7 relatively unknown facts about California Fitness that you’re probably suddenly interested in


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Everyone is now talking about California Fitness, so much so that yesterday (20 July 2016), the top searches in Google Singapore comprise two key phrases: “California Fitness” and “California Fitness Singapore”.

CF Google

But of course, we all know they definitely won’t want to be in the headlines now.

Now, other than the sudden closure, the fact that it’s a gym (duh?) and that Jackie Chan once was the spokesperson, what else do you know about this chain?

The Hong Kong chain has once taken legal action against its members
In 1999, the chain took legal action against more than 500 members for default on payment. The ex-members had argued that they wanted to leave the club. However, the club had only taken legal action after there were a few months of arrears—which, according to some of the ex-customers, were unwarranted. How the tides have turned now.

Singapore isn’t the only country affected: China branches close as well
Earlier this month, the branch in Beijing closes down abruptly as well due to “unified internal reorganization”. On 12 July 2016, the same thing happened for the Shanghai branch. The website for California Fitness China, www.china.californiafitness.com, isn’t working as well. At least we’re not alone.

The website of California Fitness Singapore is still not updated
In fact, you’ll even see a pop-up to work for them. And then, a big banner showing that they’re “No. 1 Health & Fitness Provider”. So sour, man. So sour.

Over 331 complaints have been made to CASE
According to TODAY, 331 complaints have been made yesterday, and it’s almost a certainty that there’ll be more to come. They should rebrand themselves as the “No. 1 complaints provider” instead, no?

In 2015, more than 50% of the complaints made in Hong Kong gyms are against California Fitness
And yet, it’s not the largest fitness centre in Hong Kong. It’s the second, but it got first in complaints instead.

California Fitness used to be owned by a company based in California
From 1999 to 2002, the club was owned by 24 Hour Fitness, a fitness centre with its HQ in California. Their reason then for selling California Fitness was for them to focus on their U.S. operations. Now, at least there’s some association, despite how distant it is!

It’s exactly 20 years old
The club was established in 1996 in Hong Kong. And also, I guess the very first gym we’ve heard of is California Fitness, no?

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com