Signature Fitness and Health Center to open March 9

By Don Shilling

New workout machines have been added as well as some interior renovations.

BOARDMAN — The former Club South fitness center is to reopen March 9 with a new name and new owners.

Andrea Leonard, 38, of Canfield and her husband, Clark, are starting Signature Fitness and Health Center at the Tiffany Boulevard property.

Andrea Leonard is overseeing the operation and the renovation of the club, which has included new carpet, paint and updated restrooms.

She said she has retained some of the equipment from Club South but has added some new machines.

She said she wants to create a club with a “friendly and fun atmosphere.”

Leonard said she enjoys the fitness industry and has participated in figure competitions for the past three years. She is working to be certified in personal training.

Her husband works in management of his family’s business, Leonard Truck & Trailer in North Jackson.

Club South had about 2,000 members when the landlord, John Giannios of Giannios Candy in Struthers, received a court order to have the club closed in February 2008. Giannios said the previous club operator, Lance Owens, did not have liability insurance and was behind in rent.

Owens later agreed to terminate his lease and turn over the club’s equipment to Giannios.

Shortly after the closing, Giannios was in negotiations with Creekside Fitness in Boardman about that company’s using Club South as a second location. Ed Reese, owner of Creekside, said this week, however, that the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.

Reese said the business at Creekside is continuing to grow despite the recession.

The new club is leasing the Tiffany Boulevard building from Giannios.

Leonard said she likes the building because it offers enough space for a variety of activities, including racquetball, aerobics, basketball and weight training.

The club will have eight employees, seven instructors for aerobics and other activities and one personal trainer.

Leonard said she put a sign up in recent weeks, and former Club South members have been stopping by for tours.

“I’m putting my best foot forward and taking a big chance,” she said.

More information is available at signaturefitnesscenter.com.

shilling@vindy.com