BOSTON -- A powerhouse in the workout world has apparently toppled -- leaving customers feeling weak and helpless.

NewsCenter 5's Rhondella Richardson reported that customers paid for memberships at Powerhouse Gym in Bellingham and then were locked out.

"I was going to work out. I can't believe it's closed," gym member Peter Recore said.

Recore's been a member for years. But Dennis Flinton just joined last month and paid $210 for the next six months. He said he feels ripped off -- especially since staff was pressuring him to pay even more for a personal trainer.

"(It was) $500 for the first six weeks. That's what they were offering me, and I'm glad they didn't take it," Flinton said.

The South Main Street gym in Bellingham has been dark and empty since Sunday. People were working out at the gym on Saturday.

"I think it's just terrible," Flinton said. "It's no so much the money. It is unethical."