California Fitness suspends all gyms in Hanoi, raises concerns over member rights

The closures followed a series of shutdowns across the fitness chain's network, leaving members uncertain about prepaid memberships and employees facing unresolved employment-related issues.

All California Fitness gyms in Hanoi suspend operations

Three California Fitness & Yoga facilities in Hanoi, including Hang Da, Mipec, and Centuryon Royal City, temporarily suspended operations on Monday, according to notices sent to members.

The announcements prompted widespread discussions among members on social media.

The facilities are expected to remain closed until October 31 due to operational issues.

The chain's Times City facility previously announced a temporary shutdown effective October 25.

The latest suspensions came hot on the heels of a series of close-downs at California Fitness facilities in Hanoi in recent months.

The chain closed its Pico Xuan Thuy and Capital Tower facilities in August.

Four other facilities, including Mac Plaza, Sky City, Somerset West Point, and Vincom Star City, started closing down in October.

As of October 26, California Fitness had no operating gyms remaining in Hanoi.

In Khanh Hoa Province, the chain's only facility in Nha Trang also paused operations on October 25.

California Fitness facilities in Da Nang, Dong Nai City's Bien Hoa, and several locations in Ho Chi Minh City have also stopped receiving members.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the chain shuttered six additional facilities on October 24 and 25.

The facilities included Landmark 81, Cali Tower, Gigamall, Thao Dien Pearl, Cali 3/2, and Cali Thu Duc.

According to Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper's findings as of October 26, California Fitness had only two operating gyms remaining nationwide.

The two facilities were Aeon Mall Binh Tan and Binh Duong Square, both located in Ho Chi Minh City.

The number of operating gyms has declined sharply from approximately 35 clubs recorded in 2025.

Most recently closed facilities have announced temporary suspensions through October 31.

However, the company has not confirmed reopening schedules for November.

The closures have affected members who prepaid for long-term fitness packages, particularly in localities where no California Fitness facilities remain operational.

Member, employee rights remain unresolved

California Fitness & Yoga said it was restructuring its operations while facing financial difficulties and outstanding obligations to employees.

In a message issued on October 19, California Fitness & Yoga chairman Dane Fort acknowledged shortcomings in the company's development strategy and operations.

He said the company was implementing a restructuring plan and requested an additional 30 days to finalize measures addressing outstanding issues.

The plan was meant to protect the rights of members, employees, and business partners, he claimed.

Under the proposed timeline, California Fitness & Yoga is expected to announce its new strategy and measures for affected members by November 19.

The measures are expected to address the rights of members who have prepaid for memberships lasting several years or even a lifetime.

Some customers who bought memberships through installment payment plans must continue making payments under agreements with credit providers despite being unable to fully use the services they purchased.

Meanwhile, the company has not disclosed specific plans for fulfilling employee insurance obligations, settling outstanding income payments or arranging staffing at temporarily closed facilities.