It was outrage from both. It interfered with couples attending together and many guys used that gym, because it was close to their home. And they didn't want to go to a different location. No one had a problem with women only nights or sessions, it was when they made it exclusively women only and then refused to give refunds to those that didn't like that arrangement, is when the trouble began.
Fitness Usa thought it had made a marketing savvy move by making it's most popular location near the shops here, women only. It backfired, as many couples using that location could no longer train together, and demanded refunds. They were refused, which fueled outrage and caused a backlash. Now there's only one franchise in this area left, And since they instituted this policy at other locations nationwide with similar results, the whole chain is in danger of collapse.