With Basic-Fits popping up like mushrooms, extremely low subscription prices, and the number of fitness clubs in Hasselt alone becoming almost impossible to count on one hand, how do you still stand head and shoulders above the rest as an independent sports center? We visited Olympia and spoke with Jo Severy, co-owner, son, and the big thinker behind this family business.
For those not from Hasselt or those who prefer to stay as far away as possible from anything even remotely related to sports: Olympia is a sports center where, in addition to fitness, you can go for bowling, wall climbing, parties, and so much more. “We want to be a center where everyone feels at home,” Jo explains. “Both young and old, but also people who come for recreation as well as sports under professional guidance.” At Olympia, they resolutely choose the total experience. “You can come to us for a workout, then eat something delicious & healthy, or shake off the stress during a yoga session. The possibilities are endless!”
Olympia is a true family business where, alongside father Jan Severy and mother Michelle Stevens, sons Jo and Manu are also at the helm. “The hardest part of a family business is professionalizing the organization,” he explains. “We consciously choose to surround ourselves with external advisors, both on the board of directors and on the work floor. This ensures we keep looking beyond the ‘blinkers’ of a family.”
Along with proper nutrition, sport is one of the most important pillars of a healthy lifestyle. “That is why we recently opted for an expansion,” he explains. “The fitness area is larger, there is an in-house physiotherapy practice (Movenda), and downstairs you will find the reception where everyone is welcomed, a cozy bar, and much more.” Jo already has big visions for the future. “Our goal is to help as many people as possible adopt a healthier lifestyle. Within a few years, Olympia must become the ultimate sports campus in Hasselt. To achieve this, we will collaborate with other ‘sport-minded’ entrepreneurs: physiotherapists, dietitians, sports psychologists, and more.”
To allow customers to enjoy all the facilities, Olympia created several advantageous memberships. “The highlight among our memberships is our ‘exclusive membership,’ which is unique in Belgium as far as I know.” With this membership, you can do fitness, spinning, climbing, squash, yoga, and even bowling & pool. All this for a price that, in many places, would only cover fitness. “I actually don’t understand why our memberships still have an end date!” Jo chuckles.