Gym chains in for a jolt

A High Court judge has directed that a stoush between the owner of a well-known gym chain and one of his franchisees who suddenly rebranded three clubs have an "urgent" half-day hearing next week. Club Physical was running nine branches across Auckland and one in Kaitaia until 12 days ago when clubs at Westgate, Three Kings, and Botany were completely overhauled and renamed as "Jolt Fitness". Staff at those locations were fitted with new uniforms, new classes were put in place, and instructors arriving to teach their regular classes were turned away. Many members were left baffled and angry that the gym they signed up for no longer existed. I don't know who is in the right here, but my concern is for the members of the affected gyms, who will all have to make a decision: give Jolt's classes a try, or go to another Club Physical. But because gym memberships cost too much, I will not be affected by this or similar surprise rebrandings in the foreseeable future.