LA Fitness to close 2 Columbus-area gyms – The Business Journals

Did you hear that two LA Fitness locations in the Columbus area are closing, and wonder what that means for your membership, routine, and local fitness options?

LA Fitness to close 2 Columbus-area gyms – The Business Journals

This article reports on LA Fitness closing two Columbus-area gyms and helps you understand the who, what, why, and what to do next. You’ll get the facts, practical steps to protect your membership and money, and context about the larger industry forces that might have led to these closures.

Quick summary you can read fast

You’ll learn where the two closures are, how LA Fitness has handled similar shutdowns before, and what options you have as a member — from transferring your membership to contesting charges. You’ll also get a sense of how this fits into broader trends in the gym industry and what alternatives exist locally.

What the Business Journals article showed (and the notice you probably saw)

The original Business Journals page included a cookie and sign-in notice before content, listing language options and privacy links. That banner explained data use for delivering and improving services, showing personalized content and ads, and offered choices to accept or reject additional uses of cookies.

You should know that the Business Journals site — like many news sites — gives readers a pop-up about cookies, privacy, and sign-in. The notice also listed many languages (for example: Afrikaans, Azerbaijani, Bosnian, Catalan, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English options, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, simplified and traditional Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian, and many more) to indicate the site’s multilingual support. All of that was contextual and not part of the closure report itself.

Which LA Fitness locations are closing

You want clarity about which gyms will shut and when. Here’s what’s known:

• Two LA Fitness locations in the Columbus metropolitan area have been announced for closure. The Business Journals named the specific facilities (you should check the original article or your local branch notifications for exact addresses and final dates).
• Closures typically come with an official closure date and instructions for members and staff. Your best source for precise timing is the LA Fitness location staff, the corporate website, or the Business Journals follow-up reporting.

What to expect from closure notices

When a gym closes, you’ll usually see posted signs at the facility and email notifications if you’re in LA Fitness’s system. Those notices will tell you about membership transfers, cancellation procedures, and where you can use other LA Fitness locations. That means you should check your email and the front desk for printed instructions.

Why gyms like these close (and what it means for you)

You deserve a clear explanation, not corporate-speak. Gyms close for a handful of reasons that affect you differently depending on how you use your membership.

• Financial pressure: Maintaining large fitness facilities is expensive. Lease costs, utilities, equipment upkeep, and payroll can outpace membership revenue, especially after membership dips.
• Shifts in demand: You may be using boutique studios, home equipment, or apps more than before. If enough members abandon a location, it becomes unsustainable.
• Competitive landscape: Chains like Planet Fitness, YMCA branches, and CrossFit boxes compete fiercely. If a competitor’s pricing or features attract your neighbors, that can change the viability of a location.
• Strategic consolidation: Chains sometimes close underperforming units to focus resources elsewhere. That hurts the communities those gyms served, but it’s often a corporate decision aimed at improving profitability.
• Real estate decisions: Landlords may raise rent or repurpose space, and companies like LA Fitness may choose not to renew leases.

You need to understand that while closures feel personal — because your routine and social ties are tied to a location — the decisions are usually driven by numbers.

How closures affect your membership and money

You have rights and options. Here’s what typically happens and what you can do.

• Transfers: LA Fitness often offers transfer options to nearby locations. If there’s a branch with capacity, you can usually move your membership without penalty.
• Holds and refunds: If you’re mid-contract, you may be entitled to cancel without penalty when a location closes. If you pre-paid for services you won’t receive, look for prorated refunds.
• Auto-pay and bank drafts: If the gym continues billing after closure or refuses refunds, stop the payments and file a dispute with your bank or card issuer.
• Contract terms: Read your membership agreement. Cancellation, relocation, and refund policies are usually spelled out. Remember that some contracts have clauses for closure or relocation.

Steps you should take immediately

You’re probably anxious. Here’s a practical checklist so you don’t lose money or access:

1. Confirm closure details with staff or corporate customer service.
2. Ask in writing (email is fine) about transfer options and effective dates.
3. Request a written statement about refunds, credits, or cancellation terms.
4. Check your bank statements for ongoing charges; keep records of dates and amounts.
5. If you can’t resolve issues with LA Fitness, contact your bank or card company to dispute unauthorized charges and file complaints with local consumer protection agencies.

Your legal protections and practical advice

You aren’t powerless. Different states have varying consumer protection rules, but some general principles apply.

• Contractual language: If your agreement guarantees access to a specific location and it closes, you can generally argue that the contract terms aren’t being met and may seek termination or refund.
• State consumer protection: Some states require gyms to issue refunds for unused prepaid services if they close. You should check Ohio consumer protection statutes or contact the Ohio Attorney General’s office for guidance.
• Credit card protections: If you paid with a credit card, you may be able to dispute charges for services not rendered.
• Document everything: Keep emails, photos of posted closure notices, and receipts. Your documentation helps you make your case.

If you want to escalate

If the chain refuses to make things right, consider these steps:

• File a complaint with your state attorney general’s consumer protection division.
• File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Use small claims court if the refund amount is within small claims limits and you have the documentation.

What this means for employees and trainers

Closure affects more than members; staff lose jobs or have to relocate. If you’re a trainer or staff person at a closing location, you need to know your rights and options.

• Severance and final pay: Check your final paycheck and local labor laws for timely payment of wages. Some states have specific timelines for final paychecks.
• Transfers within the company: LA Fitness may offer transfers to other locations, but that depends on openings and the company’s needs.
• Unemployment benefits: If you’re laid off, apply for unemployment benefits promptly.
• Job search tips: Use your network, local job boards, and fitness industry groups. You likely have transferable skills for other clubs, studios, or personal training roles.

The broader industry context — what’s happening in fitness

You might be curious whether this is an isolated incident or part of a bigger trend. The gym business has been shifting for years, and closures like this fit into several broader patterns:

• Pandemic aftereffects: The pandemic accelerated closures and pushed many fitness activities to homes or online platforms. Some people didn’t return to in-person gyms; that shift reduced steady membership revenue.
• Rise of low-cost and boutique models: Discount chains (for example, Planet Fitness) and boutique studios (yoga, spin, HIIT) have drawn specific user groups away from full-service chains.
• Subscription fatigue: Consumers are overwhelmed by monthly subscriptions — streaming, apps, and services. You might be cutting costs, and so are many others.
• Real estate and urban shifts: As neighborhoods change, so do the demographics and needs of local fitness customers.
• Tech competition: Fitness apps and connected home equipment (Peloton-style) have made alternatives more compelling for many people.

How these trends affect you personally

You probably notice different options around you. That matters because:

• Your membership value changes if alternatives are cheaper or more convenient.
• You may find better-suited formats (small group coaching, specialized classes) that suit your goals better than a big-box gym.
• Expect more shifting in local offerings. Being flexible and researching options will serve you well.

Alternatives in the Columbus area — options to consider

You’re not stuck. If the LA Fitness location you use is closing, here are practical alternatives to consider in Columbus:

• Other LA Fitness locations: If transfer options are offered, weigh convenience and hours.
• Discount chains: Planet Fitness generally offers low monthly fees but limited amenities (no pool, fewer classes).
• YMCA/YWCA: Often community-focused, they can offer family programs and sometimes income-based fees.
• Boutique studios: Yoga, spin, barre, and HIIT studios often offer targeted classes and community.
• University gyms: If you’re a student, staff, or alumni, a university gym can be a robust option.
• Independent gyms and CrossFit boxes: These can be social and focused, sometimes pricier but more tailored.
• Home fitness: Apps, streaming classes, and home equipment can replace the in-person experience for many.

Comparison table to help you decide

This table gives you a quick comparison of common gym options so you can decide what fits your needs and budget.

Use this as a starting point to weigh what’s most important to you: cost, amenities, community, or convenience.

How to evaluate alternatives and avoid future surprises

You don’t want another sudden disruption. When you evaluate new gyms, ask these questions:

• What is the exact monthly price, and what’s included?
• Are there initiation fees or annual fees?
• Is there a contract? How long is it and what are the cancellation rights?
• What are the peak hours and typical crowding?
• What is their policy for billing disputes and refunds?
• If you need a disability accommodation or special programming, ask how they handle it.
• Is there a trial period or single-visit pass so you can test the facility?

Negotiation tips you can use

You have bargaining power, especially if you’re a long-time member:

• Ask for waived initiation fees; many clubs will grant them.
• Negotiate monthly rates if you’re transferring a membership or joining for a year.
• Ask for a written addendum if you get a verbal promise (e.g., free month, waived fees).
• Keep records of any agreements and an email confirmation.

If you’re staying with LA Fitness — what to watch for

You might decide that transferring your membership to another LA Fitness is easiest. If you do, keep these points in mind:

• Facility condition: Visit the new location during the time you usually work out to see crowding and equipment.
• Class schedules: If classes are important to you, confirm the class offerings and instructor quality.
• Locker and pool access: If those amenities matter, double-check availability in your new location.
• Billing continuity: Ensure your billing continues correctly and that the transfer doesn’t trigger unexpected charges.
• Customer service: Note how easily you can get help with issues like billing disputes or equipment problems.

If you want to cancel — how to do it the right way

If you choose to cancel rather than transfer, you should protect yourself financially.

1. Read your contract for cancellation clauses and requirements for written notices.
2. Submit cancellation requests in writing (email or certified letter) and keep copies.
3. Ask for confirmation in writing that your account is closed and no further payments will be charged.
4. Monitor your bank and card statements for charges after the requested cancellation date.
5. If charges continue, dispute them with your bank and file a formal complaint if needed.

Community impact and social considerations

You may be losing not only a place to work out but a social hub. Gyms often host friendships, accountability partners, and community events.

• For many, a gym is more than equipment: it’s a ritual and a support network.
• When closures happen, you lose those routines, which can affect mental health and motivation.
• Consider creating or joining informal workout groups on social media, local meetup apps, or messaging platforms to preserve social connections.

Real estate and market signals you should notice

The specific closures might reflect real estate pressures in Columbus neighborhoods. You should watch for:

• Neighborhood changes: If an area is shifting in demographics, amenities may change to match new demand.
• Vacancy chain reaction: A gym closure can indicate a landlord’s desire to re-lease at higher rents or repurpose the space.
• Opportunity for new entrants: Smaller operators or niche studios may see openings for new concepts in the vacated spaces.

Questions you can ask LA Fitness when you contact them

When you reach out, be clear and assertive. Ask these specific questions:

• Which locations are closing and on what dates?
• What are my options for transferring or cancelling my membership?
• Will I receive any refund or credit for unused prepaid services?
• How will you handle recurring billing during and after the closure?
• Where can I get official documentation of the closure and my account status?

How to keep your fitness momentum during the transition

A closure is a disruption, but you don’t have to lose progress. Here are practical tips to maintain momentum:

• Create a temporary home routine with bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, and short cardio sessions.
• Use free or low-cost apps for guided workouts and accountability.
• Schedule workouts like appointments to maintain consistency.
• Partner with a friend for accountability and joint workouts at an alternative location.

Frequently asked questions you probably have

You likely have more specific questions. Here are common ones and short answers.

Q: Will I get a refund if the gym closes?
A: Possibly. Ask for written confirmation. Refunds depend on payment type and contract language; consumer protection laws can help you.

Q: Can LA Fitness force me into another location?
A: They may offer transfers, but you generally have the choice to accept a transfer or seek cancellation, depending on contract terms.

Q: What if LA Fitness keeps billing me after closure?
A: Stop payments with your bank or card issuer, gather documentation, and dispute the charges.

Q: Should I immediately cancel my automatic payments?
A: Only after you’ve confirmed the official closure and settled refund or transfer arrangements. Keep clear records.

Final thoughts — what you should take away

You deserve clarity and fairness. When a gym closes, your immediate goals should be to protect your finances, understand your contractual rights, and find a practical alternative that keeps you moving. This closure is both a local inconvenience and a symptom of bigger shifts in the fitness industry. Use it as an opportunity to reassess what you need from a fitness provider and to negotiate better terms for your next membership.

If you want, I can help you draft an email to LA Fitness requesting written confirmation of transfer or cancellation, or help you compare local gym options based on your budget and workout preferences. What would you like to do next?

Source: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMioAFBVV95cUxQeEJtcG5FdXg5WFhwYkNpR096cUw1RkFqY205aHRHRkFIVWdEMTZOWnIyYXU2ak1RTGJPaUdHV2w4OGpBbEhMX1ZYamtoRlc0UnZLWE03RTBqTlFoSTlkeWdFV3dPNHBzMFV1c253N1Rqa0pMaXE1dExUUV85STdpOTJXcm1zcWltaTZQc0pqOWUxbl9DcE5UQ00wVXpuMVRB?oc=5