In a surprising turn of events, NUGYM, a fitness center chain that started operating in 2022, has abruptly announced a temporary suspension of all its branches as of August 15, 2025. This decision has sparked a wave of outrage from hundreds of members, many of whom had purchased long-term training packages, including expensive personal training services.
According to public information, NUGYM opened its first branch in Tan Phu in 2022. By November 2023, the chain celebrated its first anniversary and expanded with a second branch in Go Vap. A year later, in November 2024, the third NUGYM branch opened in District 3.
With ambitions to establish five branches across Ho Chi Minh City and eventually expand nationwide within three years, the chain’s growth has now come to a halt at three branches. NUGYM offered annual membership packages for approximately VND 3,999,000 per year and additional packages for Yoga, Dance, Boxing, Group X, Zumba, and Aerobic, as well as personal training services. The personal training packages ranged from a few million to nearly VND 100 million, depending on the number of sessions. Some members even invested up to VND 150 million for 80 private training sessions.
However, NUGYM’s sudden cessation of operations has left many customers shocked and frustrated, especially given a clause in the membership contract stating: “The center will not refund any fees paid under any circumstances.” This essentially means that members have little to no chance of getting their money back, even with the unexpected closure of the gym.
Article 7 of the Membership Terms and Conditions states that the center will not refund any fees paid.
On social media groups dedicated to transferring gym memberships, NUGYM members expressed their anger and frustration. One customer shared that they had purchased a two-year package worth VND 15 million, along with a VND 34 million personal training package, but could only utilize it for a month due to an unexpected pregnancy. Another member, who had signed up for a three-year package, felt cheated as they had only completed one year of their membership. Others recounted similar stories of investing significant amounts in personal training packages, only to have their plans disrupted by the gym’s closure.
Many customers admitted that they were persuaded by the sales team, who often offered special deals and long-term commitments. Some were convinced to pay large sums on the spot to take advantage of “one-day-only” discounts, without considering the potential risks involved.
This incident brings to mind similar controversies within the Vietnamese fitness industry, where sudden gym closures have left members financially burdened. Chains like Fit24 and Nowfit have previously found themselves in similar situations, causing distress to their customers.
As of now, NUGYM has only released a statement citing “unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control” as the reason for the suspension and offered an apology to its members. However, there has been no mention of refunds or compensations for the interrupted services. Meanwhile, hundreds of affected customers are uniting to gather contracts and receipts to prepare for a collective complaint.
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