What'S Up At California Wow? Doors Closed...

[tlock]

As a long time tony's member, it's pretty clear that alot of CA WOW folks are joining up, and it's also clear that they are looking for a different gym experience. I like the tent, I like to sweat, i sit for like 4 minutes between heavy sets and not cool off too much, etc. etc. Not saying I'm right or wrong, but I've been able to do this for quite a long time (since the old 3rd road gym near soi lenki). I am not able to workout the way I want anymore after 6pm, it's just too crowded, people are doing more of a circuit thing in groups and it's hard to get access to a particular piece of equipment and hog it for 30-40 minutes, or walk up and down the dbs without feeling like a jerk. I'm adjusting and trying to get to the gym early.

I really hope tony uses the money from all the new members to setup the soi buakow gym in a manner similar to CA WOW. it sounds like the biggest thing lacking is decent air-con. When I checked at CA WOW when it first opened they only had dbs up to like 70-80lbs or so. Either way, it would be great if one of the gyms was separated out as a hardcore gym like the old soi lenki gym. There are so many different gyms, there's no reason they all need to be more or less the same.

[ray35ty]

so tropo which gym will u join ? also wen are the busy times for tony gyms 6 til 8

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Thaivisa Connect App

[tropo]

As a long time tony's member, it's pretty clear that alot of CA WOW folks are joining up, and it's also clear that they are looking for a different gym experience. I like the tent, I like to sweat, i sit for like 4 minutes between heavy sets and not cool off too much, etc. etc. Not saying I'm right or wrong, but I've been able to do this for quite a long time (since the old 3rd road gym near soi lenki). I am not able to workout the way I want anymore after 6pm, it's just too crowded, people are doing more of a circuit thing in groups and it's hard to get access to a particular piece of equipment and hog it for 30-40 minutes, or walk up and down the dbs without feeling like a jerk. I'm adjusting and trying to get to the gym early.

I really hope tony uses the money from all the new members to setup the soi buakow gym in a manner similar to CA WOW. it sounds like the biggest thing lacking is decent air-con. When I checked at CA WOW when it first opened they only had dbs up to like 70-80lbs or so. Either way, it would be great if one of the gyms was separated out as a hardcore gym like the old soi lenki gym. There are so many different gyms, there's no reason they all need to be more or less the same.

I'm not into the 3 or 4 minute wait between sets, more like 30 seconds to a minute - but you're lucky with me as I divide my time over 3 of his gyms and only use your sweat box once a week.... and when I use a piece of equipment I'm done pretty quickly.

... but there is really no need to talk down the ex-California members. There's a lot of hard core ex-California members who use your gym.

You should be happy he joined up lots of new members as there's less chance he'll close down Sport World, which was far too quiet for the investment he made.

As stated earlier, the Soi Buakhao gym is not air conditioned and I very much doubt that it is ever going to be. It's a cheaply done setup and he charges less than half the cost of a workout in Sport World. The prices reflect cheaper running costs.

[tropo]

so tropo which gym will u join ? also wen are the busy times for tony gyms 6 til 8

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Thaivisa Connect App

I joined them all and use 3 of them in rotation over the week. I train daytime. I think you'll find 5pm till 8pm is peak time.

[krey]

someone should open a gym and call it WeHaveACsGym or ItsColdInHereGym , IceGym, something like that:) probably make a fortune:)

Edited August 16, 2012 by krey

[tropo]

someone should open a gym and call it WeHaveACsGym or ItsColdInHereGym , IceGym, something like that:) probably make a fortune:)

Well, one thing is for sure, Tony is firmly back in control of the gym business. He advertised his new Buakhao Gym as part of the prize for taking a lifetime membership. Nobody realised it was going to be a lousy gym without aircon. He gets the last laugh and some revenge on the many California Wow members who deserted him years ago when they first opened.

He's laughing all the way to the bank.

First the towels disappeared, then the water, then the equipment (spread out around town), then the aircon for reduced hours .... what's next? Total elimination of aircon comes to mind. I know one thing for sure - the staff have firm directives to keep as many units off as possible. In Jomtien today I had to ask the manager to turn on the aircon on the 3rd floor at midday (on a hot sunny day). The doors were open and all aircons off. On the ground floor only some of the units had been switched on.

Let's hear it from all the Tony's fans....

Edited August 16, 2012 by tropo

[tropo]

We had a 'pencil neck' invasion at my old Vancouver gym when the 'cardio' gym went tits up. They whined about guys grunting and taking to long on the bench/squat, and they were intimidated by guys smashing the bag. The management got rid of the bag, limited bench/squat times, and put up 'no grunting' signs.

Give me a hot 'iron house, any day of the week because they are natural 'pencil neck' repellants.

I have respect for anyone who gets off their but and goes to a gym - big or small. I don't have respect for people who get around a gym and think they own it because their neck is thicker. Everyone has their own goals - respect them.

[ray35ty]

Two mistakes cost WOW to fold.

1) Management implementing a cheap life time deal, I was even offered it 3 years ago for 12000 baht. So they had no constant income

2) The Avenue Residence, They rented to big a space, the minute i walked in and saw the seating area then huge toilet area then upstairs is ok but then a third level which i never visited. The rent must have been a packet. Also sooo many stafff.

I would also becareful of fitness first clubs. They lease huge areas . The reason being is in Australia fitness first is bleeding also they are trying to offload I think to private equity or vice versa, There has been an increditble amount of 24/7 gyms pop up like jetts with 100+ gyms in 3 years and so on. It wont be long before someone puts one of them here and yes they will have aircon.

[Tolley]

Checked out the new Tonys in soi Boukow today around 11am.

I cant really add much more than what Tropo said already. His comments pretty much on the mark.

Cheap and tacky with imitation Cybex machines and no aircon just some small fans.

It was empty and didnt feel too hot but I decided not work out there today will try another day.

Okay for the budget seeker if you go at the right time of day and are not too fussy.

Once there are a few people in there I can imagine it would be a bit uncomfortable.

I will probably stick to the plastic tent.

[marmaduke]

Thai Fitness Club In Poor Financial Health

Members of the California Wow Xperience fitness club are irate over a letter asking for a membership fee increase, even after the fitness club closed several branches. The company is being sued in Bankruptcy court for unpaid debts of 76 million baht.

BANGKOK – August 14,2012 [PDN]; The California Wow Xperience Ltd. last week sent a letter to fitness center members to increase the annual membership fees for lower-paying customers.

For members paying less than 40,000 baht per year, the membership fee increase would rise from 100 baht to 600 baht. Members paying more than 40,000 baht in fees per year would pay only the same $100 fee increase.

The ailing fitness club has gradually closed various branches, including the last remaining Siam Paragon branch.

Mr. Jirachai Multhongroi, Secretary-General of the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP), said he has received more than 100 complaints from fitness club members since late April.

As a result, the Consumer Protection Board called the entrepreneur to negotiate. At first, the company welcomed canceled contracts by customers and was willing to pay their damages.

But the company later wrote a request to the Consumer Protection Board to allow them to stop receiving the complaints for a while, because the company was currently in the process of financial recovery.

After its recovery, California Wow plans to allow customers to visit any branch, and to extend memberships beyond a year.

The OCPs sub-committee of lawsuit screening had written to the court to inquire about the fitness company’s situation. The court confirmed that the company had filed for reorganization, after a lawsuit by a Bangkok bank in Bankruptcy Court, claiming unpaid debts of 75.78 million baht.

The next court hearing on the case is scheduled for August 18. A decision is expected to be finalized by September 2012. Meanwhile, the Consumer Protection Board will be monitoring the reorganization of the company.

If the reorganization fails and California Wow goes bankrupt, the OCP will make claims for damages by affected customers.

However, if the fitness chain has any chance of recovering, it should be given that opportunity, Mr. Jirachai said.

The OCP has written a letter to both Thai commercial banks, the Bank of Ayudhya and Krung Thai Bank, asking to withhold payment from California Wow members for three months.

Consumers looking for more information, or who would like to receive compensation from the company, may contact the OCP Board during office hours.

Related items

[TheWalkingMan]

Tony's Gym should be Tony's Hotbox - The place to sweat before you pick up one weight.

I used that little gym on Soi Buakaow before, just a few fans but only 79 baht per visit.

[ricklev]

Thai Fitness Club In Poor Financial Health

Members of the California Wow Xperience fitness club are irate over a letter asking for a membership fee increase, even after the fitness club closed several branches. The company is being sued in Bankruptcy court for unpaid debts of 76 million baht.

BANGKOK – August 14,2012 [PDN]; The California Wow Xperience Ltd. last week sent a letter to fitness center members to increase the annual membership fees for lower-paying customers.

For members paying less than 40,000 baht per year, the membership fee increase would rise from 100 baht to 600 baht. Members paying more than 40,000 baht in fees per year would pay only the same $100 fee increase.

The ailing fitness club has gradually closed various branches, including the last remaining Siam Paragon branch.

Mr. Jirachai Multhongroi, Secretary-General of the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP), said he has received more than 100 complaints from fitness club members since late April.

As a result, the Consumer Protection Board called the entrepreneur to negotiate. At first, the company welcomed canceled contracts by customers and was willing to pay their damages.

But the company later wrote a request to the Consumer Protection Board to allow them to stop receiving the complaints for a while, because the company was currently in the process of financial recovery.

After its recovery, California Wow plans to allow customers to visit any branch, and to extend memberships beyond a year.

The OCPs sub-committee of lawsuit screening had written to the court to inquire about the fitness company’s situation. The court confirmed that the company had filed for reorganization, after a lawsuit by a Bangkok bank in Bankruptcy Court, claiming unpaid debts of 75.78 million baht.

The next court hearing on the case is scheduled for August 18. A decision is expected to be finalized by September 2012. Meanwhile, the Consumer Protection Board will be monitoring the reorganization of the company.

If the reorganization fails and California Wow goes bankrupt, the OCP will make claims for damages by affected customers.

However, if the fitness chain has any chance of recovering, it should be given that opportunity, Mr. Jirachai said.

The OCP has written a letter to both Thai commercial banks, the Bank of Ayudhya and Krung Thai Bank, asking to withhold payment from California Wow members for three months.

Consumers looking for more information, or who would like to receive compensation from the company, may contact the OCP Board during office hours.

Related items

What an absurd piece of writing and/or translating, Long live mediocrity!

[tropo]

What an absurd piece of writing and/or translating, Long live mediocrity!

If you don't like the translation, why don't you find the Thai transcript and read that.

I understand it and it offers a glimmer of hope.

[toenail]

Did I read that correctly?????? "40,000 baht"??????? MG... A membership at a 5 star hotel is less than that... maybe 20,000 -25,000 baht and with smiling staff that knows your name, a sauna, lockers and towels Stupid.

[tropo]

Did I read that correctly?????? "40,000 baht"??????? MG... A membership at a 5 star hotel is less than that... maybe 20,000 -25,000 baht and with smiling staff that knows your name, a sauna, lockers and towels Stupid.

I'd say very few people paid that much - perhaps none.

[JanKlaasen]

Did I read that correctly?????? "40,000 baht"??????? MG... A membership at a 5 star hotel is less than that... maybe 20,000 -25,000 baht and with smiling staff that knows your name, a sauna, lockers and towels Stupid.

They are talking 40.000 Baht lifetime memberships, the 20 - 25.000 Baht hotel gyms are yearly.

[marmaduke]

The 100 baht yearly renewal always seemed surprisingly low to me. Perhaps if they charged more in the past to cover their expenses

members would not be in this position. If they can open again I welcome the 600 Baht renewal charge. I have a lifetime membership

with the wife and we paid over 40,000 total. $20- bucks a head , per year to help California Wow pay bills seems like a mere pittance. That,s $1.66 a month.

If you break it down x maybe 7000 members thats $11,600 a month or 359,600 Baht . This would cover their electric , mortgage, insurance, and misc expenses. Bite my head off it you like but it should be worth $20- a year and more, to each and every one of us. Regardless of what we pay for the yearly, and lifetime memberships. Monthly's should be prorated a bit lower of course. just saying!

Edited August 17, 2012 by marmaduke

[JanKlaasen]

The 100 baht yearly renewal always seemed surprisingly low to me. Perhaps if they charged more in the past to cover their expenses

members would not be in this position. If they can open again I welcome the 600 Baht renewal charge. I have a lifetime membership

with the wife and we paid over 40,000 total. $20- bucks a head , per year to help California Wow pay bills seems like a mere pittance. That,s $1.66 a month.

If you break it down x maybe 7000 members thats $11,600 a month or 359,600 Baht . This would cover their electric , mortgage, insurance, and misc expenses. Bite my head off it you like but it should be worth $20- a year and more, to each and every one of us. Regardless of what we pay for the yearly, and lifetime memberships. Monthly's should be prorated a bit lower of course. just saying!

359.600 Baht that would cover maybe the running costs for 1 month at 1 branch.Not really a killer sum isn't it.

If you talk 7000 Members that would mean all branches have to stay open.

I think they are talking 600 Baht a month for members who got cheap lifetime memberships, which i think is still reasonable taking in mind the equipment they provide.

[tropo]

They are asking for 700 baht per month, not per year.

Edited August 17, 2012 by tropo

[TingTong187]

I can see Cali WOW from my apartment and I've just noticed the lights and sign have now been turned on, which is the first time in weeks.

I would go down and have a look but I'm busy. Good news maybe?

[JanKlaasen]

I can see Cali WOW from my apartment and I've just noticed the lights and sign have now been turned on, which is the first time in weeks.

I would go down and have a look but I'm busy. Good news maybe?

Are you talking about the Pattaya branch? Tropo come on mate, you are living closest, we expect a full report in the next 30 minutes

[TingTong187]

I can see Cali WOW from my apartment and I've just noticed the lights and sign have now been turned on, which is the first time in weeks.

I would go down and have a look but I'm busy. Good news maybe?

Are you talking about the Pattaya branch? Tropo come on mate, you are living closest, we expect a full report in the next 30 minutes

Yeah Pattaya branch. Lights are on. Tried the phone but it's off.

[JanKlaasen]

I can see Cali WOW from my apartment and I've just noticed the lights and sign have now been turned on, which is the first time in weeks.

I would go down and have a look but I'm busy. Good news maybe?

Are you talking about the Pattaya branch? Tropo come on mate, you are living closest, we expect a full report in the next 30 minutes

Yeah Pattaya branch. Lights are on. Tried the phone but it's off.

Ok,I know you're busy. Just handcuff her to bed and go have a look please.

[TingTong187]

Ok had a look, but not much to report. The Cali wow sign is flashing for the first time in weeks. There are some lights on the outside of the building that are not normally on.

Inside the shutter is still down, the front desk is coated in dust and there are some lights on in the lobby area.

No idea what is happening, but they have got power to the building unlike before...

Edited August 17, 2012 by TingTong187

[tropo]

Take it easy guys. We've waited more than a month - another day won't make any difference.

[JanKlaasen]

Ok had a look, but not much to report. The Cali wow sign is flashing for the first time in weeks. There are some lights on the outside of the building that are not normally on.

Inside the shutter is still down, the front desk is coated in dust and there are some lights on in the lobby area.

No idea what is happening, but they have got power in the building unlike before...

Thanks for the report.

[Fgis]

Wow, I like this movie, what will happen to California Wow Thailand !

Luckily we have new Tony BUAKAO gym to wait until Cwow recovering...

[doggie888888]

Ok had a look, but not much to report. The Cali wow sign is flashing for the first time in weeks. There are some lights on the outside of the building that are not normally on.

Inside the shutter is still down, the front desk is coated in dust and there are some lights on in the lobby area.

No idea what is happening, but they have got power to the building unlike before...

This should be CAWOW's new slogan: The light's are on but nobody's here!!!!

[tropo]

Ok had a look, but not much to report. The Cali wow sign is flashing for the first time in weeks. There are some lights on the outside of the building that are not normally on.

Inside the shutter is still down, the front desk is coated in dust and there are some lights on in the lobby area.

No idea what is happening, but they have got power to the building unlike before...

This should be CAWOW's new slogan: The light's are on but nobody's here!!!!

Can you imagine the shock and horror if they reopen again. I'll be down there in a shot to pay my 700 baht monthly fee... (which will really upset the moralists on here).

[JanKlaasen]

Ok had a look, but not much to report. The Cali wow sign is flashing for the first time in weeks. There are some lights on the outside of the building that are not normally on.

Inside the shutter is still down, the front desk is coated in dust and there are some lights on in the lobby area.

No idea what is happening, but they have got power to the building unlike before...

This should be CAWOW's new slogan: The light's are on but nobody's here!!!!

Can you imagine the shock and horror if they reopen again. I'll be down there in a shot to pay my 700 baht monthly fee... (which will really upset the moralists on here).

I agree with you.If the electric was turned on than probably something has changed as a result of the court meeting from last Wednesday, and we only can hope that there is a reopening soon.

It sounds very quiet from the Seadoo side, don't you think?