Complaint Review: LA Fitness - kennesaw Georgia

 Earlier this year I was looking to lose the baby weight I had gained from having my first child.  I discussed with a co-worker different Gyms that we could take a look at.  We immediately liked LA Fitness Because it claims to not have a long term contract strictly, month to month, which is something I was instantly drawn to. 

We made an appointment to come in and take a look at the facility; not only its features, but the environment as a whole.  The first thing that was odd to me was that the price on their website was not the price he told me for a membership.  In fact it was a great deal higher, but continued to listen. We ended up not buying that day.  Each day for the next two weeks he called lowering the price til we took the bate.  When I came in and signed, he stated one price that was not the same as what I saw on the contract... I mentioned it and he corrected himself.  (I should have left at this point, it would have saved my a**)  Eventually, I signed the $50 and some change membership per month, so that I could enjoy the facility with as many as 2 friends each visit.

My First Visit.  I came in for a Zumba class, which was a blast.  Probably the best thing about this gym since it is free with a membership, and my guests could attend as well!  On my way out I was approached by a personal trainer who had told me of the free training session I have yet to use. I said to myself "why not" signed up with him for the following day and went on my way.

"free" training session.  I came in for my "One Free Training Session", the guy I met with seemed great.  The session lasted about 20 minutes and I thought that was just a preview of what a real session would be.  Once we finished he sat me down with a man I didnt know was a salesman.  That salesman was new as I could tell.  He offered me many packages for getting a personal trainer.  I had wanted a trainer and had some money saved for something like this.  I let him know that I would like to do a couple of days a week for three months.  He brought his "manager over who convinced me to buy and even gave me an extra day each week for free, I was sold.  We went through the contract and I reminded the 2 of them that I only wanted 2-3 months maximum.  He said that was no problem, and I assumed he was signing me up for that package since I had politely expressed to him my needs and wants.  Once again, as I read the contract this man stated something that was not the same as the contract I was signing.  I brought it up and he explained to me that he was newer and is still learning.  Once the contract was finished we went over the amount that was due and the amount I would pay per month.  It was around 260 per month for 3 days of personal training a week (1 day free).  I then asked, will it just stop at 3 months or will I have to cancel?  He said I set it up so that you will just cancel it since it will be cheaper that way.  He told me that once I cancelled that would be it, no more payments.

2 sessions went by, and at the end of the 2nd one, I told him when I would be in next and he set me an appointment, as per normal.  I come in 2 days later for my slotted time and the 2 ladies at the front desk disclosed to me that I was scheduled for yesterday and that since I had missed it, it still counted as a session.  I explained why I was upset, and they told me that he was busy with a client and I could not see him today, I asked if I could wait since the session were only about 20 minutes, and they ignored me.  I scheduled a session with him for the following day. He apologized repeatedly, but kept saying that he knows he didnt make a mistake and to my disbelief told me the 2 ladies were talking smack about me to him, he even went into detail on what they had said.

I was pretty fed up at this point.  I just felt completely uncomfortable going back to that gym.  I felt like I would be treated differently because I stood up for myself.  I got a call that day from an associate of the LA fitness.  Asking me how I liked everything so far and explaining to me the contract in full, "just incase I missed anything"  When she said I would have to pay for the full year if I decided to cancel the personal training membership I was appalled, since I only wanted 3 months and that was fully explained to the gym to begin with.

I called the dealership to cancel immediately, and the explained the same to me in a cheery manner, that they would send me the bill..  I ended up paying for  4 months total and then cancelled my card all together.

The payment was due several days ago, and I have gotten over 10 calls aday being harrassed for the money.  I called a customer membership office in California for LA Fitness and was told to call coorporate to get everything handled.

If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.  I am dumbfounded and in total disbelief that I could have been fooled so intensely.  If I were to have to pay the rest of the payments that would sum to over $1500 which had to be made within an allotted time.