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Massachusetts Gym Refunds Thousands After Illegal Charges During Lockdown

Courts Rule CEO Violated Rules by Billing Closed Locations

In a landmark decision, thousands of former gym members in Massachusetts are finally receiving refunds after being charged during statewide lockdowns in April 2020. Courts ruled that the gym chain’s CEO violated regulations by billing customers despite all locations being closed.

A Fight for Refunds: Customers Left in the Dark

Frustrated members attempted to cancel their memberships through every available channel—calls, emails, and messages—but the company’s responses were scarce. Many continued seeing unauthorized charges even after submitting cancellation requests, deepening their financial strain.

A $4 Million Settlement for Nearly 47,000 Members

The state has mandated a nearly $4 million refund to approximately 47,000 affected customers, with each person expected to receive around $85 in restitution. This payout underscores the severity of the gym’s misconduct during a time when financial hardship was widespread.

From Bankruptcy to Rebrand: The Gym’s Dramatic Fall

Once a dominant player with over 30 locations across two states, the gym filed for bankruptcy in late 2020. Locations shuttered abruptly, only to reemerge under a new name—leaving just three remaining branches in Boston, a fraction of its former presence.

A Cautionary Tale of Corporate Misconduct

This case highlights how companies may exploit loopholes when profits are at stake. Customers placed their trust in the gym, only to face deception and financial harm. The refunds serve as a rare victory—proving that unjust charges, even during a crisis, do not go unchallenged.