Popular Boston gym closes without warning

BOSTON — A popular Boston gym is out of business and a lot of people are not happy.

Nearly every location of DavidBartonGym closed overnight, including the Boston Park Plaza Hotel location.

Casey Cokkinias thought she was getting a great deal by enrolling for one year and paying everything up front, she received two free months at the gym, known for its “#LookBetterNaked” motto.

Two weeks ago, she forked over $1,010. In the end, it cost Cokkinias $1,010 to go to the gym a total of six times.

“This was a complete shock, caught me off guard, and I’m very upset for being out that much money, quite frankly,” she said.

Currently there’s a letter posted on the door, apologizing for the inconvenience. The company also closed down locations in New York, Miami, Chicago and Washington state.

On Cokkinias’s contract, it says in fine print, “DavidBartonGym reserves the right to alter, amend or delete these terms at any time.” She wants her money back and has sent an email to the gym’s CEO. But so far, she’s only been told to wait.

“I’m frustrated, definitely. I just want my refund because I paid for a full year. I didn’t get close to what I paid for,” she said.

Some members just found out about the closing Thursday morning.

“Someone sent me a text. I came to get my stuff out of my locker,” said Travis Rhodes, a member.

However, Rhodes wasn’t allowed to go inside to get his things out of the locker room. He said that the guy at the front desk told him there would be an email with more information.

Along with clients who lost money, about 30 people in Boston have lost their job, just days before the Christmas and Hanukkah.

“We weren’t given adequate warning. I’m upset I’m out of a job, obviously, and I feel sad for everyone else that was involved," said former trainer Brandon Cowley.

For affected customers, the Massachusetts Attorney General encourages them to call the Consumer Advocacy and Response Division or file a complaint online for assistance.

In addition, if consumers paid their membership by credit card, a first step would be to dispute the charge with their credit card company.

In general, fitness club's obligation to hold a surety bond for the purpose of repaying consumers who pre-paid their membership fee in case the gym ceased operating. This is only required for gyms for the first five years after they open.

"We also encourage consumers to ask for proof that a surety bond is in place before they sign a multi-month membership contract," said the AG's office.

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Cox Media Group