I have been a member of Ladies Workout Express in my area since it opened its doors in August.in defense of LWE I must say that the majority of my experience with the franchise had been a pleasant one.
However, this particular branch picked up a new employee in the last six months that clearly has behavioral issues. The intimidation process started out gradually where this employee would follow me throughout the circuit forever telling me that I was using each piece of equipment incorrectly. I mentioned that I had been a member for a lot longer than she and had gone through the intro on how to use everything when I joined - this just seemed to fuel her need to dominate the situation.
Being the type of person that likes solitude when I workout, I quit going to the center altogether for over two months because I found myself leaving angry after every encounter with this new employee instead of feeling like I just accomplished something.
After a couple of months passed by, I telephoned LWE at the number on its contract to cancel my membership because I figured why pay if I wasn't going to attend. I was told that I was not allowed to terminate my 3 year contract based solely on "employee intimidation" and that when I was able to cancel I would have to do so in person at the center.
For some reason, I decided to give the center another shot - after all, I had almost forgotten how intimidating this new employee was. Well, it didn't take long for the employee to refresh my memory. Shortly into my workout, Atila (an AKA of course) began sitting on the machine across from where I was and just stared at me.
I found it a bit disturbing so when it was time to change stations I moved to the other end of the circuit as a hint. The hint stuck for about a minute when Atila again sat on the machine across from me and just stared. This time instead of moving down the circuit attempted to ignore her. Suddently, she came rushing over to tell me that I was using the machine improperly as she had in the past except this time she jerked my arm off the elbow pad of the machine.
Not being able to contain my anger any longer, I told her to take her hands off me and to never touch me again - especially without my permission. Imagine my surprise when instead of an apology she said in an overly sarcastic tone, "well I was told by the center owner to correct ALL client's behavior and if she happens to say something about your use of the machine when I am around I am just going to have to tell her I spoke to you but you refused to let me help you" and she walked away.
I told her that that would be fine, but I was so torked at the idea I was having to pay dues to endure this type of psychotic (sorry lack of a better word but fits the scene) that I never finished my workout I stretched and left.
Two days later, I still had not gotten over the incident but did not want to face Atila again. So, I waited until late evening when I knew she wouldn't be there and went down to cancel my membership.
The gal at the counter asked me if she offered me 1/2 off if I would be willing to stay with the center. I told her that I would be willing to stay at the regular price if Atila did not work there and I explained what was going on. She was very apologetic and said that she understood as the center had received multiple complaints already about Atila.in fact, this employee said that Atila would often use the same behavior with other center employee but that the owner lived so far from the center she needed Atilia to open in the early mornings.
Anyway, that was six weeks ago - that I canceled my membership that is but I notice LWE is still billing my credit card. I realize that my contract won't run out until August - but is it really fair that I should have to continue paying dues to a center I do not want to frequent because of employee abuse? Isn't there some law to protect the client from having to endure an employee from verbally harrassing her while she utilizes the center and if not that at least from touching her without permission?
I will be calling my credit card company on Monday to find out how to stop the LWE charges. Yes, I will finish paying my dues if necessary to keep my good credit rating. But, I also do believe the public has the right to know that joining this fitness center may not be in her best interest. After all, who wants to pay to be intimidated and humiliated while she is trying to get in a little exercise?
Pamela
Yakima, Washington
U.S.A.
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