Shi, from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, had purchased a three-year membership at the gym in May 2025 for 6,388 yuan (940 USD). His contract allowed him to use the facilities until April 2028. However, on 20/6, he received a message from the gym management informing him of his membership termination due to persistent complaints from other members about his body odor.

The gym explained its decision in the message: "We thought carefully for a long time before making this decision. We will refund the remaining period of your membership." They further elaborated on the challenging situation: "We are under business pressure due to the economic downturn and always try to treat every customer well. However, many customers have repeatedly complained that the strong body odor in the gym affected them. Therefore, we were forced to terminate his membership." Shi received a refund of 3,888 yuan (570 USD), along with a three-month membership at a different gym.

Shi sweating profusely at the gym. Photo: SCMP

A representative from Shi's former gym stated that he tends to sweat profusely and emit a heavy odor. They noted that many customers could smell the odor around machines Shi had just used or walked past, leading to reluctance from others to use equipment near him. The gym had previously attempted to mitigate the issue by assigning him equipment in a corner and requesting he visit during off-peak hours, but these measures did not resolve the complaints.

Shi admitted that he sweats a lot but emphasized that he regularly carries several towels to wipe away sweat and cover equipment to minimize any impact on other gym-goers. He became a dedicated fitness enthusiast a decade ago, having successfully reduced his weight from 125 kg to 80 kg. Since then, he has consistently trained five times a week.

Shi shared his story with Zhejiang Television, expressing his hope to be allowed to train at his old gym due to its proximity to his home. Since the program aired, there has been no further development, and it remains unclear if he has filed a complaint with relevant authorities.

Shi before losing weight, weighing about 125-130 kg. Photo: Zhejiang Television

The television program sparked a heated discussion on Chinese social media, with the majority of users expressing support for the gym's decision. One commenter wrote, "Oh my goodness, he even complained to the TV station. I side with the gym." Another user remarked, "He definitely has body odor. Just sweating wouldn't be that strong. I once had a client with body odor, and I couldn't breathe next to him." However, a third person countered, "Isn't that discrimination? A gym is where everyone sweats, after all."

Hong Hanh (According to SCMP, Sina)