Too smelly for the gym? Man's membership cancelled after complaints
A gym in China terminated a member's contract after repeated complaints about his body odour.
A gym in China has refunded a member’s fees and asked him to stop using its facilities after receiving repeated complaints from other customers about his body odour.
The member, identified only by his surname Shi, is from Hangzhou. Shi had purchased a three-year membership worth 6,388 yuan (about US$940) in May 2025, which would have allowed him to use the gym until April 2028, South China Morning Post reports, citing local media Zhejiang TV.
However, Shi said he was informed on June 20 that his membership was being terminated because of complaints from fellow gym-goers.
In a message sent to him, the gym said it had spent considerable time discussing the matter before reaching a decision. “We thought it through carefully for a long time before making this decision. We will refund your money for the remaining time of your membership period,” Shi was told by the gym.
The gym also cited business pressures and customer dissatisfaction in its explanation.
“We are already under pressure to do business amid the economic downturn and we are trying to treat each customer well. But many customers repeatedly complained to us that the strong odour in the gym had affected them. So we have to end your membership,” the message said.
Shi eventually received a refund of 3,888 yuan (about US$570), along with a three-month membership card for another gym.
Before joining the facility, Shi had undergone a major physical transformation. He lost around 45 kg around a decade ago, going from 125kg to 80kg, and later developed a strong passion for fitness and sports. After signing up for the gym, he said he worked out there around five times a week.
Gym staff told local media that Shi sweated heavily and emitted a strong smell during workouts, prompting discomfort among other members. Some customers avoided machines he had just used, while others stayed away from nearby treadmills.
Management said it had previously tried accommodating him by assigning equipment in a corner and suggesting he visit during off-peak hours, but complaints continued.
Shi acknowledged that he sweated excessively but said he made efforts to minimise the impact on others. He said he regularly carried multiple towels to wipe away sweat and cover gym equipment during workouts.
Despite the complaints, Shi had hoped to continue exercising at the same gym because of its convenient location near his home.
A gym in China has refunded a member’s fees and asked him to stop using its facilities after receiving repeated complaints from other customers about his body odour.
The member, identified only by his surname Shi, is from Hangzhou. Shi had purchased a three-year membership worth 6,388 yuan (about US$940) in May 2025, which would have allowed him to use the gym until April 2028, South China Morning Post reports, citing local media Zhejiang TV.
However, Shi said he was informed on June 20 that his membership was being terminated because of complaints from fellow gym-goers.
In a message sent to him, the gym said it had spent considerable time discussing the matter before reaching a decision. “We thought it through carefully for a long time before making this decision. We will refund your money for the remaining time of your membership period,” Shi was told by the gym.
The gym also cited business pressures and customer dissatisfaction in its explanation.
“We are already under pressure to do business amid the economic downturn and we are trying to treat each customer well. But many customers repeatedly complained to us that the strong odour in the gym had affected them. So we have to end your membership,” the message said.
Shi eventually received a refund of 3,888 yuan (about US$570), along with a three-month membership card for another gym.
Before joining the facility, Shi had undergone a major physical transformation. He lost around 45 kg around a decade ago, going from 125kg to 80kg, and later developed a strong passion for fitness and sports. After signing up for the gym, he said he worked out there around five times a week.
Gym staff told local media that Shi sweated heavily and emitted a strong smell during workouts, prompting discomfort among other members. Some customers avoided machines he had just used, while others stayed away from nearby treadmills.
Management said it had previously tried accommodating him by assigning equipment in a corner and suggesting he visit during off-peak hours, but complaints continued.
Shi acknowledged that he sweated excessively but said he made efforts to minimise the impact on others. He said he regularly carried multiple towels to wipe away sweat and cover gym equipment during workouts.
Despite the complaints, Shi had hoped to continue exercising at the same gym because of its convenient location near his home.
