Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Bulawayo’s fitness enthusiasts woke up to the shocking news that their favourite Bodyworks Gym’s Central Business District (CBD) branch, located in the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) building, had been abruptly closed and evicted.
Gym members, some of whom had just renewed their memberships earlier this week, were met with disbelief as they found their personal belongings stuffed in black rubbish bags in an alleyway behind the NRZ building.
This unceremonious eviction has left many without access to their regular fitness routine, and others are raising serious questions about the gym’s future.
The gym, which was a popular spot due to its convenient location in the heart of the city, was reportedly evicted due to unpaid rent, an issue that had apparently gone unresolved for a substantial amount of time.
The NRZ building property managers allegedly forced the gym out overnight without any prior notice to stakeholders, including the gym manager, trainers, cleaners, cook, or members. In a swift and forceful move, everything from the gym equipment to the padded flooring was removed, leaving a once-bustling fitness hub empty.
“I arrived this morning to find the doors locked later that day I found my belongings thrown in a black bag. No one told us anything. I had just renewed my membership on Monday,” said one disgruntled gym member, visibly frustrated with the sudden turn of events.
For many members, the CBD branch was the most accessible, especially for those rushing to work, as it provided a convenient fitness outlet in a central location. The closure now forces gym-goers to rely solely on the Belmont branch, which is outside the city center and more difficult to reach for some.
Another member expressed concerns about the remaining Belmont branch, saying, “We’ve heard rumors about financial issues and the gym being sold for a while . With the CBD branch gone, who knows how long the Belmont one will last?”
The gym had gained a loyal following due to its affordability. Students could access the facility for $20, while adult memberships were priced at $30—making it one of the more affordable options in Bulawayo. However, this goodwill has quickly dissipated as members feel betrayed by the gym’s management, especially given the recent membership renewals.
Nathan Greenland, the United Kingdom-based managing director of Bodyworks Gym, has come under heavy scrutiny. Greenland, who has been in Zimbabwe since 2017, is being blamed for the financial mismanagement leading to the gym’s eviction. A source close to the gym, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed,
“Nathan is stingy when it comes to paying his workers. The trainers, cleaners, and even the cook haven’t been paid properly for months we have to fight tooth and nail to get what is due to us yet he’s living a lavish lifestyle using the gym’s money.”
These allegations have only added fuel to the outrage from members who rarely see the man.
The sudden alleged eviction also highlights the precarious position many businesses in Zimbabwe’s CBD face due to the country’s ongoing economic challenges. A study on urban fitness centers in Bulawayo (Chigwanda, 2020) indicated that many gyms struggle with rising operational costs, including rent, salaries, and utility bills, making it difficult to maintain a stable business. Given that Bodyworks Gym had built a reputation for offering an affordable fitness option, its closure points to a broader issue of financial sustainability within the industry.
One of the gym’s trainers, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his frustrations.
“We had no idea this was coming. There was no communication. We just showed up, and everything was gone. I’ve been training clients here for over three years, and now I don’t know what’s next.”
Cleaners and other support staff also found themselves in limbo.
“We rely on these jobs to feed our families. Now, we are out of work with no explanation and no pay for weeks, they say we can go to the Belmont branch but that branch already has its workers where do we fit in” one cleaner said, expressing concern over the uncertain future.
Gym members, who were left with no information about refunds or future plans, feel betrayed.
“I paid for a year-long membership just last month. Now, the gym is gone, and I don’t even know if I’ll get my money back,” said a university student, emphasizing the frustration shared by many.
As of now, there has been no official communication from Bodyworks Gym management regarding a refund policy following the abrupt closure of their CBD branch. Gym members who had recently renewed their memberships or made long-term payments are left in uncertainty about whether they will receive refunds or compensation.
Several members have voiced concerns, with some demanding clarity on the issue. One member, who had updated their membership just days before the eviction, stated,
“There’s been no word from management, no calls, no emails. We deserve to know if we’ll get our money back.”
Given the lack of communication, it remains unclear whether the gym intends to issue refunds or offer alternative solutions, such as transferring memberships to the Belmont branch. However, with rising distrust towards the gym’s management, members are calling for transparency and swift action to address their concerns.
Until an official statement is made, members are advised to reach out directly to Bodyworks Gym or their managing director, Nathan Greenland, for any inquiries related to refunds.
What’s Next for Bodyworks Gym?
With the closure of the CBD branch, all eyes are now on the Belmont branch. However, there are concerns about its sustainability, given the financial issues that reportedly plague the gym’s management. Members are wary, and many have expressed doubts about continuing their memberships unless the gym provides clear communication and reassurances.
In a city where fitness options are already limited, the loss of Bodyworks Gym’s CBD branch has left a significant gap. Many former members are now searching for alternative gyms, but with fewer affordable options available, it remains to be seen how the city’s fitness landscape will adjust.
As Bulawayo’s economic challenges continue to affect both businesses and consumers, the abrupt closure of Bodyworks Gym serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of many local enterprises. Whether the Belmont branch will survive or face a similar fate remains a question that only time and better financial management can answer.
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