SANTA CRUZ — After nearly 30 years in downtown Santa Cruz, Toadal Fitness has officially closed its original location. The decision follows the city’s plans to build a new library and housing complex at the site. The fitness club has relocated to a newly upgraded facility on Ocean Street.
Toadal Fitness founder Christophe Belito opened his first gym in the East Bay before bringing his vision to Santa Cruz in 1996. He was drawn to the area when a friend alerted him to a gym going out of business in downtown Santa Cruz. After negotiating with the building’s landlords, Belito signed a lease and launched his fitness club, initially calling it “Frog Fitness” as a playful nod to his French heritage. However, he soon changed the name to Toadal Fitness to avoid a potential lawsuit from a similarly named business in San Diego.
The club quickly grew in popularity, and Belito expanded the business to multiple locations across Santa Cruz County, from Scotts Valley to Watsonville. His motivation, he explained, was never financial, but to ensure that no one had to wait for equipment during their workouts.
“We opened more clubs because we don’t like people waiting for equipment,” Belito said. “It’s not about making money; it’s about making sure everyone has a good experience.”
The new Ocean Street location offers more space than the downtown facility, which had classes held in a separate building. The new site has two floors, larger classrooms, and better parking, addressing long-standing issues faced by members at the old location.
The move was prompted by the city’s redevelopment plan for the downtown area, which includes the new Santa Cruz Public Library, a mixed-use building, and a parking garage. According to Santa Cruz Development Manager Brian Borguno, the demolition of the building at 113 Lincoln St. is expected to begin later this summer, with a formal groundbreaking for the library project tentatively planned for August or September.
While Belito is saddened by the closure of the downtown club, he is optimistic about the future. He is considering opening another club near the new library once construction is complete.
“We want to be accessible to everyone,” Belito said. “With all the new development, we see ourselves coming back to downtown in two or three years if demand supports it.”
Longtime Toadal Fitness member, local author Dan White, shared mixed feelings about the closure. White, a member since the club’s opening, fondly recalled his time at the downtown location, where he would often work out after shifts at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
“I’ll miss the street theater of downtown,” White said. “It was always interesting to watch the hustle and bustle of the area while working out.”
White also appreciated the unique atmosphere at the downtown club, particularly the view from the cardio machines, which overlooked the lively downtown scene. However, he acknowledged the challenges of parking, a problem that the new Ocean Street location solves with its spacious lot.
“The new place has so much more room, and I love the upstairs free weights area,” White added. “It’s a big improvement.”
Emilio Menze, who has worked at Toadal Fitness since 2017 and was a member since 2008, also reflected on the move. Menze, who now manages the Ocean Street location, said he would miss the quirky downtown building, but was excited about the new facility.
“The downtown building was old and in need of repairs, but this new space is much better in every way,” Menze said. “It might feel a little strange at first, but soon it will feel like home.”
As Toadal Fitness turns the page to a new chapter on Ocean Street, Belito, Menze, and members alike are eager to enjoy the enhanced amenities and space at the new location, while keeping the community-centered vibe that made the downtown club a beloved spot for nearly three decades.
