Complaint Review: Crossfit Ft Lauderdale

I signed a 6-month contract with The Playground Gym - Crossfit Ft Lauderdale in September 2010.  Things were going well, I felt great and even became friends with the owners Steve (somewhat) and Mike (particularly).  I did get in better shape and the Crossfit organization as a whole is worthwhile.  It's locations where less-than-honorable people get in and rip-off clients.  After 8-months of working out, I broke my ankle and my leg.  I had a plate and 10 screws inserted into my leg as part of the recovery process.  I had contacted the gym and emailed Mike and told him about my predicament and sent him pictures of the x-rays and explained that I didn't want to cancel my membership but would need to postpone paying on the account in which he agreed by email.  May, June came and there were charges.  I emailed Mike at the gym and asked him about the charges and he assured me that he would take care of it.  Month after month, the charges kept coming.  I emailed Mike and told him I was going to dispute the charges and did so.  Amex credit card kept going back-and-forth between us, never taking a stance and taking any one side.  I would dispute, the charges would come off, then the charges would be put back on because the Gym disputed on the grounds that I did not come in to cancel my membership.  I called and left voicemails and even went to the gym and left a message, never a call-back.  Sent copies of the emails where I was told I would not be charged.  

I finally just accepted the charges and paid the $1000.00 because it was already approaching 6 months of fighting the issue.  This gym has lost a life-long member.  I'll never understand the gym's stance.  I have joined two other Crossfit gyms and it's month to month, never a contract.  Look for a Crossfit gym that is month to month.  Forget this gym.  If anything happens to you, the money grubbers at The Playground will not make any exceptions - they take your money no matter the circumstances.  Beware, this gym is not looking out for you.  There are other Crossfit gyms but I wouldn't use Crossfit Affliction is same gym.  There are now many Crossfits in the area - avoid these two.