ExtremeFitnessForum

skypad · Joined: 21 Jul 2007 Posts: 2

Once I decided not to renew, it was a formality to leave. I figured, sign an administration form, perhaps get a hard sell to stay on, or some great offer, and that would be it. Was I wrong.

I had a paid-in-full membership at Oxygen that was coming to the end of its year. I met with one of the red shirts, who ushered over the chief of the day to meet in the side office. He asked why I was leaving, and I said that the atmosphere had changed, and it wasn't the kind of place I felt as comfortable in. And, that this bothered my since I had been a member of Oxygen for about 8 years, and loved going there. He told me that he had never heard that, and basically it was a stupid comment. I detected some homophobia, since previously the gym had been a very gay-friendly and comfortable place, but the new staff, and rapid changes in membership shifted this balance. Then followed up with something like "well, everyone wants new equipment and renovations, so that's what we are going to do". Stupid me for not wanting to climb over nails to get to the treadmill, or have to share 1 shower while the rest are changed.

After that, he signed the form and threw it across the table and told me that was it, I could go. Not the slightest attempt to ask what could be changed, or offer any incentive to want to stay. And after that, why would I want to?

Voted with my feet · Joined: 23 Aug 2007 Posts: 9

Yep. Siimilar "who gives a sh*t attitude". Afterall, suckers are born every minute, right ?

I was a monthly paying member (after the initial 1 year gig with Oxygen) years ago. I offered to stay-on and put up with the nasty conditions for $19/month -- and to revisit the fee once renos were complete.

I was told my $59 fee was excellent -- it wasn't possible to reduce it.

BTW, for all you monthly paying members, "2 weeks notice" -- as I found out -- actually means 2 weeks before they charge appears on your CC. In my case, my notice turned out to be approx. 6 weeks because they can't or won't prorate the charge. (I approached them on / about the 17th of the June and had to pay until end of August.)

Voted with my feet · Joined: 23 Aug 2007 Posts: 9

Just reviewed my credit card statement online.

They continue to charge my card DESPITE the fact that I submitted my "resignation" to the GM - Blair Dezan in mid July in writing. He told me at that time my notice was too late to take effect for the August billing, but it would take effect for September.

Wrong Blair. You didn't do your job as you promised me. I want my money back.

admin · Site Admin Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Posts: 132

Tell them it was an unauthorized payment, as indeed you are claiming it is. The credit card may cancel payment. Explain the situation to your bank, and ask to either stop payment or recover the unauthorized payment. This is, I believe, why Extreme Fitness does not allow people to pay a full year's membership at once. They want to have access to your bank account or credit card, so they can continue to charge you. Personally, if they don't allow a full cash payment, like Oxygen Fitness did, I will simply refuse to renew. I'll take my business elsewhere.

Also, file a complaint with the The Ontario Government, Consumer Protection Branch. Their website:
http://www.gov.on.ca/MGS/en/ConsProt/STEL02_045922.html

ExtremelyAngry · Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 114 Location: Riverdale, Toronto

The Ontario government has a whole bunch of rules regarding just this sort of situation and fitness clubs. Perhaps the U.S.-owned Extreme Fitness folks have not read the law yet??

http://www.gov.on.ca/MGS/en/ConsProt/STEL02_045932.html

ExtremelyAngry · Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 114 Location: Riverdale, Toronto

Also:

Voted with my feet · Joined: 23 Aug 2007 Posts: 9

Thanks for your advice folks!

I'll give them a couple of days to "do the right thing". If there is inaction, then I'll escalate with my CC provider and lodge a complaint with the Ministry.

BTW, Blair is no longer the GM. A warm welcome is extended to Steve Venet.

ExtremelyAngry · Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 114 Location: Riverdale, Toronto

Howdy Steve! Welcome aboard.

(My gawd, did I miss the revolving door at the entrance?)