Xperience Fitness announced Thursday evening that all of its Wisconsin locations will be permanently closing.
In Thursday's abrupt announcement, Xperience said the closure would be effective at 9 p.m. The closure includes locations in Appleton, Green Bay, Hales Corners, Waukesha, Brookfield, West Allis, and Greenfield.
In an email to members, Xperience said membership will be automatically transferred to a Planet Fitness location. The email said, "As a welcome gift to Xperience Fitness members, Planet Fitness will provide full access to all Black Card amenities throughout the month of July 2023, which includes: Level 4 tanning, Hydro Massage beds, massage chairs, unlimited guest privileges, and 50% off select cooler drinks."
The reason behind the closure is not yet known.
Les Hutchins has been going to an Xperience gym for seven years and was shocked to find out he was out of a gym on Thursday.
"This here definitely came as a surprise to all of us and none of us were expecting this," said Hutchins. "Then all of a sudden to hear, with no notice at all, "Hey by the way when you leave today, don't come back."
Charles Xiong was checking Facebook after his workout on Thursday when he heard the news
"My friend, she said 'Oh man, my gym is closing,' and I made a joke like 'Hey, you should come to Xperience with me' and she was like 'No, they're all being closed."
Now, Xiong says he's frustrated they didn't give more notice saying, "It was kind of upsetting because we have no time to do anything."
TMJ4 spoke to a fitness instructor at one of the Wisconsin locations who says staff also had no idea their locations were closing.
The staff member said, "They thanked me for my time and dedication and included a link to how to apply for unemployment benefits…. I had no idea my class Thursday morning would be my last."
Xperience shared in an Instagram post, "This was an incredibly difficult decision and we apologize about this unfortunate news. Thank you to all our staff members, trainers and most importantly our amazing members for 11 years of fitness."
We reached out to Xperience Fitness for comment but have not heard back.
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