Chinyol Yi from a single location into one of the largest fitness chains with over 700 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Today, Fitness International includes four brands: LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club and Club Studio.

“Louis’ impact on the company and the health club industry cannot be overstated,” a Fitness International spokesperson said in a statement to Athletech News.

“As a driving force behind the LA Fitness signature design model and the company’s commitment to enhancing the physical and emotional well-being of its members in each community it serves, Louis’ almost 40 years of passionate dedication to Fitness International, LLC has shaped it into the industry leader it is today,” the spokesperson added.

According to a press statement, Chinyol Yi, executive chairman, and the existing executive team are well-positioned to continue driving Fitness International’s strategy and business forward.