The YMCA of Central Kentucky today announced an asset purchase agreement has been signed to acquire Proof Fitness in Lexington. The transaction is expected to close in early October 2026, at which time the two Proof Fitness locations will become YMCA facilities.
“This acquisition helps us address an immediate need – keeping our High Street membership together,” said Paula Anderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Kentucky. “It also allows us to expand into the Tates Creek area, bringing the YMCA's mission and programs to a growing part of our community.”
After the transaction is complete, members of the YMCA of Central Kentucky will have access to these new locations as part of their existing membership, while the organization looks forward to welcoming Proof Fitness members to the YMCA. More details about membership, programming, and transition timelines will be shared with both member groups in the coming weeks.
As the Downtown Proof Fitness location transitions to a YMCA facility in early October, the Y will begin moving memberships and classes currently based at High Street to the new location. The High Street YMCA will officially close on October 30, 2026. The YMCA will continue serving downtown members at all Y locations. The organization is also taking time to celebrate High Street’s more than six decades of impact and honoring the generations of members, staff, volunteers and community members who have been part of its story. Commemorative activities will take place through October.
“While the Board remains fully committed to building the partnerships necessary for a new downtown YMCA, this investment provides an important bridge for our High Street members. It allows us to maintain presence downtown, continue serving the members who have been part of the High Street YMCA community, and preserve the connections that make the Y so important to so many people,” said Steve Byars, chair of the YMCA of Central Kentucky Board of Directors. “We believe continuity of service matters, and this investment gives us the opportunity to remain connected to downtown while we continue exploring the best path forward for the YMCA’s future. The more places we can bring the Y, the more opportunities we have to connect with people, build community, and make a difference.”
As we move forward, we’ll continue to share updates and information with our members, staff and community. Please check our website for ongoing updates and answers to frequently asked questions.
About the Proof Fitness Acquisition
The YMCA of Central Kentucky announced an asset purchase agreement has been signed to acquire Proof Fitness in Lexington. The transaction is expected to close by October 1, 2026, at which time the two Proof Fitness locations Downtown (230 W. Main St.) and Tates Creek (4101 Tates Creek Centre Dr.) will become YMCA facilities.
The purchase is expected to close by October 1, 2026. Proof Fitness members will continue to have access to both current Proof Fitness facilities. YMCA members may begin using these new locations once transaction is complete.
Yes. Both Proof Fitness locations will officially become YMCA of Central Kentucky locations and will join the YMCA’s network of facilities serving Central Kentucky.
Yes. As part of the transition, the Proof Fitness locations will become YMCA of Central Kentucky facilities. While the name and branding will change, the YMCA is committed to building on the strong foundation, relationships, and experiences that members value at these locations.
The acquisition provides an important bridge for our High Street members, allowing us to maintain a presence in the heart of Lexington as we continue to work toward eventually creating a new downtown facility. It is also an opportunity to expand our reach to the Tates Creek area, strengthening our presence in Lexington and ability to serve more people.
Proof Fitness Membership and Access
Current Proof Fitness memberships will remain active and have continued access to both Proof Fitness locations. By November 1, 2026, Proof Fitness members will need to transition to a YMCA membership for access to all YMCA of Central Kentucky locations.
Yes. Because the YMCA and Proof Fitness are separate organizations, members will need to complete a new YMCA membership agreement.
No. The Proof Fitness facilities will continue to operate while the transition to YMCA operations takes place. Once the transaction is complete, YMCA members will have access to these new locations. Proof Fitness members will have continued access as well.
Information about membership options and pricing will be shared directly with Proof Fitness members during the member transition period so they can choose the option that best fits their needs.
The YMCA offers a variety of membership options designed to meet the needs of individuals and families, including:
Household - Up to two adults and dependents under the age of 24 at the same address.
One-Adult Household - One adult and dependent children under the age of 24 at the same address.
Two-Adult Household - Two adults at the same address. No dependents.
Adult - One adult, age 31 - 64.
Young Adult - One adult, age 18-30.
Senior Adult - One adult, age 65 and older.
Senior Household - Up to two adults (one age 65 or older) and dependents under the age of 24 at same address
Proof Fitness members, at the time of converting to a YMCA membership, can choose whichever membership option is right for them. YMCA staff are available and ready to help answer questions about membership types, amenities, benefits, and more.
Yes. Members will establish a new YMCA membership account, including billing information and payment authorization. Additional details will be provided during the transition.
Most account information will transfer to help streamline the transition, where appropriate and permitted. However, members should expect to complete a new YMCA membership agreement and verify or update their personal and billing information during enrollment. Additional instructions will be shared during the transition period with Proof Fitness members.
Proof Fitness Programs, Classes, and Services
Yes. Once the transition is complete and Proof members have enrolled in a YMCA membership, they will have access to all YMCA of Central Kentucky locations included with their membership. Likewise, current YMCA members will have access to the new Downtown and Tates Creek YMCA locations as part of their existing all-access membership.
Yes. Mostly all members receive Nationwide Membership, which allows access to participating YMCA locations across the United States while traveling, subject to each YMCA's participation and visitor policies.
In addition to access to multiple YMCA of Central KY locations, membership includes a wide range of benefits, including:
State-of-the-art wellness centers with strength and cardio equipment
Group exercise classes
Indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs
Up to two hours of free child watch
Reduced rates on programs
And so much more
Yes. Group exercise classes are included with YMCA membership at no additional cost. Some specialty or small-group programs may require a separate registration fee.
Yes. Parking will be included at these locations.
The YMCA plans to continue offering many of the classes Proof Fitness members know and enjoy while also introducing additional YMCA group exercise opportunities. Updated schedules will be shared throughout the transition.
Our goal is to minimize disruption for members, and we look forward to working with current Proof instructors and trainers to help ensure a smooth transition. Proof employees will have the opportunity to apply for YMCA positions, with that process beginning in September.
The YMCA uses its own registration and scheduling systems. Additional information about registering for classes and programs will be shared with Proof Fitness members before and throughout the transition.
Yes. The YMCA plans to continue offering personal training and a variety of wellness programs. Additional training opportunities and specialty programs may also be introduced.
Proof Fitness members with active personal training or specialty training packages will receive direct communication about how those packages will be honored or transitioned. Our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible.
Yes. Over time, members can expect additional YMCA programs and services to become available at these new YMCA locations. More information will be shared as plans are finalized.
Proof Fitness Facility Experience
Current Proof Fitness memberships will remain active and members will have continued access to both former Proof Fitness locations as well as all YMCA of Central Kentucky locations.
The YMCA is currently evaluating operating hours for both locations. Any updates will be communicated before the facilities reopen as YMCA locations. Our goal is to provide convenient hours that best serve the community.
Members can expect to see the quality fitness equipment they know and value to remain in place along with some upgrades. Over time, the YMCA will evaluate opportunities to enhance equipment and amenities based on member needs and facility operations.
Existing amenities will remain available. The YMCA will continue evaluating opportunities to enhance the member experience and may introduce additional amenities, programs, or services over time. Any future changes will be communicated in advance.
There are no major renovations planned at this time. As with all YMCA locations, we will continue to evaluate opportunities to maintain and enhance our facilities over time to best serve our members and the community.
Proof Fitness Employment
The YMCA recognizes that the people who work at Proof Fitness have built strong relationships with members and contributed to the success of these locations. We look forward to welcoming many of these team members to the YMCA and will work closely with employees during the transition time.
Yes. Current Proof Fitness employees will have the opportunity to apply for positions with the YMCA of Central Kentucky. Additional information about employment opportunities and the transition process will be shared directly with employees.
As with any organizational transition, staffing needs will be evaluated to best support members and operations. The YMCA is committed to communicating openly with all employees throughout the process.
Proof Fitness employees will receive regular updates throughout the transition. Questions regarding employment can be directed to YMCA Human Resources at hr@ymcacky.org.
High Street YMCA Closure
The final day of operations at the High Street YMCA will be on Friday, October 30, 2026, with regular hours of operation, 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
YMCA memberships are all-access and will continue after High Street closes, allowing members to use all YMCA of Central Kentucky locations, including the new downtown YMCA at 230 W. Main St. and the Tates Creek YMCA at 4101 Tates Creek Centre Dr.
The YMCA is committed to supporting High Street employees through the transition and will have priority consideration for positions at the two new locations. Group exercise classes currently being offered will shift to the new Proof Fitness location with the current instructors if they choose to make the transition. Staff will receive information about employment opportunities and next steps directly from YMCA leadership and Human Resources.
The property sale to Tramell Webb Partners, Inc. will be finalized in January 2027. The building will be razed with new construction of student housing to begin shortly thereafter.
Yes. The new downtown YMCA (formerly Proof Fitness) at 230 W. Main St. allows us to continue serving members in the heart of downtown Lexington while maintaining a strong and accessible YMCA presence in the community. At the same time, the YMCA Board of Directors remains committed to working toward building a full-service YMCA in the downtown area.
The addition of the downtown location allows the YMCA to continue serving members in downtown Lexington while creating time and flexibility to thoughtfully evaluate the long-term vision for a permanent downtown presence. The new location is an important part of continuing to serve the community today while we plan for the future.
Yes. Once the Proof Fitness acquisition closes, it will be part of the YMCA of Central Kentucky network and available to members with access to all YMCA locations.
Yes. The YMCA will host several opportunities for current and former members, staff, volunteers and the community to come together, share memories and celebrate more than 60 years of High Street. That information will be shared in the coming weeks.