Bally selling its five Fresno-area gyms

Bally Total Fitness is selling its five Fresno-area gyms.

The three gyms in Fresno, one in Clovis and one in Madera are in the process of being sold to Blast Fitness Group.

Blast has 19 gyms in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Blast is buying 39 Bally clubs, including Ballys in at least eight other cities nationwide.

Bally wants to focus on its core markets, including New York, San Francisco and Denver, said company spokesman Larry Larsen.Blast executives could not be reached for comment, but Larsen said the local gyms would likely change their names.

Blast will honor all membership agreements, he said. Bally members who have memberships allowing access to other Ballys nationwide can still use those gyms, he said.

By Bethany Clough