Megafit Luwan powering off its treadmills

When Megafit first moved from its decent third floor of an office building location into the basement, we were bummed about the disappearing view, but hopeful that our gym going days wouldn't be much worse off. Then we went there, found out the new Megafit was pretty terrible, and figured it'd die a quick death.

It definitely outlasted our expectations. The gym has been there since 2005, after all, which makes it basically a landmark in this city. But alas, we've now gotten word that Ol' Megafit Luwan has gotten too long in the tooth and will soon be taken behind the barn and shot. Of course, they couldn't kill it off without screwing over some people first.

From our friend, Adam Minter (of the ever excellent Shanghai Scrap):

As of yesterday, there's a big sign at the check-in desk informing people that due to disagreements over the "rental agreement" Megafit Luwan is closing on May 10. Just like that.

They're going to offer refunds to memberships that don't want to use their other gyms. But the refund process is ridiculous: starting in June, you have to report to the Luwan offices on a set date determined by your membership number, give them your card AND the receipt for your membership, and then they'll see what they can do. I have to think that a lot of people are going to miss those refund appointments. (ie, file Megafit under "Rapacious Scumbags") As for me - I just realized that I'll be away from Shanghai, on business, on my designated dates. So no refund for me.

When I was there yesterday I saw guys in suits wandering around the place, looking at the real estate, and part of me wonders if this isn't just Megafit's method of playing hardball in a real estate negotiation. After all, I can't imagine Hong Kong Plaza is going to have a whole lot of tenants lining up for a giant windowless sub-basement space. Also, I'm convinced that Megafit provides a not-insignificant percentage of the customers for the other businesses in the basement mall. No Megafit, no customers for Weight Watchers, say.