Cathedral City 24 Hour Fitness Could Close Its Doors

Thousands of desert residents could be without their local gym soon according to one of its employees.

Joshua McMeans works as a personal trainer for the 24 Hour Fitness in Cathedral City. He said that the gym will close its doors next month. “So far what I know is that they’re planning on closing the gym on June 30. We’re not supposed to tell members until June 1, and if we tell members before then we’ve been threatened with our jobs.”

The gym has been in its current location for over 20 years, with over 4,000 members on its roster. The news will come as a shock to many of its members. “It’s part of the community, we help out Cathedral City high school,” said McMeans. “I had a client this morning who’s been a member for 20 years, since 1991. And I told her about it, she has the right to know, she deserves to know. She was crushed. She was angry, upset, couldn’t believe it, she’s been there for so long, for them to just pick up and move, kind of blown away that there’s no loyalty.”

Members at 24 Hour Fitness would be extremely sad to see their gym close. “It’d be awful, totally awful,” said Andy Cahan. “People here are great, the equipment’s fantastic. Everybody’s terrific. It’s a great place, I love coming here. I’m very fortunate because I live right across the street.”

If the gym closes, McMeans said members would be able to use the location in Indio, but it’s too far for many. “Indio’s far, there’s a lot of people that can’t make that commute,” said McMeans.

McMeans is also upset because the Cathedral City location has continued to take new members. A situation that could mean a loss for many people. “Every month it’s taken out of their bank account electronically,” said McMeans. “If that happens in June, and then cancel in June as well. They just paid twice for June.”

24 Hour Fitness member Joseph Huard just wants to know what is in store for his gym and for them to be honest. “They should be up front with people. At least tell them you’re not sure, but that theres possibility we might close. And then give the person the option if they want to join or not.”

KESQ contacted both 24 Hour Fitness locations in the desert. According to company policy, the staff may not speak to the media. A formal statement from the corporate headquarters has been requested.