Hong Kong should make better use of its public gyms by allowing online safety briefings and penalising no-shows, an industry leader and a lawmaker have urged after the ombudsman identified management loopholes.

The Office of the Ombudsman launched the inquiry into public gym management on Tuesday, noting that rigid mandatory training requirements combined with a severe shortage of places were creating significant barriers to public participation and leaving facilities underused.

The watchdog also flagged booking loopholes for monthly ticket holders, including late cancellations and the absence of penalties for no-shows.

Gordon Yau Yick-chung, chairman of the Hong Kong Fitness Guide, on Wednesday described the briefing and training requirements as outdated.