The start of a new year is usually one that brings excitement for gymgoers, but frustration is mounting for some LA Fitness members
While January often brings crowds to local gyms driven by New Year’s resolutions, some LA Fitness members have started voicing concerns over the recent closures of several clubs across the nation and the removal of a popular group fitness class.
The latest announced LA Fitness closure—set to affect members of LA Fitness in Centereach, New York, by the end of the month—is reportedly one of many, according to members.
In addition to Long Island’s LA Fitness in Centereach, the club operator is reportedly closing its Newington, Connecticut facilities at the end of the month, following recent closures in Holmdel, New Jersey, Southfield, Michigan and Burnsville, Minnesota.
Elsewhere on Long Island, XSport Fitness in Massapequa has also closed. The gym brand was acquired by LA Fitness parent Fitness International last July, handing the company 35 Xport Fitness locations in New York, Chicagoland and Virginia. Along with LA Fitness, Fitness International also operates Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club and Club Studio. Notably, three Esporta gyms closed in South Jersey in 2024.
What’s more, several LA Fitness members have expressed their dissatisfaction with the removal of cycle classes at their clubs, encouraging others in an LA Fitness Facebook group to reach out to corporate in large numbers to reverse the decision.
In the meantime, the shutdowns have prompted some local competitors to lure frustrated LA Fitness members, such as I AM Fitness in Middletown, New Jersey. The fitness club recently ran a promotion inviting LA Fitness Holmdel members to a free membership in the last few weeks of 2024. One social media ad highlighted the gym’s facilities, such as a saltwater pool, saunas, steam rooms, basketball courts and a martial arts studio.
Last fall, a lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleging that LA Fitness has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for inoperable pool lifts and broken elevators, preventing access to members with disabilities.
LA Fitness did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
