# YMCA to acquire Proof Fitness, close High Street location **Published:** 2026-08-21T13:42:28.000Z **Source:** [Lane Report (KY Business)](https://www.lanereport.com/189029/2026/08/ymca-central-kentucky-acquires-proof-fitness-lexington/) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/ymca-to-acquire-proof-fitness-close-high-street-location LEXINGTON, Ky. — The [YMCA of Central Kentucky announced Thursday](https://www.lanereport.com/189029/2026/08/ymca-central-kentucky-acquires-proof-fitness-lexington/) it has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire Proof Fitness, a move that will expand the nonprofit's Lexington footprint while providing a transitional home for members of its longtime High Street facility. The transaction is expected to close in early October, when the two Proof Fitness locations — one downtown and one in the Tates Creek area — will transition into YMCA facilities. Financial terms were not disclosed. "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." The move comes as the YMCA prepares to close its High Street location on October 30, ending more than six decades of operations at the facility. Starting in early October, the organization will begin relocating High Street memberships and classes to the former downtown Proof Fitness location. The YMCA plans commemorative activities throughout October to recognize the facility's legacy and the members, employees and volunteers who have been part of the High Street community. The acquisition does not end the YMCA's longer-term vision for downtown Lexington. Steve Byars, chair of the YMCA of Central Kentucky Board of Directors, said the organization remains committed to eventually developing a new downtown facility through strategic partnerships. "This investment provides an important bridge for our High Street members," Byars said. "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." Following the transaction's completion, existing YMCA members will have access to both former Proof Fitness locations as part of their current memberships. The organization also plans to welcome existing Proof Fitness members into the YMCA. The YMCA said additional information about memberships, programs and transition timelines will be provided in the coming weeks. The YMCA of Central Kentucky has served the region for 170 years and operates programs focused on health and wellness, youth development and community services. ## Sources - [Lane Report (KY Business)](https://www.lanereport.com/189029/2026/08/ymca-central-kentucky-acquires-proof-fitness-lexington/) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Lane Report (KY Business), enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://www.lanereport.com/189029/2026/08/ymca-central-kentucky-acquires-proof-fitness-lexington/.