Michael
Coral Springs,#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, April 24, 2007
I worked for Body Of Change for 2 years and I have seen alot of people get ripped off. so do the Fallowing and this should help. 1. never give them cash. It is supposed to be against policy to accept cash and there is no way they can give you proof of purchase. 2 I suggest asking who the trainer is certified through and they should cary a card around with them showing who they are cerified with and that card should have a 1800 # to contact the organisation to see if they are current. 3 all trainers are supposed to be CPR, and AED certified so ask for these things. 4. All trainers are supposed to go through contraindications before training. 5 the trainiers should be checking your blood pressure and weight befor training. The weight is recommended by not mandatory. Keep in mind the purpose of checking your wheight is to make sure you are properly hydtrated at the end of the session. 6. It is not a requirerment to check your body fat and measuremnets all the time but is a requirement in the beginning. I say this because some great trainer once told me that the measurements can always be taken improperly and that you will notice results from people that know you, you will notice results from your clothes. you will notice results from the way you feel. I am not sticking up for Body of Change at all or for any other gym for that matter. As a trainer I just want you all to know how to recognise the facts when looking for a trainer. when it comes to contracts for personal training the trainer should have to work for his money month to month. I wish you all well.
Michael
Coral Springs,#3UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, April 24, 2007
I worked for Body Of Change for 2 years and I have seen alot of people get ripped off. so do the Fallowing and this should help. 1. never give them cash. It is supposed to be against policy to accept cash and there is no way they can give you proof of purchase. 2 I suggest asking who the trainer is certified through and they should cary a card around with them showing who they are cerified with and that card should have a 1800 # to contact the organisation to see if they are current. 3 all trainers are supposed to be CPR, and AED certified so ask for these things. 4. All trainers are supposed to go through contraindications before training. 5 the trainiers should be checking your blood pressure and weight befor training. The weight is recommended by not mandatory. Keep in mind the purpose of checking your wheight is to make sure you are properly hydtrated at the end of the session. 6. It is not a requirerment to check your body fat and measuremnets all the time but is a requirement in the beginning. I say this because some great trainer once told me that the measurements can always be taken improperly and that you will notice results from people that know you, you will notice results from your clothes. you will notice results from the way you feel. I am not sticking up for Body of Change at all or for any other gym for that matter. As a trainer I just want you all to know how to recognise the facts when looking for a trainer. when it comes to contracts for personal training the trainer should have to work for his money month to month. I wish you all well.
Michael
Coral Springs,#4UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, April 24, 2007
I worked for Body Of Change for 2 years and I have seen alot of people get ripped off. so do the Fallowing and this should help. 1. never give them cash. It is supposed to be against policy to accept cash and there is no way they can give you proof of purchase. 2 I suggest asking who the trainer is certified through and they should cary a card around with them showing who they are cerified with and that card should have a 1800 # to contact the organisation to see if they are current. 3 all trainers are supposed to be CPR, and AED certified so ask for these things. 4. All trainers are supposed to go through contraindications before training. 5 the trainiers should be checking your blood pressure and weight befor training. The weight is recommended by not mandatory. Keep in mind the purpose of checking your wheight is to make sure you are properly hydtrated at the end of the session. 6. It is not a requirerment to check your body fat and measuremnets all the time but is a requirement in the beginning. I say this because some great trainer once told me that the measurements can always be taken improperly and that you will notice results from people that know you, you will notice results from your clothes. you will notice results from the way you feel. I am not sticking up for Body of Change at all or for any other gym for that matter. As a trainer I just want you all to know how to recognise the facts when looking for a trainer. when it comes to contracts for personal training the trainer should have to work for his money month to month. I wish you all well.
Joseph
Hollywood,#5Consumer Suggestion
Tue, April 24, 2007
This suggestion will take up approximately 6 hours (if that) of your life collectively over the next 2 months, however it is the fastest and most efficient way to get these corporate leaches off your back (and your paycheck!) The best way to get them off your back, credit report, and credit card is to #1 Send 3 certified letters (all the same letter) to the local company office in 3 day increments describing exactly what your claim is and clarifying your reasons, provide all proof and all names in this letter. #2 Contact consumer affairs to file a complaint, referencing the letter you sent with the copy of the delivery receipt #3 Contact the better business bureau to file a detailed complaint and referencing the letter you sent with the copy of the delivery receipt #4 Contact your credit card company and be sure to report every detail of all of your work until now to the company's fraud department and insist they investigate your case right away. #5 Call your local office and confirm they received your letters :). Be persistent and demand answers on the spot, they will answer some inquiries but avoid the main ones and tell you they will call you back, get their info including first and last name, residing office and extension #6 Call same rep again 3 days later demanding resolution #7 Call same rep again 3 days later checking status #8 Call again 3 days later Checking status (refer to the CA and BBB + your CC co) If he/she is not picking up your calls and not returning your calls I suggest you call every single day and leave at least 1 message each time until you get a response Leave as many messages as you think is necessary to get this rep to report this issue to his superior Be irritated and direct in your messages, this communicates determination which they respond to (Keep in mind the representative is instructed to say no, as many times as it takes but the cardinal rule in customer service: when the customer is very persistent and is NEVER satisfied with partial answers and superficial solutions the only way to get them (the persistent customer) off your back is to offer a satisfactory solution. #9 Call your credit card company since its been over 10 days since your request to investigate your claim, again insist this is important business that should be handled ASAP By this time the company in question has received repetitive contact from 2 Legitimate outfits; #1 - the BBB (your saving grace) #2 - your credit card company...Please note that they have already noted your own personal persistence, on the phone and by mail, and now they have to deal with the BBB and Your credit card company. In short the way they see it, the resources needed to resolve your particular case profitably outweigh their potential profit and just like being cornered in a chess game they will recognize their position and concede, and hey why blame them they have other people they need to rip off, and to them you're a lost cause! Fight back because what they are doing is stealing and your actions are nothing less than respectable and necessary Good Luck Joseph C.
Fawn
hollywood,#6Author of original report
Tue, July 25, 2006
Hi all, Thank you so very much for responding to this post and I truly appreciate your advice and kind words. I'm glad to hear that some of the things I went through can at the very least helpful in some way to you. There has been nothing more to report just yet. I'm awaiting Consumer Protection to initiate the mediation so I can go after the rest of my $, but at least I have the bulk of it back due to my dispute to the credit card company. I've been looking into other gyms, but I'm not too sure I'm ready for the "sales pitch" right now. I'm still reeling from this experience, but I refuse to let it drop because what they do is completely wrong by walking that fine line that borders on fraud and misrepresentation. I'll get there eventually but I just want to make sure (like a previous post stated)that my experience with LA Fitness and BOC doesn't make me have an attitude with other trainers/gyms that may be the right fit for me. Well, that's it for now. I do check this site at least once a week and if anything further comes up, I'll be sure to let you know!! Take care, hang in there and thanks again!!
Lori
Ft. Lauderdale,#7Consumer Comment
Mon, July 24, 2006
Hi Fawn! You have really been put through the ringer! I am so sorry! But I understand what you are going through. I too, have fallen for their little scams! I have been through so many awful trainers who are unqualifed and unprofessional! I am taking your advice and going to the credit card company! Thank you for writting in! Let's hang in there together. Good luck to you!
Eric
Hollywood,#8Consumer Suggestion
Fri, July 21, 2006
As a Certified Personal Trainer, I am truly sorry to hear the problems that people are experiencing trying to get in shape by committing to some personal training. This is very sad. I own a personal training studio in Hollywood FL and almost took a position with the mentioned club and personal training company to supplement my income during the slow season. Luckily, I found this site by searching on the club to see what I was getting into. I just want to say thank you or I would've wasted a few weeks of my life and my reputation as an ethical trainer. I also have some advice. My advice is that when you decide to purchase personal training (no matter what gym you go to), don't purchase a package longer than 1 month until you are completely comfortable with your trainer or the group of trainers the company offers no matter how cheap it is. As they say, you get what you pay for. And please make sure that the trainer you work with is certified. Don't be afraid to ask them for proof. Personal training is just that. PERSONAL. You form a bond with your trainer. So make sure the relationship will work before you make a long term commitment. At my studio, I don't offer anything more than a month until we are both comfortable and unless a client practically begs me to sign up for more. That is how confident I am in retaining a client's business and providing them with top notch service. Other trainer should also be just as confident. I truly wish you luck. Please don't quit training and living a healthy lifestyle because of this bad experience and please try not to categorize all trainers in a negative way based on how you were treated at LA Fitness. Good luck in your future fitness endeavors.
Fawn
hollywood,#9Author of original report
Fri, May 26, 2006
Hi all. Well, yes I rec'd the money back for the sessions I didn't use - from the dispute with my cc company (and it wasn't disputed) and yes, I worked it out with Affilated to cancel the contract (they did send me a letter stating this). What remains now is that this has been reported as an outstanding debt on my credit report. d**n!! I am so upset and cannot even begin to explain the time and effort I have had to utilize to bring this to a resolution not to mention the anxiety this entire situation has caused!! All the letter writing has given me a little hope because the consumer protection agency in the state where the corporate offices are located sent me a letter that this will now go into mediation. Of course, mediation means that BOTH parties have to agree to it. I'm all for it and am asking for the rest of my money at that time(a full refund) as well as a letter to ALL credit reporting agencies that this is not an outstanding debt - that is if BOC/LA Fitness even responds to them and I have a feeling they won't. I've taken the liberty of contacting at least one of the credit reporting agencies and they did take it off, but I am so very tired of having to fight this every time I think it's been resolved. Why do they do this? Please PLEASE take good notes and fight fight fight. I know (beleive me I know) it's extremely time consuming, but you have to!! Personally, I signed up to better myself, my health and wellbeing. This has certainly not helped with any of those. In fact, only made everything worse. I'll keep you all posted and good luck.
Fawn
hollywood,#10Author of original report
Wed, April 26, 2006
Well, I sent all the doumentation into Affiliated Acceptance and they agreed with me and my credit card company. They terminated my contract and no money is due!! I really think it's over - FINALLY!! I must say that LA Fitness handling the financial aspects of your account instead of Affiliated will more than likely be very frustrating to you. Thank goodness the people at Affiliated have the common sense to realize that there was a problem that was not my doing and acting in a responsible manner. I'm sure that LA Fitness will be great once it gets the bugs worked out, but I will NEVER deal with them again. It's very unfortunate that they felt the need to lie and cover up their inability to provide the services they agreed to provide and want to keep my money all the while. If anyone wants to utilize my documentation to proceed with any action, please feel free. I remain feeling so hurt and taken advantage of by them - not to mention, exhausted by this whole ordeal. Good luck to all and I will check in and hopefully be able to provide some advice for those that are going through similar experiences.
Fawn
hollywood,#11Author of original report
Wed, April 26, 2006
Well, I sent all the doumentation into Affiliated Acceptance and they agreed with me and my credit card company. They terminated my contract and no money is due!! I really think it's over - FINALLY!! I must say that LA Fitness handling the financial aspects of your account instead of Affiliated will more than likely be very frustrating to you. Thank goodness the people at Affiliated have the common sense to realize that there was a problem that was not my doing and acting in a responsible manner. I'm sure that LA Fitness will be great once it gets the bugs worked out, but I will NEVER deal with them again. It's very unfortunate that they felt the need to lie and cover up their inability to provide the services they agreed to provide and want to keep my money all the while. If anyone wants to utilize my documentation to proceed with any action, please feel free. I remain feeling so hurt and taken advantage of by them - not to mention, exhausted by this whole ordeal. Good luck to all and I will check in and hopefully be able to provide some advice for those that are going through similar experiences.
Fawn
hollywood,#12Author of original report
Wed, April 26, 2006
Well, I sent all the doumentation into Affiliated Acceptance and they agreed with me and my credit card company. They terminated my contract and no money is due!! I really think it's over - FINALLY!! I must say that LA Fitness handling the financial aspects of your account instead of Affiliated will more than likely be very frustrating to you. Thank goodness the people at Affiliated have the common sense to realize that there was a problem that was not my doing and acting in a responsible manner. I'm sure that LA Fitness will be great once it gets the bugs worked out, but I will NEVER deal with them again. It's very unfortunate that they felt the need to lie and cover up their inability to provide the services they agreed to provide and want to keep my money all the while. If anyone wants to utilize my documentation to proceed with any action, please feel free. I remain feeling so hurt and taken advantage of by them - not to mention, exhausted by this whole ordeal. Good luck to all and I will check in and hopefully be able to provide some advice for those that are going through similar experiences.
Fawn
hollywood,#13Author of original report
Wed, April 26, 2006
Well, I sent all the doumentation into Affiliated Acceptance and they agreed with me and my credit card company. They terminated my contract and no money is due!! I really think it's over - FINALLY!! I must say that LA Fitness handling the financial aspects of your account instead of Affiliated will more than likely be very frustrating to you. Thank goodness the people at Affiliated have the common sense to realize that there was a problem that was not my doing and acting in a responsible manner. I'm sure that LA Fitness will be great once it gets the bugs worked out, but I will NEVER deal with them again. It's very unfortunate that they felt the need to lie and cover up their inability to provide the services they agreed to provide and want to keep my money all the while. If anyone wants to utilize my documentation to proceed with any action, please feel free. I remain feeling so hurt and taken advantage of by them - not to mention, exhausted by this whole ordeal. Good luck to all and I will check in and hopefully be able to provide some advice for those that are going through similar experiences.
Fawn
hollywood,#14Author of original report
Sun, April 09, 2006
Well, as you can see by my previous post that yes, my money has been refunded by my credit card company. You also see that I rec'd that letter from their finance co. I did call and was told by Affilated that LA Fitness is now handling all accounts and I was to call them and gave me the #. It was a different # so I was hopeful that I would speak to someone that would actually be able to assist me. To my surprise I wound up speaking with Ron. The same Ron I have spoken to so many times at Quality Control in the past and wouldn't return my calls. As soon as I mentioned my name, he seemed to know me right away. I inquired about the letter, he looked up my account and couldn't find anything. He stated that they have indeed taken over all the accouts and anything I receive from Affiliate, I should ignore. I thanked him, said by goodbyes. I know better!! You cannot trust these people!! About a week later I checked with Affiliated again and they now informed me - like I thought - that because my account was in dispute, they will be keeping it and I owed the money and that services were available and if I chose not to use them, I still owed. I advised them that this was not the case and that I am more than happy to pay for services if in fact they were available to me and they were not. I let them know who I'd contacted (BBB, Atty Gen., etc.)and offered to provided them with all documentation - I was asked to hold. After being on hold for approximately 7-10 minutes, I was asked to provide the docs and I verified where to send,etc, etc,etc. As for now, the $ is back in my pocket and am just waiting on this last step as far as Affiliated. I do have a boot camp right around the corner from me that I would love to join, but I just won't if it turns out that this becomes a much larger issue. I am prepared for that and if it should happen and my husband is right by my side (I just love my hubbie, aka best friend)!! Thanks for all the PT's and "glorified" Mgrs a.k.a.(sales reps) for posting. I'm so sorry that your integrity is challanged and I am certain that if PT is you're field, you will have no problem finding your place! Take care!!
Fawn
hollywood,#15Author of original report
Fri, March 24, 2006
Well, it seems as though I was incorrect. BOC did not refund me. It was my CC company that reversed the charges and now BOC's finance company, Affiliated Acceptance, has sent me today a Notice of Default and Right to Cure letter demanding payment. The letter also states that they have sent me a prior letter that stated that I was notified of my obligation and my right of dispute in this initial communication. I have received no such letter. They have also tacked on late charges and return fees. WILL THIS EVER END? I will have to start from scratch with Affiliated as I still have yet to be scheduled with a trainer. I can't get a hold of anyone at Affiliated now, so I'll have to try on Monday and I'll keep you posted.
Fawn
hollywood,#16Author of original report
Sat, March 18, 2006
I'm so glad that you've checked this site out and thank you for your feedback. It makes me feel as though I at least saved someone from the aggravation and hummilation that I suffered. I wish I did the same before I signed. Good for you!! Your health is so important and there are so many other choices in personal trainers. Keep your goals strong and good luck to you, sir!!
Ed
Los Angeles,#17Consumer Comment
Fri, March 17, 2006
Glad you got your refund. (finally!) I was going to sign up for services but when I heard of the buzz of complaints from others, I backed off....
Ed
Los Angeles,#18Consumer Comment
Fri, March 17, 2006
Glad you got your refund. (finally!) I was going to sign up for services but when I heard of the buzz of complaints from others, I backed off....
Ed
Los Angeles,#19Consumer Comment
Fri, March 17, 2006
Glad you got your refund. (finally!) I was going to sign up for services but when I heard of the buzz of complaints from others, I backed off....
Ed
Los Angeles,#20Consumer Comment
Fri, March 17, 2006
Glad you got your refund. (finally!) I was going to sign up for services but when I heard of the buzz of complaints from others, I backed off....
Fawn
hollywood,#21Author of original report
Fri, March 17, 2006
Yahoo!! After all is said and done, they finally refunded my money. Did they notify me in any way? NO. The refund just appeared on my credit card. I called and verified the refund with my cc company that it was indeed a refund from BOC and not a chargeback from my dispute. I'm going to wait 30 days until I let the dispute dept., BBB and atty general know this matter has been resolved, because I have a feeling something else may happen. They are so disorganized that I really wouldn't be surprised if something did. All I can say is that please, please, please DO NOT SIGN WITH THIS ORGANIZATION. They've wasted way too much of my time and energy. DON'T LET THEM DO IT TO YOU!! Good luck to all and take care!!
Ryan
Chino,#22UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, March 14, 2006
The contract contains very confusing wording for PT. You should have used the same contract that I used in CA. On the back it states that if a trainer is not available you can be transfered to another gym for training for that session. But, you yourself can not transfer your training to another gym. Also your sessions will be lost after x amount of months without use. But the Fitness Dir. can get them back if they really want to. When I sold training packages I would write additonal terms on the back and sign it. There is a lot said to get you to sign up but if it wasn't in writing it doesn't matter. My only advice to anyone who is locked into any gym agreement is to have a doctor state that you are unable to use the gym. Or if you are really angry you can take what ever trainer you get then cancel 24 hours in advance, keep doing this until you get the trainer you want. This how ever will not make the trainers very happy. But, for the money you are paying you should get what you want. I would ask to see what certs. the trainers at your location hold (NASM is the most sought after cert.) some only take $150 and a little computer time. The only way to get La Fitness to notice is with $$$$. If you have a lot of people that you know who are members get them all together and cancel thier memberships. Then all you have to do is go to another gym or private trainer with enough people you will get a very good discount. For example when I was transfered for one location to another about 75% of my clients canceled on the spot, believe me La Fitness recieved the message loud and clear. Good luck!
Fawn
hollywood,#23Author of original report
Thu, March 09, 2006
I have met with extremely nice trainers, but I was completely lied to by one..Jeniffer. While she was my trainer she did complain quite a bit about being overbooked and lack of communication, corporate, etc. When they hired the new trainer, Sabrina, Jeniffer told me that she wasn't going to be working mornings any longer and that's why she gave me to Sabrina. Sabrina, in the very short time I was trained by her, also complained about the company. All the while Jeniffer was still working the same morning hours. Then I remembered that she stated to me that she didn't like working with men or younger women and preferred to work with older women because they're easier. SHE LIED TO MY FACE I do feel that some of the trainers are taking alot of heat due to the corporate's lack of ethics. If you could get more of them to write, it might help us all. Thanks again!!
Ryan
Chino,#24UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, March 09, 2006
I worked for two La fit clubs in California, and I warn everyone don't fall into the scam. Most trainers aren't certified at all and have NO experience! I have seen at least 3 people seriously hurt by trainers at La fitness. They have no set program, it is up to the trainer do whatever they want. They lie about body fat to keep people going and money coming in. It is not the trainers fault entirely. I can't remember one check that I was paid in full on. Trainers make a flat $16 per hour that they have a client. If you aren't training you don't get paid. So if a client signs up for 12 hour session a month at $598 the trainer only sees $192 the club makes over $400 off just one person. This company makes money from volume, at one time I had over 30 clients. It worked out to be over $10,000 to the company per month from one trainer. Don't trust them with your credit card info or cash for that matter. Lets say someone has a maxed out credit card no problem just push it through. Here is another one you sign up for a membership offsite (say a mall) you give them the credit card numder but they require x amount of money up front for the membership, so you give them $50 cash. You just bought that guy dinner because that cash went in his/her pocket. What about child care or guest fees? If you paid cash it more than likely went in someones pocket. The front desk or anyone can sign you up on a 1-30 day pass. You don't have to pay for it but sometimes people will charge $5-$30 dollars and once again in the pocket it goes. I left La fitness about 4 months I now have my PT bussiness. I am truely sorry for anyone who signed up for PT at La Fitness, there are some very good trainers there but with a company like La Fitness they don't last long.
Fawn
hollywood,#25Author of original report
Wed, March 08, 2006
Here's who I spoke to: I'm sure you all know the Quality Control # even though it's useless here it is - 888-357-2474 Main number to corporate - 800-600-2540 Legal - call main # ext#200 Asst in charge of BBB complaints, etc. - Aylin Medina - call her at the main # ext#330, [email protected] President of company - don't have a # yet, but his email is - [email protected] Atty General of the area where corporate is located - 800-808-5318 Call and write. Don't let them get away with what they're doing to us!! Also, I should have put in my last post that you need to begin from the bottom to see the chain of events. I have called and written again and again and ......well, you know. My credit card company seems to be happy with my documentation and I hope to see a resolution soon. I'll make sure to post again. Thanks and I'll post again with any updates or info I come across.