SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The owner of Body Works Training and Rehab Centre has indefinitely closed his 26-year-old business.

Francis Chang, who opened the 54 Avenue gym in 1984, told Yellowknifer that while he's ready to call it quits, that doesn't leave out the possibility of others taking up the business.

"I've been there for 26 years. I've got lots of things to do. I thought I'd just move on," said Chang. "There are a couple interested parties, but that hasn't panned out as of yet, so I'm just going to wait and see and take it from there."

Chang did not return additional calls for comment.

Last week, Chang posted a one-page notice on the front door of the gym, indicating the business will be closed "until further notice."

"We are in discussions with potential buyers but this process has not been as expedient as we had hoped and our lease will expire Oct. 1," read the notice.

"Your remaining time on a membership will be refunded at your convenience ... We will be transferring all office coordination at 920-4756 to process refunds."

One of the "interested parties" cited by Chang is the business team of Corey Stead and Ken Balsillie, owners of Muscle Heads, an uptown store offering protein supplements and other workout boosters (see next page for story).

Stead, 31, who worked out at Body Works steadily since Grade 8, admitted that "We were talking to Francis about it," but the parties could not reach a deal.

"We could open two gyms up here for the price of buying that," said Balsillie.

Besides, added Stead, it's uptown Yellowknife that needs a gym, not the downtown core, which is already home to two other gyms: Breakaway Fitness Centre on 48 Street and The Racquet Club on 49 Avenue. Balsillie said that with Body Works closed, he will now go to Breakaway.

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