economy forces gymnastics club closure

Things are tough in Maryland:

… a staggering decline in student enroll-ment because of the faltering economy has taken its toll on his business, Barlow said. At the gym’s peak, about 700 students frequented the gym weekly for classes. In the past 12 months, those numbers have dropped by more than half, to about 300.

His business has suffered in other ways, too. His pro shop, where he retails athletic gear and clothing, has lost revenue, with sales falling by about 50 percent, he said.

And with so many other options today for kids’ birthday parties, parents have been less apt to book Barlow’s for such celebrations, he said. …

Longtime gymnastics training center closes – Economy forces owner to shutter Barlow’s after 25 years

Is your gym threatened?

… Barlow’s Gymnastics isn’t the only gym struggling with the recession. Universal Gymnastics, another Annapolis training center, also closed, with 1st Class Gymnastics absorbing almost all of its professional staff and enrollment in January 2008. …