The Wan Chai branch of the gym chain Physical Fitness reopened under the new name "HEALTHY" on Thursday afternoon and claimed to be funded by a new investor. Customs and police were present to verify the identities of staff members.
The fitness chain, which has been operational for 38 years and managed 23 branches, had previously announced a "temporary closure" due to high rents and a need to restructure the business.
Today, the Wan Chai branch resumed operations, prominently displaying the new "HEALTHY" signage on the first floor. Existing customers of Physical are allowed access to fitness equipment on both the first and third floors.
"HEALTHY" has announced that they will provide all remaining fitness cards, personal trainer sessions, and beauty treatment services free of charge to former "Physical Fitness" customers. They also clarified that they are not responsible for any financial or contractual disputes related to the previous management.
Customers were seen exercising on the premises while customs and police officials conducted ID checks on the staff.
It is required by Wan Chai HEALTHY that existing Physical Fitness members sign a consent form to transfer their remaining services.
The two advertising boards on the ground floor, which previously displayed the Physical Fitness logo, have been replaced with blank boards, leaving only a notice from customs.
Separately, Consumer Council said it had received 3,289 complaints related to the fitness chain’s closure as of 6 pm today, involving some HK$113 million.
(Updated at 6.54 pm)
