LOA Fitness for Women Lady of America Fitness Club transferred my membership without warning and won't let me cancel my contract! ladyofamerica.com, Internet

I signed an 18 month contract with LOA fitness for women in April 2010.  This was a small gym (not very nice), however it was across the street from my office and I thought I would be more likely to use it.  I also signed one of my employees under my account. 

I received a letter from LOA written on July 24th that our location would be permanently closed on Sunday, July 25th and that our membership was being transferred to the Bedford location.  In other words, we were given no warning of this change.  In fact, my employee's belongings were left in a locker the weekend they closed the facility. When she called to retrieve her belongings, she was told that everything was in a warehouse "somewhere" and they would have to go through everything to find her stuff.  They have not gotten back to her on this and it has been over two weeks since she called! 

The Bedford location is 9.1 miles from my office and even further from our homes.  When I called to cancel my contract, I was told that this wasn't possible.  They were within their legal rights to continue collecting from me because the other facility was within 10 miles from the location that closed.  I tried to explain that this was too far to go to during the work day and that our homes were further away from that facility.  The people I spoke to were completely uncaring, rude, and just kept saying there was nothing that could be done.  I asked who the owner was and if someone could speak to him about our situation personally.  I was told that his name is John and that he told them no contracts were to be canceled under any circumstances.  No effort was made to offer me anything!  Not even a free spa service!  Nothing!  Very poor customer service! 

I finally reached a supervisor and was told that according to my contract, we can't cancel unless we can show that our home is greater than 25 miles from a location!  25 miles!  I asked her who in their right mind would drive 25 miles (especially in city traffic) to work out in any gym and she actually said, "I know, no one would!" 

LOA facilities are not nice!  They have a few cardio machines, a few weight machines and fairly dirty shower areas.  They don't provide towels.  You pay extra for their spa services.  My point is, the ONLY perk of this gym whatsoever is if it is in a very convenient location.  I am amazed that they are unwilling to look at an individual circumstance and help me out.  I work in business and sign people everyday up on contracts for my services.  If their circumstances change, we gladly settle the contract.  LOA won't even offer a pay-out to get me out of the contract. 

I get it.  I was foolish enough to sign a contract without considering that the facility would shut down.  That location had been there for years!  They are within their legal rights to continue collecting from me.  BUT - they know it is WRONG to do so.  I was told today by a manager, "I know, it really sucks!  But, there is nothing we can do!"  It really "sucks".  Really?  There is "nothing you can do?"  I work in business and I know this isn't true. 

My mission is to make sure everyone is aware of the poor customer service offered by LOA, that the owner is evidently some guy named John who doesn't want to hear from anyone who was foolish enough to sign his ridiculous contract, and that really - the gym is NOT WORTH THE MONEY.  I caution anyone to EVER sign up with LOA fitness for women.