Bally Total Fitness/LA Fitness takeover

Hellbent_Heidi

I don't think anything is changing; it's just talk. I went to work out yesterday and forgot my card. The guy working there was very kind, and said: "That's okay, i'll have to get you another card anyway. Please sign on the screen." The screen was not even legible. He said it was necessary for me to sign in order to get another card. I refused, requested to see it on his screen. IT WAS THE NEW MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT! Basically i was going to acknowledge that my membership would expire at the renewal date. They tricked everyone in front of me into signing it. Once i saw what it was i told everyone else behind me what they were signing. Excuse my language, but they are complete *kitten*!

Were you able to see any agreement amount though? I got a new card, and the printout shows my old ($50 a year) renewal rate as my October 2012 amount due.. Of course, like they said from the beginning, I can obly go to ex-Bally facilities after December, so I'm half-screwed anyway, because the only decent location near me already closed and my 'home club' is a dump that's going to be crammed with people in the same boat as me on January 1st.

RickXX

I decided if laf was going to limit me on locations available to me, I might as well spend $25.00/mo. at a local gym with all the equipment I normally use that's only 5 min. from my front door. I knew at some point my dues of $95.00/yr. were going to disappear or the gym would go out of business. I'm not defending laf, but, if I have to pay the going rate, I'm going to support a local business that really needs my money.

Hellbent_Heidi

I decided if laf was going to limit me on locations available to me, I might as well spend $25.00/mo. at a local gym with all the equipment I normally use that's only 5 min. from my front door. I knew at some point my dues of $95.00/yr. were going to disappear or the gym would go out of business. I'm not defending laf, but, if I have to pay the going rate, I'm going to support a local business that really needs my money.

Can't blame you there. I'm doing the free month, then joining somewhere else as well. The "new" LAF I've been at the last week or so completely sucks. They don't have nearly enough cardio equipment to accommodate all the new members that are coming in, and in the mornings its so over-crowded, there's a line to take a shower and the hot water runs out if you don't get in there early enough...how frustrating!

Seraph1120

I joined Bally's almost 2 yrs ago. Paid my cancellation fee up front and going month to month @ 19.99 a month. No contract. I still need to call them to find out my deal. I asked the front desk about it, but they said to ask again next week, that they didn't even know what was going on. I went to the gym the other day and they're already renovating the club. Took out the card scanners and we'll be getting cards for our key chains to be scanned in at the front desk. Other than that, we'll see as time goes.

BobbyClerici

Don't worry.
Gym memberships are always affordable, and here is why.

You don't really have to pay the full price based on what it costs. Let me explain.

Most members pay up but don't come after the 3rd week of February. Oh, sure, everybody signs up like sheeple that first week of January out of holiday guilt; 2012 is going to be DIFFERENT!

And no, it won't be any different that 2011, 2010 or 1983, but be glad for all these slugs. They help keep all of our gym membership fees low, so please encourage all your friends and family to sign up at YOUR gym.

Say they can lose 30lbs in 30 days - whatever it takes to get them in, then once they sign up, forget they exist until late December of 2012.

I used to manage 2 health clubs; I know the silly game well....lol

keldawm

I have been a member of LA Fitness for years. We don't have Ballys in this area. I only pay 20 a month and that includes all classes, pool, racket ball courts and basketball courts. It is a very nice gym with great equipment. Hope it works out for you lifetime members.

kwadguy

I saw a flyer today at my Bally's (one that isn't turning to LA Fitness):

"Special Offer: National access only $269. Includes access to all locations. Includes daycare. _No annual fee_. Hurry offer ends soon."

Anyone else seen this offer? Any idea what the terms are? I am guessing this is a come on and the "no annual fee" part means there's no annual fee on top of the monthly fee, or something like that. The suggestion is that it's $269 and you're done. But I surely doubt that.

The desk was flooded with people and I didn't have time to wait and ask for the details.

PP321

I have been a Bally Fitness membership that began a SportsLife Fitness national membership>Crunch Fitness Passport Plus>Bally Fitness

La Fitness tells me that it is a one club membership.at the location I purchased it and long time ago . I have moved since this and have used Bally Fitness locations in many places . I don't have any documentation except an old Bally invoice that shows it as "Crunch Passport Plus" in How can I convince La Fitness that it is a national access membership ?

kevinyoung_88

The best gym is the one that provides you personal classes and give personal attention to every member. Also check for the equipments they have.

josephhamamji

It has BEGUN - they are increasing the rate way too much = or - terminate your membership - Our GOLD membership should be reinstated FREE for LIFE – as it was initially supposed to be with NO further charges or hidden fine-print and NO unethical practices.
We should demand refund PLUS Interest as it was charged on our credit cards or whatever form of payment we used on the cost of $1,850.00 USD back in 1990 24% compounded over the past 24 years. this was an INVESTMENT - We should contact the FTC & BBB... Thoughts ?

josephhamamji

It has BEGUN - they are increasing the rate way too much = or - terminate your membership - Our GOLD membership should be reinstated FREE for LIFE – as it was initially supposed to be with NO further charges or hidden fine-print and NO unethical practices.
We should demand refund PLUS Interest as it was charged on our credit cards or whatever form of payment we used on the cost of $1,850.00 USD back in 1990 24% compounded over the past 24 years. this was an INVESTMENT - We should contact the FTC & BBB... Thoughts ?

josephhamamji

It has BEGUN - they are increasing the rate way too much = or - terminate your membership - Our GOLD membership should be reinstated FREE for LIFE – as it was initially supposed to be with NO further charges or hidden fine-print and NO unethical practices.
We should demand refund PLUS Interest as it was charged on our credit cards or whatever form of payment we used on the cost of $1,850.00 USD back in 1990 24% compounded over the past 24 years. this was an INVESTMENT - We should contact the FTC & BBB... Thoughts ?

josephhamamji

It has BEGUN - they are increasing the rate way too much = or - terminate your membership - Our GOLD membership should be reinstated FREE for LIFE – as it was initially supposed to be with NO further charges or hidden fine-print and NO unethical practices.
We should demand refund PLUS Interest as it was charged on our credit cards or whatever form of payment we used on the cost of $1,850.00 USD back in 1990 24% compounded over the past 24 years. this was an INVESTMENT - We should contact the FTC & BBB... Thoughts ?

Hellbent_Heidi

It has BEGUN - they are increasing the rate way too much = or - terminate your membership - Our GOLD membership should be reinstated FREE for LIFE – as it was initially supposed to be with NO further charges or hidden fine-print and NO unethical practices.
We should demand refund PLUS Interest as it was charged on our credit cards or whatever form of payment we used on the cost of $1,850.00 USD back in 1990 24% compounded over the past 24 years. this was an INVESTMENT - We should contact the FTC & BBB... Thoughts ?

What were you paying, and how much did it increase?