Lifetime Fitness 30 day bogus cancellation policy ripoff Algonquin Illinois

Dear Consumers,

I have owned and operated Health Clubs for nearly 20 years and while I have never been associated with a Club "reported", I am sympathetic to the companies being reported. All too often is the case where a consumer will file a grievance with anyone that will listen/read without their complaint being justifiable or legitimate. It is true that some consumers have honest grievances and should file a complaint with the appropriate source at first and then utilize other resources to correct the situation. Most LEGITIMATE grievances can be cleared up by contacting the company itself.

Sadly enough, we live in a society where people have stopped reading or listening. Personal accountability is something which is not exercised and businesses unfortunately suffer the most. Most Health Club Membership Agreements/Contracts will clearly detail out all of the necessary information a member of their facility needs to understand the policies. These important documents (contracts) protect BOTH the consumer and the business from verbal agreements made outside of the businesses normal operating procedures. Consumers seeking to understand exactly what it is they are buying as well as how to honor the agreement they are entering into; should thoroughly read their entire membership agreement and ask questions on items that they are un-clear on. You would not buy an automobile or house with out reading over the terms and conditions of the contract would you? So, why would anyone purchase something which is far more valuable (a commitment to bettering your health and longevity) without reading the details of that agreement?

Additionally, if the details of cancellation are not itemized in your agreement; you should conduct a simple web search of your State's contract cancellation terms. In most States, if a consumer moves outside of a 25 mile radius of any location of the business with which they are entered into an agreement/contract with; the consumer simply mails (certified mail, returned receipt requested) with a written letter, 2 proofs of the move (utility bill, driver's license change of address etc...) to the business with which you are canceling the contract/agreement with. The fact that a club is providing the consumer with the option of providing them with a 30 day notice is something which should be appreciated and not challenged or scoffed at. Typically, the Health Clubs which give this kind of offer are either not committed to providing long-term solutions to their member's health and fitness problems or they have succumbed to their competitions dirty sales gimmicks that attempt to lure in the non-committed health club goer's and are merely trying to survive. There has been a rash of Health Clubs popping up all across the County luring in unsuspecting victims by offering a "Month-to-Month" membership. Seriously think about this from a businesses point of view. How can a business possibly survive let alone pay their monthly bills? If you; the consumer did not have a steady cash-flow (paycheck) each and every Month, how could you commit to paying any of your bills? Do you think that anyone would give you credit? So, what makes consumers believe that a Health Club can operate any differently. The Health Clubs that operate their business on the "Month-to-Month" membership CAN do so with the intentions of producing a high-volume of receivables OF members who pay a small (barely noticeable) Monthly rate and do not care if their club is over-crowded. Additionally, these clubs will charge a large down payment because they bank on the fact that most members will stop going after the first 90 days. This way, they get all of their money upfront. These types of members KEEP this type of membership because it is priced so low and do not want "to lose out". Does that kind of club care about them or their health? Of course not!

In order for anyone to reap the benefits of attaining true health and longevity and for businesses to operate with integrity while becoming financially fit; each and every one of us needs to accept personal responsibility for our part. A good health club can provide you with all of the necessary tools to attain good health, longevity and to even look good on the beach. Shop around, ask as many questions as necessary to ensure that you are choosing the right club for you. Thoroughly read anything that you sign your name to and commit yourself to actually attending; but if you do not attend, blame yourself and not the business that you are desiring NOT to honor your commitment to.......YOU made the wrong choice.

Look, most health clubs have a 30 day cancellation policy. It takes time to process the paperwork and it should be on the contract you signed. If I were you, I would make sure that you read that contract over because many have specifics on how to cancel (i.e. sending by certified mail, etc.). I wouldn't cancel the withdrawl from your credit card until the next month should they charge you again. This way you have proof that they have no authority because you've submitted all the paperwork properly. Otherwise, you'll loose the battle and just create more headaches for yourself.

Good luck,

fawn