Gyms silent on reasons for split
A group of women-only gyms in Wellington has split from the national Configure Express franchise.
While both sides have insisted the split was ‘‘amicable’’, neither will comment on the reasons behind it, citing a confidentiality agreement.
In a statement, Configure Express says the move to ‘‘part ways’’ was in the best interests of both companies.
‘‘It was mutually beneficial for Configure Express and ‘now’ Revive Fitness to part ways. We maintain an amicable relationship with the former franchise owners.’’
Configure Express was open for ‘‘business as usual’’, the statement said.
The four former gyms on Willis St, Lambton Quay, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt, have now rebranded as Revive Fitness.
Lambton Quay Revive Fitness general manager Sheree Cooper would not say why the company had left the franchise, citing a confidentiality agreement.
It would be business as usual for the gyms and members, she said.
Members were under contract with the owners of the gym and not the franchise, so their contracts would not change, she said.
A letter from Revive to its members said that after 12 years operating under the Configure Express brand, it was time for a change in direction.
The gym would begin a new chapter and move forward, starting with four clubs in Wellington, the letter said.
A message posted on the Configure Express Porirua Facebook page told members that the four gyms had left the New Zealand franchise.
‘‘This means there are no longer reciprocal visits to these gyms or from these gyms to us,’’ the post said.
Configure Express Porirua trainer Sian Law said a number of Wellington gym members had expressed interest in joining the Porirua gym to stay with the franchise.
‘‘We are open for business and they are more than welcome to come to us if they do not want to stay at Revive.’’
Jessica Lea, who owns the Kilbirnie Configure franchise said there was ‘‘no way’’ she was closing her doors.
‘‘We are proud of the work we are doing and the programmes we are running.’’
A new CBD Configure franchise would be opening in 2017, she said.