A second major Huddersfield gym has shut down as the fitness industry reels from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As gyms across the country are preparing to open their doors again on April 12, Total Fitness has said it won’t re-open its premises on the Tandem Industrial Estate at Waterloo.

News of the closure comes just four months after the former DW Fitness gym in Wakefield Road, Moldgreen, shut down.

The Moldgreen gym was one of 45 bought out of administration by Everlast Fitness Clubs last August. When the new owner failed to negotiate a rent reduction with its landlord, the company declared the site “unviable” and closed it at the end of October.

Meanwhile, Total Fitness sent an email to members confirming its closure after 20 years.

A statement reads: “We’ve been proud to serve all of our members here in Huddersfield for 20 years, and so it’s with great sadness that we confirm that Total Fitness Huddersfield will not re-open on 12th April when Government restrictions are lifted.

“The Covid-19 crisis has been hugely challenging for many industries, particularly for those that have been closed for long periods of time like the fitness industry.

“By the end of March 2021, health clubs will have been closed for eight months out of 12, leaving 121 days of suppressed trading, with very limited income.

“While we have done everything we can to support our people and keep our clubs going through this period, without the same focus for Government support as many other sectors, we have reached the point where we have had to make the difficult decision to not re-open Total Fitness Huddersfield.

“Our other clubs across the North of England and Wales will reopen on 12th April once Government restrictions are lifted.”

Total Fitness gym

The statement said the company had “explored every option” but the Huddersfield closure had been necessary as part of a Company Voluntary Arrangement agreed with creditors. Customers who had paid beyond April 12 would be refunded.

Last year Total Fitness CEO Sophie Lawler warned what may happen when gyms were closed during the second national lockdown in November.

She said at the time: “Businesses are still reeling from the four months of closures and the sector has endured huge financial losses already; many facilities now face ongoing existential threat.

“A further lockdown could see many services shut their doors for the last time – at a time when the public needs them most.

“We are urging the Government to put critical sector specific support in place to help the industry continue to invest in essential health and fitness facilities, look after our members and remain operational on the other side of this new lockdown.”

A Total Fitness member told Huddersfield Hub: “It is a sad loss to see yet another gym close in Huddersfield.

“However, regardless of Covid, I do wonder if poor management, tired equipment and the general demoralised demeanour of the gym didn’t help. These were issues which were never addressed before Covid hit us all last year.

“Perhaps if Total Fitness had invested more in their staff and gym equipment, they might be opening up again in Huddersfield on April 12.”