On Wednesday’s Backchat, we're talking about the financial viability of fitness chains.

From the sudden closure of Physical Fitness to one of its competitors facing civil action over alleged unpaid rents, the city's gyms are experiencing rough times, amidst increasing operating costs and changing consumer habits.


Some lawmakers are hoping to enact new laws to safeguard consumer rights, and unionists want personal trainers to be given a better safety net.


The Consumer Council has so far received almost 5,000 complaints involving close to HK$35,000 per case, whilst 670 personal trainers sought help from the Labour Department over the closure of Physical branches.


Would new laws help better protect gym consumers? And do fitness centres need to re-invent themselves?


After 9:45, we talk about flying vehicles, as transport minister Lam Sai-hung announced that the city would begin testing out flying cars.

9:05am-9:45am: Financially struggling gym operators


9:05am-9:15am: Prof Andy Kwan, Director of the ACE Centre for Business and Economic Research

9:05am-9:45am: Andrew Cox, Co-Founder and Director of Joint Dynamics and author of the Joint Dynamics podcast.

9:30am-9:45am: Doreen Kong, Lawmaker




9:45am-10:00am: Flying car trial plans


9:45am-10:00am: William Wong, Lawmaker and Professor at the Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong