Man Regrets Lifetime Gym Membership After Spending $120,000

A man in Zhejiang, China, reportedly fell victim to a gym’s aggressive sales tactics, resulting in an $870,000 gym membership—enough to cover workouts for the next three centuries. According to local media reports, the man was enticed by an “internal benefit” scheme where he purchased a gym membership for 8,888 yuan, with the promise that the gym would resell it for 16,666 yuan. After a 10% commission, the man would pocket the profit.

Driven by the allure of quick returns, the individual invested a staggering 870,000 yuan (approximately $120,000 USD) into multiple such “opportunities.” He now says that he wasn’t in the right state of mind and that he “temporarily lost his mind,” according to reports. The gym owner has become unreachable, leaving the man to pursue legal action.

Data from Tianyancha, a Chinese business registry platform, identifies the gym’s operating company as Hangzhou Ranyan Fitness Management Co., Ltd. Established in January 2022 with a registered capital of just 50,000 yuan (approximately $7,000 USD), the legal representative is listed as Yu Chenglong.

The company’s extensive business scope covers a wide array of activities, from fitness and sports events to internet sales, retail of sporting goods, information consulting, health services, and even more niche areas like billiards, chess, and marketing. This broad scope is not uncommon for smaller Chinese companies, allowing them flexibility as they explore different revenue streams.

As fitness gains popularity in China, gyms are increasingly offering promotional deals to capitalize on growing consumer demand.

Industry experts advise consumers to carefully assess their fitness goals, usage patterns, and financial capacity before committing to memberships. Overspending on prepaid fitness services carries inherent risks. Due diligence is crucial, including verifying the gym’s credentials and operational stability to mitigate potential risks associated with business closures or changes in ownership.

When signing contracts, scrutinize all terms and conditions, ensuring that any promised discounts, service periods, usage provisions, complimentary items, and refund policies are clearly documented in writing. Keep copies of all service agreements and payment receipts as evidence of the transaction.