Gym rats are speechless. The Madison Athletic Club in Madison Heights appears to be closed for good with no notice, just a sign taped to the front door.
"Got here Wednesday morning and there was a sing on the door saying thank you for 34 years of patronage, we've closed our doors," said Jamie Pepper. "I think it's awful. I think it's horrible that they didn't tell anybody that this was going to happen and that they led people to believe they were going to be here for a long time."
As of late Thursday, a Groupon for the gym was still available on sale for $7. Even worse, some members prepaid for special classes, including Pepper, who just shelled out $100 for her and her husband to join the gym's "Biggest Loser" program. Now they're both losing out.
"July ninth was our first day. It was supposed to be a six week program that we paid $50 a piece for, and obviously it's over and we've lost that money now," said Pepper. "I'm greatly upset that somebody could be dishonest."
Fox 2 tried to contact Madison Athletic Club to get answers for our viewers, but the phone is disconnected. It seems not even the employees knew what was coming.
"My brother told her, had to break the news to her, and she just couldn't believe it," said Brian Carrell, a trainer with Fitness 19. "She started crying because she just found out she didn't have a job, so you could tell that none of the employees knew what was going on."
Carrell wasted no time trying to ease the blow to potential new customers, offering a special deal to all former MAC members.
"A lot of people come to a gym, they build a comradery with the other people. They get to know people. That's what they're used to. That's kind of like their second home away from home so to speak, so it is heartbreaking for those people. I've talked to a lot of people that are really upset about it."
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:45:07 GMT
In a surprising move, Tucker Cipriano pled no contest to murder in the beating death of his father. Cipriano made the plea just days before members of his own family were set to testify against him.
In a surprising move, Tucker Cipriano pled no contest to murder in the beating death of his father. Cipriano made the plea just days before members of his own family were set to testify against him.
Monday, June 10 2013 7:54 PM EDT2013-06-10 23:54:52 GMT
There's a special place in hell for people who steal from churches, and you can bet its not air conditioned, but it was the A/C unit that was targeted at Christian Road Ministries on Detroit's west side.
There's a special place in hell for people who steal from churches, and you can bet its not air conditioned, but it was the A/C unit that was targeted at Christian Road Ministries on Detroit's west side.
Wednesday, June 5 2013 7:50 PM EDT2013-06-05 23:50:32 GMT
After a fatal crash, 26-year-old Leo Evans is facing charges that could put him in prison for years. He is accused of street racing, a dangerous game that can have deadly consequences.
After a fatal crash, 26-year-old Leo Evans is facing charges that could put him in prison for years. He is accused of street racing, a dangerous game that can have deadly consequences.
Wednesday, June 5 2013 7:29 PM EDT2013-06-05 23:29:03 GMT
There was a highway crash Tuesday near French Road in Detroit. State police were called to the scene, but when they got there, the were no victims. All they found was blood and shell casings scattered along I-94.
There was a highway crash Tuesday near French Road in Detroit. State police were called to the scene, but when they got there, the were no victims. All they found was blood and shell casings scattered along I-94.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:54:19 GMT
Who will open for Bon Jovi at Ford Field on July 18? Your vote will decide. 20 bands left in the Fox Rocks contest. Voting period: Now through July 10. Time to 'Fox Rocks' the vote.
Who will open for Bon Jovi at Ford Field on July 18? Your vote will decide. 20 bands left in the Fox Rocks contest. Voting period: Now through July 10. Time to 'Fox Rocks' the vote.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:44 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:44:05 GMT
Fox 2 News has learned that the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled against Mike Duggan and will not overturn a previous ruling that deemed his candidacy to run for mayor of Detroit as ineligible.
Fox 2 News has learned that the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled against Mike Duggan and will not overturn a previous ruling that deemed his candidacy to run for mayor of Detroit as ineligible.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:18 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:18:12 GMT
Chrysler avoided a showdown with government safety regulators Tuesday, agreeing to recall 2.7 million older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.
Chrysler avoided a showdown with government safety regulators Tuesday, agreeing to recall 2.7 million older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:20:44 GMT
Detroit Metropolitan Airport officials evacuated a section of the McNamara Terminal Tuesday morning after a canine picked up the scent of explosives on the apron, where planes load.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport officials evacuated a section of the McNamara Terminal Tuesday morning after a canine picked up the scent of explosives on the apron, where planes load.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:53:04 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings have confirmed to FOX 2 that they have agreed to a 3 year contract extension with Pavel Datsyuk that will keep him with the team through the 2016-2017 season.
The Detroit Red Wings have confirmed to FOX 2 that they have agreed to a 3 year contract extension with Pavel Datsyuk that will keep him with the team through the 2016-2017 season.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:08 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:08:18 GMT
Chrysler on Tuesday is expected to file papers explaining its refusal to recall 2.7 million older Jeep SUVs that are at risk of catching fire in rear-end collisions.
In one of the biggest-ever showdowns between an automaker and the government, Chrysler on Tuesday is expected to file papers explaining its refusal to recall 2.7 million older Jeep SUVs that are at risk of catching fire in rear-end collisions.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:02 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:02:29 GMT
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:44 AM EDT2013-06-18 12:44:22 GMT
DTE Energy says about 17,000 customers remain without power Tuesday after a wave of thunderstorms hit parts of southeast Michigan. GO INSIDE THE STORY TO VIEW AND ADD YOUR PHOTOS.
DTE Energy says about 20,000 customers remain without power Tuesday after a wave of thunderstorms hit parts of southeast Michigan. GO INSIDE THE STORY TO VIEW AND ADD YOUR PHOTOS.
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