I was coaxed into getting a gym membership by some friends that wanted me to work out with them together. What convinced me was a free one-month membership offer. I signed up but only went twice.
I have since moved from Centerville, so I called the gym to cancel my membership. I was told by the staff there to call "corporate" at 1-800-658-7727.
What I was told at "corporate" were the following things:
The contract I signed was going through January meaning it was a 3 year membership
The cancellation fee was 85% of the remaining contract
I live within a 25 mile radius of the nearest National Fitness affiliate, so therefore they could not outright cancel the contract without a cancellation feeI was appalled. I asked to be transferred to a complaints department, but I was told to simply to send my complaint into the company via postal mail. That is terrible customer service!
Upon review of the contract, the membership is actually non-cancelable. I'm not sure where that figure came from. Also, the supposed cancellation fee is so high at this point that there is little benefit to pay it.
I also was not told about the "25 mile radius rule." You know why? That term is in small print on the back of the contract, which I never acknowledged (you have to initial or sign to acknowledge disclosure, and there are no initials or signature on the back).
So let's look at the actual terms of the contract:
The actual "cost" of your membership accrues 19.5% interest over the term, meaning that they gain $230.24 solely in interest over the 3 year term.
Automatic renewal: "This agreement is non-renewable if this box is checked." By default, the contract is automatically renewable at the end of the 3 year term, and goes into a lifetime membership.
Promissory note: "I understand that, except as herein provided, my membership is non-cancellable (sic)." Going with the last statement, if you never checked the box, you now agree to pay Premier Ladies Fitness for the rest of your life.
Promissory note: "Should default be made on any monthly installment, the entire remaining sum due hereunder shall immediately be due and payable at the option of the owner of this note..." So if you miss a monthly payment, you're somehow supposed to come up with the money to buy the entire contract? Oh and at 10% annual interest too, as it goes on to say.
Promissory note: "The debtor waives presentment hereof for payment, protest, and notice of non-payment." That means you agree that Premier Ladies Fitness doesn't even have to notify you if you miss a payment.
Renewals: "Renewals are subject to postage and handling charges in addition to any processing fee marked on the contract." Even when you can't cancel your contract, Premier Ladies Fitness will charge you money for renewing it!
Entire Agreement: "This contract covers the entire agreement between Buyer and Seller. No prior discussions, agreements, and understandings are of any effect." THIS MEANS THE SALESPEOPLE CAN LIE TO YOU! As I've seen with many other reports, the sales reps can and will promise anything that will make you sign the contract, because this statement relieves them of any liability for doing so. This company is a racket at best, and a scam at worst. The "fitness trainers" are actually scummy sales people, looking for the next person to dupe so they can get paid a commission.in addition, they offer direct financial incentives for referrals, so it's a bit of a pyramid scheme as well. I am a professional salesman, and it's people/businesses like this that deprive our industry of integrity.
I have disputed the charge through my bank, and will be contacting the BBB and Ohio Attorney General's office soon.
Tl;dr - do not under any circumstances do business with this company.
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