A gym in Hangzhou, China, has sparked discussion online after terminating a member’s contract due to repeated complaints about his body odour, while simultaneously refunding part of his membership fees and arranging access to another fitness centre.
The member, identified only by his surname Shi, had purchased a three-year gym membership in May 2025 for 6,388 yuan (approximately S$1,125), which was due to run until April 2028.
However, in June 2026, he received a message informing him that the gym would be ending his membership early following numerous complaints from other patrons.
According to local reports, the facility told Shi that it had received feedback from customers who claimed a strong odour inside the gym was affecting their workout experience.
Gym Says Complaints Persisted Despite Efforts
Shi, a dedicated fitness enthusiast, said he attends the gym regularly and previously visited the facility around five times a week.
He revealed that he was once significantly overweight, weighing about 125kg before successfully reducing his weight to around 80kg roughly a decade ago. Since then, he has maintained a strong interest in exercise and fitness.
The gym alleged that Shi sweated heavily during workouts and that a noticeable smell would remain around exercise machines after he had used them. Some members reportedly avoided equipment located near areas where he had been training.
Management said it attempted several measures before deciding to terminate his membership. These included allocating equipment in a corner area specifically for his use and encouraging him to exercise during off-peak hours.
Despite these efforts, complaints from other members reportedly continued.
Member Says He Took Hygiene Precautions
Shi acknowledged that he tends to sweat more than most people but insisted he made efforts to maintain cleanliness while exercising.
According to him, he routinely used two or three towels during workouts and covered gym equipment with disposable towels provided by the facility to prevent sweat from spreading onto machines.
He expressed disappointment over the decision, arguing that he takes fitness seriously and follows hygiene practices while training.
“If this gym is not a place for serious fitness enthusiasts, they could simply say so,” he reportedly remarked.
The gym refunded 3,888 yuan (around S$685) for the unused portion of his membership and provided him with a three-year membership card for another fitness centre.
Hoping for a Resolution
As the gym is located close to his home, Shi said he hopes to speak directly with management and explore whether a compromise can be reached that would allow him to continue exercising there.
The unusual dispute has attracted significant attention on Chinese social media, with many users debating whether a business should be allowed to terminate a membership over body odour complaints and whether the gym’s attempt to provide an alternative membership was a reasonable solution.
While opinions remain divided, the case has highlighted the challenges businesses face when balancing the comfort of customers with the interests of individual members.