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

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.