Gym rats are speechless. The Madison Athletic Club in Madison Heights appears to be closed for good with no notice, just a sign taped to the front door.
"Got here Wednesday morning and there was a sing on the door saying thank you for 34 years of patronage, we've closed our doors," said Jamie Pepper. "I think it's awful. I think it's horrible that they didn't tell anybody that this was going to happen and that they led people to believe they were going to be here for a long time."
As of late Thursday, a Groupon for the gym was still available on sale for $7. Even worse, some members prepaid for special classes, including Pepper, who just shelled out $100 for her and her husband to join the gym's "Biggest Loser" program. Now they're both losing out.
"July ninth was our first day. It was supposed to be a six week program that we paid $50 a piece for, and obviously it's over and we've lost that money now," said Pepper. "I'm greatly upset that somebody could be dishonest."
Fox 2 tried to contact Madison Athletic Club to get answers for our viewers, but the phone is disconnected. It seems not even the employees knew what was coming.
"My brother told her, had to break the news to her, and she just couldn't believe it," said Brian Carrell, a trainer with Fitness 19. "She started crying because she just found out she didn't have a job, so you could tell that none of the employees knew what was going on."
Carrell wasted no time trying to ease the blow to potential new customers, offering a special deal to all former MAC members.
"A lot of people come to a gym, they build a comradery with the other people. They get to know people. That's what they're used to. That's kind of like their second home away from home so to speak, so it is heartbreaking for those people. I've talked to a lot of people that are really upset about it."
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:38:56 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
