Gym-goers wait in vain for Physical Fitness to reopen

People gathered outside a shuttered Physical Fitness gym in Wan Chai on Tuesday after a message circulating online claimed the branch would reopen today under a different name. But the doors remained locked. A woman, surnamed Fung, whose membership would remain valid until 2026 was one of them. “We got a message saying the branch would reopen, but we didn't know whether it was genuine or not, and we were sceptical, that’s why we decided to come and have a look,” she said. “But from what we’ve seen, it seems to be closed as no one was going in and out of the branch.” The gym chain also offered beauty parlour services, including a sauna that is one of Fung’s favourite services. Even though a sauna is not available at some round-the-clock fitness centres, Fung added she would still consider joining those chains to maintain her exercise habit. Another member, Keith, paid HK$7,400 for a 54-month membership. He still has two years of membership left, but is not considering a switch to other fitness centres. “If I can, I will stay. Because I don’t want to spend more money on other [companies] or other clubs right now.” Another customer, named Regina, told RTHK that she and around 4,000 other members, who lost money due to the closure of Physical Fitness, have joined a group on social media. She wasn’t sure if the chain would reopen. “I think [we] need to wait for one or two weeks. May be Physical [Fitness] is finding some new bosses to pay up a large capital for them to pay the loan,” Regina added. She said would consider filing a report to the Consumer Council if she managed to find the receipt to prove she paid HK$11,000 for membership during the pandemic. As of Monday, the consumer watchdog had received at least 1,000 complaints due to the closure of Physical Fitness, involving over HK$31 million in claims.

Gym-goers wait in vain for Physical Fitness to reopen

Gym-goers wait in vain for Physical Fitness to reopen

Gym-goers wait in vain for Physical Fitness to reopen

Gym-goers wait in vain for Physical Fitness to reopen

Gym-goers wait in vain for Physical Fitness to reopen