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Anytime Fitness review: cancel membership 33

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12:41 pm EST
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I signed up for a one year contract to Anytime Fitness in Parsippany, NJ. I became pregnant and my job transfered me from the Parsippany, nj location and was no longer able to continue membership. My contract ended in July but when I called to cancel they said I signed up for automatic renewal and sent a letter to cancel. It is December and they continue to with draw money from my account every month since July now they are charging me twice a month. I am still trying to cancel my membership. When you join this gym beware when you are ready to cancel it will not be easy. I would not recommend this fitness center to anyone.

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33 comments
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James Taylor
, US
Aug 26, 2019 6:25 pm EDT

THE SOLUTION: STAND OUTSIDE NEAR CURB WITH SIGN TELLING THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE TERRIBLE CANCELLATION POLICIES, HIDDEN FEES AND POOR MANAGEMENT. RUN THEIR BUSINESS OFF UNTIL YOU GET THE ATTENTION OF THE CRAPY MANAGER AND FRANCHISE OWNER.

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Ken Aguilar
Grants Pass, US
Mar 31, 2012 7:54 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

The anytime fitness in Grants Pass, OR. does not maintain equipment. The lat pull cable broke and herniated a disk in my back. Manager Denny said he could not see the cable since it was behind a shield so would replace them when they broke! Since I signed the standard agreement when joining I am responsible for the $4, 000 in medical expenses, physical therapy and $10, 000 of lost work. Not to mention the intense pain for the last 6 months. Only 6 -12 more months of healing left - at least I am back to work with minimal lifting. So beware, anything happens and they are not responsible!

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SpringHealthy
, US
Sep 08, 2016 9:04 pm EDT

Do not go to anytime fitness on rayford road in spring texas! The owner is a bad person and very rude! Wanted to cancel my membership the next day I signed up and he said & quot;well you go to your cheap club!" who says that? Really...

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ralph2172
Indianapolis, US
Aug 04, 2016 4:49 am EDT

The lady (Lindsay) in charge of this gym has no customer service experience. She and a couple of the trainers have belittled and made fun of some of the people at the gym. I'm in a customer-service oriented business and I would never treat paying customers this way. Lindsay stays on her phone, talking and texting, even while people try to talk to her. If for any reason you cannot get to the gym, she will tell you that you need to be at the gym no matter what. As soon as my contract is up I will be at another gym.

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ChiZ
Isle of Wight, GB
Mar 12, 2014 6:02 pm EDT

I'm living in Bradley Stoke, Bristol. I am completely disappointed with Anytime Fitness. After I completed my commitment period (12 months, . I was trying to terminate my contract because I move another area. But the owner of this Anytime Fitness centre suggested I should freeze my account until I could find another local Anytime Fitness centre. A couple of months later, I think there is not point to stay in gym because I spent most of my time doing running and cycling.

However, this owner told me that I have to pay a full month membership fee if I want to unfreeze my and account and terminate my contract. I believe whoever heard this, their first reaction must be - WTF! It's just too ridiculous.

I don't understand why their customers still have to pay if they choose not to use their facilities any more. I mean it is after the commitment period of contract. Is it just purely because Anytime Fitness is a very greedy company? I couldn't figure out any other reasons. For the owner herself, if she wants to terminate my membership, it only costs her a simple click on her computer. But she didn't realise that the greediness would significantly damage their business and the hard-bulit relationship between Anytime-fitness and their customers.

Yeap - anytime I think about this gym company, three letters pop up - WTF.

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lmB7
KANSAS CITY, US
Oct 08, 2013 1:39 pm EDT

I had a memebership at anytime fitness 1 yr under a contract and the 2nd yr was just month to month in lee's summit mo when i called them to cancel my memebrship the owner says to me sure no problem i'll send u a final statement cause my account wasnt on an auto pay that was in sept so in oct i recieve a voicemail from her stating that im being billed for the month of oct as well becasue my balance hasnt been paid she cant cancel my memebrship 1st of all she never sent my statement to me 2nd of all when a customer calls you and tells u i cant afford this anymore and i dont want to just keep being billed for something that im not able to pay right now why would you still continue to charge them you have already charged me the late fee i have never not paid my bill its ridiculous i would never go back to this gym or recommend i will say the owner did work with me from time to time on the late fee's but when you have so many other gyms out there and a loyal customer that was planning on rejoining when they were able to afford it again why would still put them out and still refuse to cancel the memebrship.

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Raman c
Quakers Hill, AU
Jan 29, 2013 2:25 am EST

I lives in a Quakers Hill, NSW, my conract is finished with Anytime fitness a month ago, when I asked them to do not renew my contract they said it doesnt matter if contarct is finishef and asked me to provide written cancelation request 30 days before. They still deducting monthly fees from direct debit account.
Everyone please be an extra Carefully...

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red007
Atlanta, US
Dec 17, 2012 7:32 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I am having trouble with Anytime Fitness in Cumming, GA. It is December. I canceled on May 31, 2012. It was 30 days notice on the contract. I have sent 3 letters and sent the second one certified mail return receipt, which was signed by one of the workers at the gym. They have been billing me two to three times a month and when I try to dispute with my credit card, they actually lie and say that I never sent a letter to cancel! I have proof! I canceled the Credit card they had on file and somehow they got my new number and started biling the 2-3 times a month out of that one of course without my permission. I have submitted a complaint with the better business bureau. I am hoping they can help. If not, I will have to have an attorney write them a letter, then it's court! It's so ridiculous! I have joined so many gyms before and NEVER had these issues. I should have known because the place was a dump.

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JonOlick
Sunnyvale, US
Aug 07, 2012 11:48 am EDT

This is f'ing predatory business practices and we shouldn't put up with it. A membership to a fitness center should not be like getting a mortgage on your house. Enough is enough.

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jo1923
Ruston, US
Jan 06, 2012 5:36 am EST

Some one need to check the legality of this type of 'Autorenewal' of Membership. To me it is a trick to defraud vulnerable people.
I am a victim.

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disgraced gym rat
Topeka, US
Dec 19, 2011 3:39 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

If you did send the copy in and hopefully you kept a copy and or sent it in by certified mail then call Anytime Fitness Corporate with your complaint and proof, go anytimefitness.com and call and or email corporate.

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heynoww
Calverton, US
Dec 18, 2011 4:06 am EST

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

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disgraced gym rat
Topeka, US
Dec 09, 2011 5:36 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Quickwitt, I have never had a membership that did not ask for a canel in writting, I am sure it was in your contract, it is in mine... and think about it if you send it certified mail which is what $5? then atleast you know they received it. The other thing is I was reading my contract if you were injured you need to have a Dr's script to cancel the membership if you have permanent disabilty from your injury. I believe they can freeze your membership with the Dr's note..follow the rules. As far as stalling, I put that on you as all they ask for is certified mail with a 30 day cancel policy. And as far as a 10 page agreement mine is only the front page to fill out and the back to read, get over yourself and grow up. The policy is standard in the industry. Grow up.

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Quickwitt
, US
Dec 09, 2011 7:25 am EST

Nobody is out to get you... If you're having troubles with a company and a contract, act reasonably, follow the rules and be patient. In cases like the above, no one at ATF held a gun to your head and made you sign a legally binding contract. Yes, contract terms can be in depth, but guess what, that's what companies have to do to protect themselves from fraud and provide a service to a the customer that usually, when a contract is signed, provides the customer a better long term deal for their commitment, . Imagine a world where I can get out of any contract, at anytime, whenever you want, no hassle, no repercussion's. Then so should the company...that would lead to chaos all around. C'mon people... you act as if someone is really out to get YOU. Most of the owners of ATF locations are average people like you and I. They might make between 40-80k per year if they're lucky. Small businesses and their owners take all the risks, so they need secure income too, just like you and me.

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BurnInHEDoubleHockeySticks
, US
Sep 07, 2011 7:58 pm EDT

I picked up an injury and Anytime Fitness refused to cancel my membership in person, over the phone (even after asking me all my security questions), via email, or in writing via mail. The only way they will accept is via Certified mail, and guess who goes through the hassle and has to pay the extra money for that.

They know I want to cancel and they are just using this ridiculous policy as a way of trying to stall me so they can keep drawing my money. I hate anytime fitness! There is no excuse for this policy, and don't give me that crap about reading the agreement. That is like the credit card companies putting tiny print in their 10 page agreements and then using predatory practices. This kind of thing should be outlawed.

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Stoney mountain
, US
Aug 27, 2011 4:27 am EDT

I do not recommend anytime fitness.

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Stoney mountain
, US
Aug 27, 2011 4:23 am EDT

I went through their cancelations process and they are still taking money from my account. Don't sign the contract...it not worth it. Pay for a real gym, it will cost you the same in the long run and you'll have a lot more amenities. Or! Just do P90 x at home. This gum really sucks in hindsight...live and learn.

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Stoney mountain
, US
Aug 27, 2011 4:18 am EDT

Well, I have been trying to cancel my membership for 3 months now. I was with them for over a year so I was month to month. I returned my key, called the number they provided me and sent a certified letter stating my desire to cancel. I'm still being charged. The whole business of their cancellation process is very shady and designed to squeeze every last cent from they customers. I finally decided to sue and i was awarded a decent sum of money. Long story short, it was a happy ending...for the good guy!

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Bu Lai Fu
, US
Aug 20, 2021 9:58 pm EDT

Anytime fitnrss north dirksen parkway Springfield Illinois. Same problem. Contract ended January 31. April 15 tried to cancel. Now august. Been there twice to cancel and they still charge me even though they took the key fob so i have no access to the gym! Jamal is the owner- do not ever sign a contract with him. Terrible business practice. Now i am prepping for small claims court. BBB tried with no response from the club. The corporate oversight tried but they got no response from Jamal either. Attorney general is next then your basic lawsuit. WTF jamal?

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razor161
, US
Apr 06, 2011 6:22 am EDT

give me a break If I should want/need to cancel there is no reason to make me pay another month except to squeeze evey last cent they can. My gym is thinking of removing the bench press... if they do I will cancel and im quite certain I will pay no penalties I signed up to use specific equipment if they take it away I feel they broke th deal not me. It sounds like AF should work on custome relations. Do you really want this kind of word of mouth?

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jason in GA
Canton, US
Mar 01, 2011 4:56 pm EST

Ask for a month-to-month membership! Here's a novel idea...Read the cancellation notes "prior" signing the contract and ask, "hey if i move, or get pregnant, or contract some illness...whatever may preclude you from attending that specific gym-find out specifically what you need to do. More often than not if you just keep them informed in person, you will be good to go! Most of these are independently owned and operated and word of mouth travels fast (good or bad).
Stupidity is not an affirmative defense people...read and ask questions!

Did you finance your annual membership? Anyone financing an annual membership is either stupid or just stupid! If you finance a car, house, etc, do you think you can just get out of it because you want to? You signed the papers, so you are responsibly obligated to honor that contract. If you never had to money to pay for your membership then why did you engage into a legal binding contract? Some of you just want everything free, makes me wonder how much jaw jacking you did in the gym vice that of working out to better you lifestyle!

Jason in GA

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michaeljordan44
, US
Jan 11, 2011 10:59 pm EST

I am currently stuck in the same predicament, I'm away from home and was told by the club that if I need to move back home for any reason I could cancel by showing proof of moving 25 miles away from an AF. Now ABC Financial is trying to add on a 50$ fee for canceling, even though I made sure there was no fee to cancel before i signed the contract. My contract and club both say that I won't receive a fee, however ABC says that I owe them 50$ and they have access to my account so I can't stop it.

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James L B
Grand Forks, US
Nov 26, 2010 8:34 pm EST

I've been a member for over three years. I recently bought some home equipment so I figured it was time to cancel. I called ABC financial since they deal with cancellations. Once I got the rep on the phone she proceeds to tell me I need to submit a written notice of cancellation one month prior. Now why would I ever need to give you a notice after paying my initial year? Things like this only make it so I won't return to Anytime Fitness.

On the positive side ATF did give me a fixed rate from the time I signed up so I've been paying 29 dollars a month for use of everything at their facilities. Also the staff has always been helpful, and courteous.

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d-bo
Hannibal, US
Oct 14, 2010 7:20 pm EDT

Why should you have to tell them why you want to cancel? I understand for feedback purposes but my reasons are MY business. If I go to a store and stop buying a particular brand of something (say napkins), I shouldn't have to tell the person at the register why I didn't pick up the usual brand. The whole "you still have to pay for an entire month even though you cancel" thins is pretty crappy. I'm over my 1 year and thinking about canceling. I've been reading about what I have to do.

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kinkaliciouslove
Brooksville, US
Dec 30, 2009 10:04 am EST

I am having trouble with Anytime fitness as well. My year contract was up, and the manager at my location said I would be month to month now. Well before moving to a different state, I had called the location to cancel, because I didn't have the money to pay for it, per no job. Well they proceed to say that they need a month in advance to cancel my membership. Now, why should we give a company a month in advance to cancel anything? When we want to cancel with the service, we should be granted that wish right away no questions asked. Why would I want to pay for another month of service when I don't even use your facility? I already go month to month, you should figure that when you call to cancel, you shouldnt have to pay for another month and waste your money when you're not even going to be using it.

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Complaint should be removed.
Lake Tapps, US
Nov 19, 2009 1:08 am EST

Contracts are a 'no brainer'... Most every business has them in 1 form or another.

Our member Agreement we signed at joining was 1 simple page.

We are very happy with Anytime Fitness!

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supersets2day
, US
May 25, 2009 2:58 pm EDT

I have worked at health clubs for years. People do NOT read there contracts. You have to read what you are signing and ask the sales person to explain it to you if you don't understand. Most clubs do have a 30, 60, or 90 day period prior to your membership expiration that you have to contact them in writing if you want to cancel. I live near this ATF and have heard nothing but good things about this facility and the owners. I actually may join because I work at a different club chain in the area and I can't get a peaceful work out in anymore because they keep bugging me. Good luck owners and consumers, please read your paperwork!

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AnytimeFitnessHater
, US
Apr 19, 2009 5:12 am EDT

The thought that you think you're in any way handling your customers in a legitimate way is disgusting. Any worth-while business is all about supporting the customers to enhance its public relations. Instead, Anytime Fitness decided to steal from any member not planning to spend the rest of their life at the gym. I hope this entire fraud of a corporation gets shut down forevor.

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disgraced gym rat
Topeka, US
Apr 04, 2009 10:28 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

On your contact you need to submit to the club a letter in writing canceling and I would do a certified letter that way someone has to sign for it. Also make a copy. This way you have proof of the date and time. Also if the owner/management of that club runs right you shouldnt have issues. Contact the home office since they are serious about complaints about the franchises.

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AnytimeFitnesssSucks
Apple Valley, US
Mar 14, 2009 9:11 pm EDT

I don't know about other any time fitness clubs but It was so difficult for me to cancel my membership. I went to the club to cancel but they gave me a business card to call this other place. I called but it wasn't business hours for that other place. Then I had to wait 3 days to call them (during their business hours) but a new month started and they charged me for that month. Luckily, I was on a month-to-month payment option BUT I was still cahrged for the NEW month even though I wanted to cancel my membership 3 days prior to the actual "new month"/ payment day. I don't suggest AnyTime fitness unless you're dedicated to stay at that club and enver plan on quitting.. EVER.

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Bob Messinger
Parsippany, US
Dec 18, 2008 7:19 pm EST

Please note that the above comment was entered via my account by member J.M. who came in to cancel as I was finishing my own comment, and she asked if she could post her own response.

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Bob Messinger
Parsippany, US
Dec 18, 2008 7:14 pm EST

I just moved from the Parsippany area and had to cancel my membership at this gym. All I had to do was write them a quick note that I had moved and supply them with something that had my new address on it (I showed them the first page of my new lease). They cancelled my membership immediately, and they didn't even charge me the 10% cancellation fee that's in the contract. Anytime Fitness is great!

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Bob Messinger
Parsippany, US
Dec 18, 2008 7:06 pm EST

I am the owner of this particular Anytime Fitness Center, and I wish to dispute this member's accusations. This member did, in fact, sign up for an automatic renewal. We honor cancellation of all automatic renewals with a 30-day written notice, per the terms of our membership agreement as approved by the State Attorney General's Office, and we keep records of such. Also, per the terms of her membership, all she had to do to cancel her membership at any time was to provide written notice of her move or medical condition, along with documentation of such, per terms of her agreement with us. We do this for members every day without complaint, as we stringently adhere to all New Jersey state laws regarding cancellations, and we keep strict records showing such. We are very careful to verbally explain how to cancel an automatic renewal at the start of every membership as well as the steps needed to cancel for other reasons. This member, however, did not supply the letter and the documentation required per her contract. All this member had to do was to follow the cancellation procedures outlined in her contract and as explained to her, and her cancellation would have been immediately processed, as we have done for scores of other members who adhere to their contract terms. As far as being charged twice in one month, there was an error which affected 19 of our members as we switched from one financial collection company to another. Our members were informed of this error, and their double charges were reversed within two business days. Regarding her allegation that she is still trying to cancel, her membership was cancelled the moment she provided what we asked her for. I truly resent this member's accusations. My wife and I opened this facility because we don't like the way most gyms treat their members. We do all we can to make our members happy and comfortable. We treat them as human beings, not as numbers the way most gyms do. The only thing we ask is that they live up to the terms of their membership agreements, which includes following the proper procedures for cancellation. We honor all valid cancellation requests upon receiving documentation. This member's discontent is the result of nothing more than her failure to live up to the terms of her agreement. When she finally did provide the documentation required, she demanded that I not charge her for several months that she did not use the gym "because it was in my power to do so." As most gym members know, they are required to pay dues whether or not they use the facility unless a freeze is requested. What this member does not know is that I was about to credit her account for several months until she rudely made her demand. Rather than take this disgruntled member's word, I urge anyone who is thinking of joining our gym to take advantage of our one-week free pass. You'll see how we explain all terms of the membership agreement upfront. And you'll get to ask our members how they feel about us. They'll tell you that Anytime Fitness is a great place to workout. Maybe even the best place to workout in the Parsippany area.