Gym and Fitness Disputes: Cancellation and Billing Problems

Gym memberships are notorious for billing problems and cancellation nightmares. Whether you're fighting unfair fees, trying to escape a contract, or disputing unauthorized charges, understanding your rights helps you fight back. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides consumer protection resources for dealing with deceptive business practices.

Common Gym Problems

Billing Issues

• Continued billing after cancellation
• Unauthorized fee increases
• Hidden fees not disclosed
• Annual fees buried in fine print
• Billing after gym closes

Cancellation Problems

• Excessive notice requirements
• Cancellation fees
• Unclear cancellation process
• Ignored cancellation requests
• Auto-renewal traps

Contract Issues

• Long-term contracts
• Misleading sales practices
• Services not provided
• Facility closures
• Equipment not available

Your Cancellation Rights

State Law Protections

Many states require gyms to allow cancellation for:

• Relocation (moving certain distance away)
• Disability or illness
• Death of member
• Gym closure or location change
• Material service changes

Cooling-Off Period

• Many states require 3-5 day cancellation right
• Full refund if cancelled within period
• Must be disclosed in writing
• Check your state's specific requirements

How to Cancel Properly

Follow Contract Requirements

• Read your contract carefully
• Note required notice period (often 30 days)
• Use required method (certified mail is best)
• Keep proof of cancellation

Best Practices

• Send cancellation in writing
• Use certified mail with return receipt
• Keep copy of everything
• Follow up if no confirmation
• Document all interactions

Sample Cancellation Notice

Include:

• Your full name and address
• Membership/account number
• Statement that you're cancelling
• Effective date requested
• Request for written confirmation

If They Won't Stop Billing

Document Everything

• Keep copies of cancellation requests
• Note dates and names of people you spoke with
• Save email confirmations
• Get certified mail receipts

Take Action

1. Send formal demand letter
2. Dispute charges with credit card
3. Contact your bank about recurring charges
4. File complaint with state AG
5. Report to Better Business Bureau
6. Consider small claims court

Special Situations

Gym Closes

• Entitled to refund of prepaid fees
• State laws may require bond protection
• Don't accept transfers to other gyms you don't want
• File credit card dispute immediately

Moving

• Many states allow cancellation for relocation
• Usually requires proof (new address)
• Distance requirement varies (often 25+ miles)
• May have small administrative fee

Illness or Disability

• Medical cancellation rights in most states
• May require doctor's note
• Full or prorated refund
• Contract cannot override medical cancellation rights

Personal Training

• Often separate contracts
• May have different cancellation rules
• Unused sessions - check refund policy
• Trainer leaves - may have cancellation right

Fighting Back

State Attorney General

• File complaint with consumer protection division
• AG may investigate patterns
• Can result in gym changing practices
• Creates record of complaints

Small Claims Court

• Good for refund disputes
• Wrongful billing claims
• Breach of contract
• Often effective - gyms may settle

Credit Card Chargebacks

• Services not provided
• Continued billing after cancellation
• Unauthorized charges
• File within 60 days of statement

Prevention Tips

Before Signing

• Read entire contract
• Understand cancellation terms
• Note all fees (initiation, annual, enhancement)
• Get all promises in writing
• Research gym's complaint history

During Membership

• Monitor bank/credit card statements
• Report billing errors immediately
• Document any service issues
• Know your contract end date
• Cancel well before auto-renewal