Deseret News | Bally Fitness abruptly closes its 2 Utah clubs

Reader comments
Bally Fitness abruptly closes its 2 Utah clubs

a member | 4:24 p.m. Dec. 10, 2008

This is so ridiculous and cruel. Big business at work. I went there everyday and loved the staff. My son, who is 4 went to a great class for kids. I will be praying that all of the employees find jobs soon.

A member from a different state | 6:37 a.m. Dec. 11, 2008

This is extremely unprofessional in regards to the company. What corporation out of the blus just closes their facilities, without giving employees or members a atleast 1 - 2 weeks notice. I know times are rough, but have a little since of taste and decency.

What's Going On? | 7:01 a.m. Dec. 11, 2008

They got the short end of the deal and they should get their money back I can see a lawsuit comint

Comments continue below

Nice | 7:34 a.m. Dec. 11, 2008

I joined in September and now, because of the Chapter 11, they won't refund my money (at least not while I'm alive). So I guess I commute to Denver when I want to workout? Nice. Don't bother calling their 800 number...you won't get the answer you want.

Richard | 8:09 a.m. Dec. 11, 2008

I feel horrible for the employees at this time of year with the economy the way it is. Hopefully they will be able to get new jobs and their former employers will help them in the off time. For anyone looking for a new gym, PLANET FITNESS offers very low affordable prices and from what I have seen they should not be closing any time soon. They offer a very polite, inviting and non intimidating enviroment for all, and the facilities are very clean. My membership is only $10 a month with no commitment.

Typical | 8:41 a.m. Dec. 11, 2008

I had a membership at Bally's years ago and they were a nasty company then. This is just their typical MO. I say good riddance to them. They don't deserve to have customers because they sure don't know how to treat them well.

blessing in disguise | 9:02 a.m. Dec. 11, 2008

my empathy to all the employees and members, but to echo previous sentiments; "what a truly gutless company!" Good riddance!

Arthur | 9:56 a.m. Dec. 11, 2008

I've heard from others that members personal belongings were locked in the store as well and there were no plans on returning it. That cant be true?

Agreed, horrid business | 10:35 a.m. Dec. 11, 2008

Good riddance. Sorry for the unemployed, but they were such a horrible, shady company I am surprised they lasted so long.

Kathy | 11:29 a.m. Dec. 11, 2008

I had a locker at the Parleys Way location with my personal belongings in it. I was told (after 40 minutes on hold) by the corporate office that "all items left in Bally's would be donated to charity." If only I had known in advance that I was to be "donating" my workout clothes I would have washed them for who ever is to receive them. I was also told had to write a letter explaing why I wanted to cancel my membership otherwise I am still bound by contract to pay for my membership in full. I have been robbed.

Fat and Happy | 11:43 a.m. Dec. 11, 2008

Children, Can anyone spell CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT? I knew you could.

Arthur | 12:02 p.m. Dec. 11, 2008

Man o man, glad I dont work out there. If I had anything of value being "forcably donated" I'd grab my crowbar and "forcably donate" anything that wasnt bolted down at that place. However a lawsuit would be a lot more responsable and a lot less illegal.

wasatchpowder | 12:34 p.m. Dec. 11, 2008

I finally got through the 800 number and got my automatic monthly payment stopped on my son's account and she said she would send a prorated refund for my yearly fee.

She said there were no plans for transferring the membership to another company.

Stupid Idea | 1:50 p.m. Dec. 11, 2008

To the comment of nice why don't you read the article intitiled "wastach powder" if she got her money back I am thinking that you should be able to get yours back also, Good luck

Talk to your bank or CU | 3:10 p.m. Dec. 11, 2008

If you are paying monthly through an automatic debit to your checking account, go to your bank or credit union to stop it. You may even be able to get last month's refunded.

If you paid up front for a whole year, and paid with a VISA, you may be able to dispute the charge with Visa and get your money back.

Don't take it lying down. It's your money and you are not getting the value for it.

Bright Side! | 3:25 p.m. Dec. 11, 2008

For all members and employees, Iï¿½m sorry to hear this news!

If youï¿½re looking for a new workout facility, I currently have several discounted VIP memberships to Life Time Fitness in our South Valley club location.

Sign up before December 25 and receive:
- No Contracts!
- $0 enrollment fee
- $50 administrative fee
- Free family add-ons
- Reduced monthly dues

Typical savings include:
Single Membership - save $20/month
Couple Membership - save $40/month
Family Membership - save $60/month

If you are interested, please e-mail LifeTimeCasting@lifetimefitness.com.

**Also for any Bally's Employees- we are always looking to hire motivated and friendly team members. If you are interested in employment opportunities at Life Time Fitness please email:
lifetimecasting@lifetimefitness.com

Anonymous | 4:20 p.m. Dec. 11, 2008

Wow I cant believe the moderator let your post through. I'm glad he did. Some good news is more than welcome right now.

jj | 8:16 p.m. Dec. 11, 2008

"The Utah closures are part of a nationwide plan that includes closing 19 clubs around the country,"

They had a nationwide plan yet didn't have the decency to give members or emplyees a notice? Can they legally lock the door and confiscate personal property?

parleys regular | 9:12 p.m. Dec. 14, 2008

I trained at the Parleys location 6 days a week. I knew a couple of the trainers fairly well and they were pretty much blindsided by this. The part that no one is taking about is that Ballys is trying to hang on to unused personal training sessions. Some of those contracts are $1200+. Good luck to the folks who had just re-upped their PT sessions. Corporate office isn't being very cooperative.

RN | 9:44 a.m. Dec. 15, 2008

If you have paid any of the personal training fees or membership with a credit card, it will be fairly easy to get your money back. First, send a certified letter to Bally's, asking for a refund. Next, notify your credit card company of the dispute, and send them a copy of the letter with proof of mailing. If Bally's won't return the fund, the credit card company will chargeback the amount.

philly | 9:39 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Philly location was closed today. hours of operation sign is no longer there. I googled, but couldn't find anything.

According to some article they were closing 19 locations, I hope that's still the case and they are still in business.

Jimbo | 10:32 a.m. Jan. 16, 2009

We had a bunch of locations down here in San Diego but they dwindled down to three. I will have to travel far too just to work out. Funny, I just made a payment and the next day they were closed. You'd think that they would have notified me when they accepted my money. It was a great club while it lasted, they had all the equipment I needed and the hours were convenient. Does anyone know the CEO's name? I'd like to find out what they did with the equipment and find out if they are auctioning them off to pay severance to their employees and Premium members, pipe dream huh? I wonder where the CEO lives.

Looking Elsewhere for Fitness | 7:45 p.m. Jan. 17, 2009

The closed locations in Auburn and Federal Way, WA had signs saying they lost their lease as of 12/17/08. Membership cancellation need to be in writing and sent to Bally Total Fitness Services, 1422 Imperial Hwy, Suite 300, Norwalk, CA 90650. Don't bother trying to call 866-402-2559. No one answers after 20 min. + wait.

Anonymous | 7:59 a.m. Jan. 19, 2009

Yo, Philly - Which location closed on the 21st of December? Have they reopened?

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