State consumer protection officials advised an estimated 8,000 Bally Total Fitness customers Thursday to file formal complaints if they have problems getting refunds from the company, which closed two gyms Wednesday without warning.

Francine Giani, executive director of the state Department of Commerce, said Bally officials had "assured us that they are going to work with Utah members on issuing refunds." But she wanted affected members to know "they can file a complaint with us if they do not receive satisfaction from the company."

Information on filing a complaint with the state Division of Consumer Protection is available at www.consumerprotection.utah.gov and 801-530-6601.

Meanwhile, the Salt Lake Valley's six 24 Hour Fitness gyms have opened their doors to displaced Bally members.

"We invited them down to our clubs so they can work out for free for the rest of December," said Dan Ihler, manager of the 24 Hour Fitness club in Sugar House. "We're hoping this good faith expression of customer service will turn into some happy new members for us. It's unfortunate for the [Bally] members, so we wanted to make the transition easy for them so they could continue to work out."

Mike Gorrell