A Ladies-Only Gym? Not in California!
SACRAMENTO, CA - A Sacramento-area chain of health clubs that operated one location as an all-women facility has been forced to open the doors to men.
"Unfortunately, due to the threat of litigation, we are compelled to make the change," said California Family Fitness spokeswoman Christina Vanskike.
Vanskike would not identify the individual threatening the lawsuit.
California Family Fitness operates 14 other gyms for both men and women, but kept its Howe Avenue location single-sex because it grew out of a nearby women's health club known as Living Well Lady purchased by the company in 1997.
The company said it has also modified seven other locations that had separate workout areas for men and women.
A letter went to members announcing the policy change effective Nov. 21.
"I was not happy," said Kiersten Thompson while working out on an elliptical trainer. "Why can't the men just be comfortable with all the other facilities they can control?"
California Family Fitness said it has seen a "handful" of membership cancellations as a result of the new coed policy.
"It was a very popular option with our members," Vanskike said. "It is something we are disappointed we can't continue to offer."
California's Unruh Civil Rights Act guarantees full and equal accomodations or services in all business establishments regardless of sex.
A spokeswoman for Curves, the nation's largest chain of franchised health clubs, said the company operates single-sex gyms in states where it's permitted. Becky Frusher acknowledged California is not one of them.
"If a man wants to join we'll let him in," she said.
SACRAMENTO, CA - A Sacramento-area chain of health clubs that operated one location as an all-women facility has been forced to open the doors to men.
"Unfortunately, due to the threat of litigation, we are compelled to make the change," said California Family Fitness spokeswoman Christina Vanskike.
Vanskike would not identify the individual threatening the lawsuit.
California Family Fitness operates 14 other gyms for both men and women, but kept its Howe Avenue location single-sex because it grew out of a nearby women's health club known as Living Well Lady purchased by the company in 1997.
The company said it has also modified seven other locations that had separate workout areas for men and women.
A letter went to members announcing the policy change effective Nov. 21.
"I was not happy," said Kiersten Thompson while working out on an elliptical trainer. "Why can't the men just be comfortable with all the other facilities they can control?"
California Family Fitness said it has seen a "handful" of membership cancellations as a result of the new coed policy.
"It was a very popular option with our members," Vanskike said. "It is something we are disappointed we can't continue to offer."
California's Unruh Civil Rights Act guarantees full and equal accomodations or services in all business establishments regardless of sex.
A spokeswoman for Curves, the nation's largest chain of franchised health clubs, said the company operates single-sex gyms in states where it's permitted. Becky Frusher acknowledged California is not one of them.
"If a man wants to join we'll let him in," she said.
