In an unexpected move affecting downtown fitness enthusiasts, Planet Fitness has announced shuttering its location at The Banks in Cincinnati. The venue at 145 Second St., which first flung open its doors in 2019, is ceasing operations as of 9 p.m. on December 27, as per reports from multiple sources, including WLWT and Cincinnati Business Courier, a Local12 News partner. This move leaves fitness buffs with several alternative locations, including gyms in Newport, Fort Wright, Oakley, Western Hills, and Finneytown.
The decision to close the venue came without a public explanation, although some speculated market pressures or strategic realignment within the company. A spokesperson from Planet Fitness noted, in an email obtained by The Enquirer, that "December monthly billing was waived for all club members." Alleviating some distress for affected members, gym officials have declined to comment on the substantive reasons driving the closure.
For many currently enrolled patrons, the closure of the downtown Cincinnati branch represents not just a loss of convenience but also a severance of community ties fostered by the gym over its five-year tenure. While the gyms at nearby locations like Newport and Oakley stand ready to welcome displaced members, the abrupt nature of the closure serves as a reminder of the volatility present within the commercial landscape of urban districts.
A sign in the front window of the Planet Fitness location began signaling the end of the gym's tenure earlier in the week before formal confirmation was released. The company encouraged members to use Planet Fitness' website to search for the nearest clubs, seemingly ensuring continuity of service. In her confirmation of the closure, Heather Pearson, a Planet Fitness spokesperson, underscored to The Enquirer that the community has several nearby locations at their disposal. Still, as of now, the direct cause behind the gym's departure remains unstated.
