World Gym closes unexpectedly

“They said that the rent hadn’t been paid in a while and the owners are on the mainland,” said World Gym member Laura Strange.

Strange went to World Gym in Honolulu to get a workout. It ended up being her last one.

“I walked in and they told me that there were 30 minutes left and they were coming in to shut the doors at 11 a.m. So, I busted out my workout, quick 30 minutes and was out of there,” said Strange.

The 13,800-square-foot gym on Queen Street is now empty. Weights on the racks and no one running on the treadmills or using ellipticals.

“The landlord is exercising its rights to retake possession of that World Gym’s space. World Gym hasn’t been paying lease rent for a while,” said attorney Alan Ma.

The sudden closure of World Gym has some members looking for a new place to workout and employees a new place to work.

“This was my primary job and, you know, all my friends are here and things like that and, so, yes it’s frustrating and a little upsetting,” said World Gym employee Junya Beaubern.

For now, the locks have been changed and a notice is now posted on the door explaining the circumstances and number for members to call with questions regarding reimbursement.