14% of Florida Health Clubs Closed in 2008

258 of the more 1,800 registered health studios in Florida went out of business in 2008, according Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson.

The Florida health club failure statistic is cited in an Florida Today article on the closing of the Ten Minute Gym location in Melbourne, FL.  The location of the failed Ten Minute Gym was previously home to Simply Fit and, before that, a Lady of America fitness club.

The owner of the club, Max Salinas, blames the economy and local competition on his club’s closing.  It appears that the owner of the independent club is trying to help transition members with the least amount of inconvenience or financial loss:

Salinas, who closed a Ten Minute Gym in Rockledge two years ago, promised to make good on debts he owes to Reinig and others, either by arranging gym memberships at nearby health clubs or making straight refunds once he collects money from selling the equipment at the Ten Minute Gym, 2447 N. Wickham Road.

According to state regulations, once a health club closes and people have deposits down, they either have to get a refund or the owner must arrange for a similar facility, within five miles, to honor the contract…

According to Florida Today, Ten Minute Gym provided a “supervised, high-intensity workout in less time that it took at other health clubs.”

Tip of the hat:  Thanks to WipedOut for the link to this story.

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