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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The Gold's Gym in the 7600 block of N. Union Boulevard in Colorado Springs is closed after a civil deputy with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office was court ordered to lock the building Wednesday.

The gym is an individually owned and operated franchise and according to court documents, Fitness Consortium LLC, of Bellevue Wash., owes $1.02 million in back rent and has failed to pay rent in a timely manner starting back in 2009.

Victor Garcia is just one of dozens of gym patrons who tried to enter the building Thursday and were turned away.

"They just took out a payment on the 8th [of November], and I just went to the bank and asked what I can do," Garcia, a Gold's Gym member, said.

Officials with Fitness Consortium said they've been in negotiations with the landlord and are still at an impasse.

Fitness Consortium said Trevor Poling, the president and CEO of the franchise, would be the key person to talk to.

Poling did not return phone calls.

"I'm sad that it's closed. I miss the gym and want to go back and start lifting and see my friends," Kris Schumacher, a Gold's Gym member, said.

Gold's Gym International, issued this statement Thursday:

"Gold's Gym International, which is the franchisor of the individually owned and operated Gold's Gym franchise location at Briargate, has stepped in to ensure that the facility will stay open and that members can continue their workouts without disruption. We are working closely with the landlord and hope to have the gym open for business tomorrow under new management. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience but are looking forward to welcoming back our members."