HomeTeamNS offers free gym usage to members affected by California Fitness closure
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — With immediate effect, HomeTeamNS members who have been affected by the closure of California Fitness can begin training at no cost at Fitness Workz gyms located at two HomeTeamNS clubhouses, the association said on Friday (July 22).
The offer is valid for up to six months at the Balestier and Bukit Batok clubhouses. To begin training at the two gyms, affected individuals must bring proof of their California Fitness membership, such as membership card, sign-up packages and receipts.
Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) NSmen who have been affected by California Fitness’ closure can also apply for the same assistance after they have signed up for HomeTeamNS’ Ordinary membership, the association said.
“This initiative is part of the Association’s move to ensure that affected Home Team NSmen and its members will not have disrupted training, and encourage them to continue adopting an active lifestyle,” it added.
The association says it will be able to accommodate at least 800 of its affected members and HomeTeam NSmen over the next six months. It is also planning to recruit about 10 part-time positions at its Fitness Workz gyms over the same period to assist personal trainers affected by the recent closure of California Fitness branches.
HomeTeamNS’ Chief Executive Agnes Eu said: “While it is understandable that the focus would be on consumers, we should not forget that there will be staff affected by this incident.
“The temporary employment assistance will give a bit of time for personal trainers to secure new jobs at other gym outlets. I hope this will motivate others on similar initiatives, and show how the gym industry could come together to assist those who are affected by the closure.”
California Fitness had abruptly ceased all its gym operations in Singapore on July 20 after the operator JV Fitness said it did not have “adequate liquid resources to continue its operations”. A buyer is being sought for the fitness chain, said Ferrier Hodgson, the company appointed to liquidate the fitness chain.
