Photo courtesy of WEHO TIMES
After nearly 30 years as a staple of the Sunset Strip, Crunch Fitness West Hollywood (8000 Sunset Blvd) has officially announced it will permanently close its doors on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, reports WEHO TIMES.
The closure marks the end of an era for a gym that opened in 1997 and became one of the most famous—and at times, controversial—fitness hubs in the Los Angeles area.
According to a letter sent to members and staff on February 6, 2026, the primary reason for the shutdown is a real estate dispute.
Crunch management stated they were “unable to reach a favorable agreement with the landlord” to continue operations at the 8000 Sunset complex.
The closure coincides with a shift under new ownership (Leonard Green & Partners), which is pivoting toward a “Crunch 3.0” model—a redesign focusing more on holistic wellness, Olympic lifting, and infrared recovery, which may have been difficult to implement in the aging Sunset facility.
While not cited as the official reason for closing, the gym faced a challenging final year due to ongoing controversy in the locker rooms.
In early 2025, the men’s steam room was permanently shuttered following years of complaints regarding “lewd and inappropriate conduct.”
Following the loss of the steam room—a major draw for the local community—the gym reportedly saw a significant spike in membership cancellations, which likely impacted the location’s financial viability during lease negotiations.
The gym will remain fully operational until the end of business on March 31.
Staff members have been informed that their employment will conclude on the final day of operation.
Members are expected to receive follow-up information regarding the transfer of their memberships to other locations, such as Crunch Century City or Crunch Burbank.
