Avoid Fitness First as I just been conned by them

jpezuk

Dear all,

I am seeking advice as I have just discovered that I have been conned by Fitness First. I was originally going to sign up to LA Fitness but was put off by its 12 minimum contract and when I spoke to Fitness First in Fareham, I was told I could cancel at any time.

After the assurance I could cancel at any time, I signed up to Fitness First on a 12 month contract. All I needed to do is write a letter giving one month's notice. It is now 6 months into the contract and I had to save money so I decided to cancel my gym membership.

I sent a recorded letter to cancel and didn't get a response. I phoned up the branch and there was no one to help me and I didn't get a returned call. I phoned up the head office and the told me I couldn't cancel and that the only person I could complain to was the branch manager. When I rang the branch manager to complained he said it was the first time he has received a complaint.

I feel so conned as I was under good faith to trust the staff at Fitness First but they obviously lied.

What can I do to cancel it?

If there is one thing I learnt the gym industry are cowboys and will never use on ever again. I am quite shocked there are people out there that don't have a conscious to decieve people.

Alias_Omega

Your first step would be to check the terms on the paperwork that you signed. This should clear everything up.

LemonGrove

"Avoid Fitness First as I just been conned by them"

They have done something wrong with your membership so I'll avoid the entire nationwide company, thanks for the tip.

jpezuk

Alias_Omega wrote: »

Your first step would be to check the terms on the paperwork that you signed. This should clear everything up.

I didn't get a copy of the contract but I will ask the head office for a copy and after googling similar fitness first problems they apparently charge £10 for a copy of the contract!

I will keep everyone posted.

Anihilator

Why waste your time. The contract will be right.

You clearly didnt read it or are just lying to get out of it.

jpezuk

LemonGrove wrote: »

"Avoid Fitness First as I just been conned by them"

They have done something wrong with your membership so I'll avoid the entire nationwide company, thanks for the tip.

I have done some research and it's not just an exclusive problem with just Fitness First; all these gyms are it. I guess the moral of the story is not to trust the person asking you to sign the contract as they will manipulate the truth to acquire your signature.

HalfPint

jpezuk wrote: »

I signed up to Fitness First on a 12 month contract.

That says it all really....it's a 12 month contract...which usually means you are tied in for 12 months. I know it;s a bit late but you shouldn't take the "salesman's" word for it...check the terms and conditions before you sign.

Maybe if you try explaining your situation rather than complaining, they might be a little bit more helpful.

HP x

BFG_2

Cancel your direct debit and let the to55ers try to sue you.......[they most likely won't bother].

geordieracer

jpezuk wrote: »

Dear all,

I am seeking advice as I have just discovered that I have been conned by Fitness First. I was originally going to sign up to LA Fitness but was put off by its 12 minimum contract and when I spoke to Fitness First in Fareham, I was told I could cancel at any time.

After the assurance I could cancel at any time, I signed up to Fitness First on a 12 month contract. All I needed to do is write a letter giving one month's notice. It is now 6 months into the contract and I had to save money so I decided to cancel my gym membership.

I sent a recorded letter to cancel and didn't get a response. I phoned up the branch and there was no one to help me and I didn't get a returned call. I phoned up the head office and the told me I couldn't cancel and that the only person I could complain to was the branch manager. When I rang the branch manager to complained he said it was the first time he has received a complaint.

I feel so conned as I was under good faith to trust the staff at Fitness First but they obviously lied.

What can I do to cancel it?

If there is one thing I learnt the gym industry are cowboys and will never use on ever again. I am quite shocked there are people out there that don't have a conscious to decieve people.

I think(and i may be worng) that the cancel clause is to terminate at the end of your contract by giving 1 months notice before it ends, as the contracts with Gyms are generally rolling contracts.

I wouldnt say you were conned though as you signed up to a 12 month contract.

Dozer_2

jpezuk wrote: »

After the assurance I could cancel at any time, I signed up to Fitness First on a 12 month contract. All I needed to do is write a letter giving one month's notice. It is now 6 months into the contract and I had to save money so I decided to cancel my gym membership.

I'm not sure why you would accept from the salesman that you could cancel a 12 month contract at any time. A 12 month contract is just that. Would you expect to be able to cancel a mobile contract early without financial penalty?

If you want to get out of the contract you would be better off complaining about the condition of the gym, unavailability of machines/classes when you visit etc. Bascially, a breach of their obligations to you as a customer.

If you cancel the DD they will bully you with debt collectors. However, it would be worth researching how many people they have actually taken to court........

Takoda

The best way f you only want to join for a fixed time is to pay up front for 3 months like I just did with Nuffield and then fill in a cancellation form there and then. Easy but you don't get the reduced rates they offer to 12 month subscribers.