**Cult.fit Faces Customer Backlash Amidst Centre Closures**
**Meta Description:** Cult.fit’s rapid expansion leads to multiple gym closures, leaving customers frustrated and questioning the company’s reliability.
**URL Slug:** cultfit-gym-closures-customer-complaints
**Headline:** Cult.fit’s Rapid Expansion Results in Gym Closures and Customer Frustration
In recent months, Cult.fit, one of India’s largest fitness chains, has come under fire as numerous gym locations have closed, leaving many customers feeling abandoned. Mishra, a customer who paid ₹20,000 for an annual membership for himself and his partner, expressed his frustration after receiving no communication regarding the closures. Despite his attempts to seek assistance from the company, he found them unresponsive, prompting him to voice his concerns on social media.
Determined to make the most of his investment, Mishra relocated to a different Cult.fit centre in Juhu, only to find that it too shut down six months later. His next option was a location in Lokhandwala, over 7 kilometers away, where he often faced higher auto fares than the cost of his classes. Unfortunately, that centre also closed in April of this year. Mishra’s experience is not unique; social media is filled with similar complaints from customers who have found their local gyms shuttered despite having paid for long-term memberships.
While gym closures are not uncommon in the fitness industry, the recent wave of shutdowns at Cult.fit has raised eyebrows. The company, officially known as Curefit Healthcare Pvt. Ltd, claims that these closures are part of routine operational adjustments. CEO Naresh Krishnaswamy stated, “There will always be the bottom 5-6% that don’t pan out. That churn is what we do every year.” He assured that the company provides proper communication during closures, including updates, nearby alternatives, and options for refunds or transfers.
However, the frequency of closures across various cities has led to questions about the sustainability of Cult.fit’s business model. Competitors have pointed to their own records to highlight the issue. Vikas Jain, managing director of Anytime Fitness, noted that while they have closed a few gyms over the past 13 years, the number is significantly lower compared to other brands. He emphasized that trust diminishes when customers pay in advance and find their gyms closed.
Founded in 2016 by former Flipkart colleagues Ankit Nagori and Mukesh Bansal, Cult.fit quickly became a dominant player in the Indian fitness market, supported by investments from notable firms like Zomato and Tata Capital. However, after a period of rapid growth, the company is now facing financial challenges, reporting losses of approximately ₹869 crore in 2023-24 against revenues of ₹927 crore. Despite claiming an active subscriber base of around one million, the company’s future remains uncertain as it navigates these operational hurdles.
As Cult.fit continues to grapple with its expansion strategy and customer satisfaction, the fitness community watches closely to see how the company will address these pressing concerns.
**FAQ**
**Q: What should customers do if their Cult.fit gym closes?**
A: Customers are encouraged to reach out to Cult.fit’s customer service for information on refunds, transfers, or alternative locations.
