MSE News: Fitness First hikes prices by up to a third

Former_MSE_Guy

This is the discussion thread for the following MSE News Story:

"The gym chain is facing the wrath of members after announcing an inflation-busting price rise for thousands of users ..."

Read the full story:
Fitness First hikes prices by up to a third

Mr_Thrifty

Oooh my, he he he. Looks like all the fitness fanatics out there will be out of pocket. Tee hee hee

welshdent

They only put mine up by 60p .... I am paying something like £28 a month. Most people I know there are paying less than £35 so still cheaper than all the other local gyms

vikingaero

MoneySavers have not only expressed their anger at the rise but many report the company has made it impossible to cancel their membership before the 1 January increase due to a quirk in its rules

Depends if you have the balls to cancel your DD and ignore all the Debt Collection Agency letters and calls:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/741653

sturgeon

I could not believe my letter yesterday....a 2.5% VAT rise has led to my price going from £26.95 a month to £36.95 a month, a 36% increase!

It's an absolute joke. How on earth do they think they can get away with such an unjustified hike?

Unfortunately it's the cheapest gym in the area, only premium health clubs like Esporta and David Lloyd are around. However, I only go 3 times a week if that, only use pretty much one or two cardio machines and occasionally weights.

However, it's a bit grotty in there, the TV's are often switched off or have bad picture/reception, there's no swimming pool, the whole place is slightly run down.

I am hoping to negotiate something with them as I don't make use of their policy where I can use other gyms in the chain, I go only a few times a week plus I go pretty late, from 8.45pm onwards.

If not, I really will have to cancel. I'd like to just buy the equipment I use but I live in a flat and can't annoy the neighbours below me!

hank009

Well most the people at my gym are in the same situation signed up to 2 year deals now fitness first is trying to raise prices and we have not had our 2 years when I phoned head pffice they said you can't cancel we believe this is in breach of the law making the contract detrimental to the consumer.

I urge everyone to send a letter to John Gambel UK Director who signed the letter and complain and ask for a reply within 7 days then send it to the office of fair trading and also post it on watchdog warn everyone about sharp practice .

Our gym is dirty unhealthy with mould in the shower areas and also the padding on the machines is worn and broken so it causes cust when you use it.

corbyboy

It's pretty amazing that Fitness First are allowed to give less notice to increase prices than their customers have to give to cancel their contracts.

And dating the letters 30 November was very clever by the way.

Tupperware_Queen

years ago I got out of a years contract with fitness first when they closed their creche with very little notice. It was the only gym in the area with a creche, at the time I had a 1 year old, so it was crucial in my decision to go with them. Literally turned up with my friend for our class, to find a note on the creche door saying it was closed indefinately - it never reopened.

I tried to talk to the manager, who was not in the least interested, and got same response from the head office. I sent a letter by recorded delivery to both the gym and head office stating the reason why I was cancelling, and that I would no longer pay the direct debit. I got a couple of stroppy letters saying I must pay - but they never followed it up.

hank009

I have just spoken to the Office of fair trading and they said the more people that contact them the more chance of them taking it up
and if you were assured verbally that the price was fixed for a period of time they need to know this

tel 08454040506

wavey_dave_2

I took out a discounted membership of £41 in May for a year. My increase is to £52.90! I phoned FF who said it was in the terms and conditions to increase the price. They offered to reduce it to £46 if i changed my membership to one club only. I phoned OFT who said if it was in the terms and agreements then it was legal. They suggested i sent a letter to FF with my complaint.

andy69_2

Absolute rip off!! Was anyway now its just stupid!!!!! Dont join!!!