Blink Fitness, Equinox-owned gym chain, files for bankruptcy

Blink Fitness, an affordable gym chain owned by Equinox aimed at making "every body" feel welcome, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company said Monday. The announcement comes as the company struggles to draw throngs of fitness enthusiasts back to its gym in a post-pandemic world. 

Blink has long positioned itself as a welcoming and inclusive fitness chain for the masses with a focus on "democratizing fitness for all," according to the announcement. Chapter 11 bankruptcy was determined to be the "best path forward" for the chain," Blink president and CEO Guy Harkless said in a statement. The move is aimed at facilitating a sale process in order to "position the business for long-term success."  

Blink members will be able to continue utilizing fitness centers through the sale process, the company said.