The sudden shutdown of several California Fitness & Yoga locations has left many members unable to use the services they paid for. Understanding the legal options can help you act quickly and protect your money.

According to the Vietnam Competition Commission, members of California Fitness & Yoga can take legal action in court to seek refunds after several gyms temporarily closed. This guidance was issued because the closures stopped members from using their contracts.

The commission noted that the membership handbook requires arbitration, but under Clause 2, Article 67 of the 2023 Law on Protection of Consumer Rights, consumers may choose other dispute methods. Therefore, members may file a lawsuit with a competent court instead of arbitration, even though the handbook mandates it.

The commission outlined two ways to pursue legal action. Members may directly file civil lawsuits with competent courts, or they may ask a consumer‑protection organization to represent them in court, as allowed by the 2023 Law on Protection of Consumer Rights.

To sue, members should keep their contract, payment receipts, company announcements, proof of services received, and any correspondence with the gym. Having these documents makes the court process smoother.

Nguyen Quoc Hoan said members are mainly trying to recover money paid for services they have not yet been able to use. This shows that, despite arbitration clauses, Vietnamese consumers have a clear legal route to claim refunds.