LA Fitness, the largest private gym chain in the United States with over 700 locations nationwide, is currently embroiled in a legal battle initiated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC accuses the company of making it excessively difficult for members to cancel their memberships.
The FTC's complaint highlights numerous customer grievances about facing hurdles and recurring charges when trying to terminate their services. This cumbersome and opaque cancellation process has sparked complaints in cities like Miami and throughout Florida, areas where the company has a significant presence.
In addition to LA Fitness, the operators involved—Fitness International, LLC and Fitness & Sports Clubs, LLC—also manage brands such as Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio, collectively serving a membership base of 3.7 million people.
According to the FTC, members wishing to cancel must download a form from the company's website and provide information that is often difficult to recall. Those attempting to cancel in person encounter restricted office hours or must meet with a manager, adding further complications to the process.
Cancellation by mail is no easier. The agency points out that it incurs additional costs, and many consumers continued being billed even after requesting cancellation, despite attempts to block payments through their bank or credit card. The FTC claims the company re-billed these amounts using new account numbers.
"It's a situation too many Americans have faced—an impossible-to-cancel gym membership," stated Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the Consumer Protection Bureau, in an interview with Telemundo 51.
Jill Hill, President of Club Operations at Fitness International, refuted these allegations, claiming compliance with the "click-to-cancel" rule by offering online cancellation with a few clicks.
Membership costs range from $30 to $299 per month, excluding annual fees and additional services. For thousands of users in southern Florida and other states, this cancellation process has become a financial and administrative nightmare.
Common Questions About LA Fitness Membership Cancellations
Why is LA Fitness facing a lawsuit?
LA Fitness is facing a lawsuit due to allegations by the FTC that the company makes it excessively difficult for members to cancel their gym memberships.
What obstacles do customers face when trying to cancel their membership?
Customers reportedly face a complicated cancellation process, including the need to download forms, restricted office hours for in-person cancellations, and difficulties with stopping automatic billing.
How has LA Fitness responded to the allegations?
LA Fitness has denied the allegations, with Jill Hill, the President of Club Operations, asserting that they comply with online cancellation rules.