'Not a word was said to any of us': Xperience Fitness permanently closes all Wisconsin locations

 

GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Dozens are now jobless after one gym announced it is closing all of its Wisconsin locations.

"You can go up to him, and he'll cancel it for you," Xperience Fitness employee Elizabeth Pizarro told a confused customer Thursday afternoon.

Pizarro spent her last shift at work, which she did not know would be her last, explaining to customers that Xperience Fitness was going out of business that same day.

"I was confused," she said. "I got a text from one of the workers here, and they said none of us had jobs anymore."

Employees at the Xperience Fitness in Greenfield on South 27th Street told CBS 58 they had no idea this was going to happen.

"At first, I was really frustrated, and I was actually kind of like shaking," employee Xavier Mendoza said.

"It's really frustrating being left in the dark on something like losing your job. Not a word was said to any of us."

According to employees, the location is just one of seven in the state being sold to Planet Fitness. The other locations are in West Allis, Hales Corners, Waukesha, Brookfield, Green Bay and Appleton.

"We've been up and down since COVID, and I guess recently it hasn't been good, especially with other more competitive gyms opening in the area. It's been tough," Mendoza said about the possible motives for the sale.

All existing memberships will now be moved to Planet Fitness, but some gymgoers are not too eager about having to change their fitness routine.

"Planet Fitness, yeah, that's not happening," Xperience Fitness member Pernell Dixton-Ashford said plainly.

Others said they will miss the amenities Xperience Fitness offers, like its pool and childcare.

"I like this [gym] because they have a lot of free weights. Planet Fitness doesn't. It's more like [machines there]," Xperience Fitness member Omar Sarsour said. "I don't think I'll be going and switching there."

Xperience Fitness announced the closures on Instagram Thursday evening.

"It's really shocking for them to tell the employees that they're fired today. I mean, that's not right," Xperience Fitness member Rebecca Roszak said.

The Instagram post tells existing members to expect an email with more details. CBS 58 obtained a copy of that email, announcing the closure of all seven Wisconsin locations.

"Your fitness is still our highest priority and we want to ensure your ability to continue exercising as you maintain one of the most important decisions you have made: the commitment to a healthy lifestyle," the email reads. "To ensure that there is no interruption to your workouts, our friends at Planet Fitness are excited to welcome you to the judgement free zone immediately. The friendly and professional staff at Planet Fitness will make you feel welcome and confident as you continue to work towards your fitness goals."

The email goes on to read that memberships will automatically be transferred to a Planet Fitness location. Those locations include Hales Corners, Waukesha, Brookfield, West Allis, Greenfield, Green Bay and Appleton.

However, customers still have questions about the change.

"What happened to the privacy of my bank information?" Sarsour asked Thursday.

Employees at Xperience Fitness in Greenfield say they feel bad about being unable to give members detailed information about the closure.

"I started at 4. I didn't know until 3," Pizarro said. "Like, I don't know half of their questions. I'm trying to answer them the best I can without giving them the wrong information."

CBS 58 reached out to Xperience Fitness for comment on the closure of its Wisconsin locations, but we have yet to hear back.