Fitness and Lifestyle Group to close childminding facilities at Fitness First and Goodlife Health Clubs

June 6, 2022

Finance / Fitness /

Fitness and Lifestyle Group is reported to be set the close childminding facilities at 89 Fitness First and Goodlife Health Clubs across Australia.

Media reports over the weekend advised that, as of 3rd July, childminding facilities at the two gym chains will close as a result of a “drastic reduction” in attendance that “rendered the service unsustainable” at its top tier clubs.

The move, reported as "sparking outrage among parents" will see staff who are unable to be redeployed made redundant.

A spokesperson for the Fitness and Lifestyle Group told news.com.au the health and fitness industry was still recovering from the pandemic and was now in a period of “transition” that took into account current gym and lifestyle habits, stating "recovering from Covid-19 continues to represent a significant challenge to all in the health club industry.

“As a business, we have seen very clear changes in member behaviour since early 2020, and it is incumbent on us to adapt to meet our members’ changing needs.

“Sadly, one of the clear changes in member behaviour is a drastic reduction in the usage of our childminding service, which has decreased between 50 to 60 per cent vs pre-Covid levels, rendering the service unsustainable.”

Noting that it had been a “very hard decision for the business”, the spokesperson added "we are working closely on support and redeployment opportunities for our impacted team members and in providing support for our members as they readjust their routines.”

Angry members are making negative comments on the group's social media channels with many stated they would be cancelling their memberships unless the decision was overturned.

Image: Creche at Fitness First Carindale.

19th April 2022 - Fitness and Lifestyle Group unveils its latest tech innovations

25th March 2022 - Fitness and Lifestyle Group names former Audible Director as Marketing and Public Relations Head for Australasia

17th March 2022 - Citing ‘prolonged challenges’ of COVID, Evolution Wellness liquidates Fitness First’s Hong Kong operations

6th December 2021 - Fitness and Lifestyle Group’s new technology roles to focus on ‘innovative and interactive customer experiences’

1st July 2021 - Fitness and Lifestyle Group sign with Airlock Digital to protect against cyber attacks

6th May 2021 - Digital innovation driving growth of Goodlife Health Clubs

4th May 2021 - New partnership announced between Fitness and Lifestyle Group and the Australian Institute of Fitness

21st April 2021 - Goodlife Health Clubs expands in Queensland

22nd March 2021 - Fitness and Lifestyle Group launches Emerging Leaders program

25th January 2021 - Fitness First launches ‘Put Yourself First’ campaign

8th December 2020 - Fitness and Lifestyle Group announces exclusive deal with Transaction Services Group for its Fitness First, Zap, Goodlife and Jetts NZ brands

5th November 2020 - Fitness First launches free gym membership for Australians facing job loss

7th September 2020 - Fitness First Deakin prioritises health and safety for staff and members

31st August 2020 - Fitness and Lifestyle Group advises of redundancies amid restructure

7th August 2020 - Fitness First introduces attendee temperature checks at NSW clubs

4th June 2020 - Fitness First Australia announces reopening of all clubs

21st March 2020 - Centr app now available to members of Fitness First, Goodlife Health Clubs, Jetts Fitness and Zap Fitness

25th November 2019 - Fitness and Lifestyle Group expands links with media agency PHD

4th March 2019 - ACCC penalises Fitness First for excessive surcharging on member payments

17th August 2016 - Goodlife Health Clubs to invest $2.5 million to redevelop Ashgrove facility

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