04/16/07

Memberships are a total scam!

by fitgrl

This gym has gone through so many management changes that the staff have no idea what's going on. When I joined I was talked into signing a two year contract, but I was so dissapointed after the first year, that I ended joining another gym (Maryland Farms YMCA is pretty great!) and paying for both. When my two years were finally up, I tried to cancel the membership (because it will automatically go to a month-to-month situation unless you submit something in writing), but in order to do that you have to fill out a paper that the GM (and ONLY the GM) has to sign and fax in to a collection company (apparently they filed for bankrupcy last year). The first time that I tried to cancel, I asked for the manager (I won't say his name), and a man came out saying that he was him. I told him that I wanted to cancel my membership and he gave me a complete 3rd degree about it and was very rude. I filled out the paper, I signed and dated it, he signed and dated it. The next month I noticed a bank draft from them. I called and was told that he (the GM) was out to lunch and should be back in an hour. I called again and was told that he was in a meeting, and I left a message. I called yet again and was told that he had left for the day (it was 2:30pm in the afternoon!). I finally drove the 45 minutes over there and asked to speak to the GM (giving the same name as before), and guess what! It was a completely different guy than the last time! This time after we filled the paper out, I got a copy also and faxed it in myself! Absolutely Horrible! All in all, just stay away from the headache that you'll endure from joining. As a gym it's allright (sometimes there's air conditioning problems in the summer), but trying to leave the gym is like pulling teeth. There's much better places to give your money to.

• Pros: Okay equipment, always empty
• Cons: Completely mis-managed, Music is obnoxious, No classes

02/26/07

Horrible Customer Service

by alady200

Originally I joined Worlds Gym when they first opened their facility and it was great. The equipment really is nice and for the most part looks brand new. They have some descent trainers that really seem on top of things. However when I moved to the other side of town and had to drive 25 minutes to get to the gym I decided to cancel my contract. So I called to ask about it and the man I talked to said it wouldn't be a problem, wouldn't cost anything, all I had to do was fill out and mail some paperwork. I went in to pick up the paperwork and ended up talking to the manager. He said since I signed a 24 month contract I couldn't cancel in any way. I asked him what kind of cancellation fee they offered (I'm willing to pay anything at this point) and he said they don't. He sarcastically said I signed on the blessed dotted line and I can just continue enjoying their fine services. I can't tell you how frustrating and ridiculous this seems!!! No matter what I asked him there was no way, according to him, that I can cancel. At this point I'm ready to pay off the remaining months in a lump sum and be rid of them (if even THAT is a possibility!). Throughout my entire time with World's Gym they've changed (ie upped!) their rates on me and have gotten rid of their classes completely. I and my husband are thoroughly disappointed in the way they handle their clients and will NEVER join their gyms again. I've been to other gyms and there's always been a way to cancel the contract (pricey though it may be) and they're much more pleasant and workable with people. This is just isn't worth it to me.

11/30/06

Keep an eye on your pocketbook!

by psychman

My wife and I joined this gym as part of a corporate special for her place of work. We were very enthusiastic and optimistic about our upcoming healthy changes. My wife joined their personal training program for 3 months at 2 sessions per week and 9 months at 1 session per week. First of all, my wife had a hard time finding a trainer with whom she could feel comfortable. Secondly, instead of setting up a two part contract, Marty, the head personal trainer at that time set up two contracts both of which were set to automatically renew. After the 3 months were over we were charged for both the 2 session a week contract as well as the 1 session a week contract. But, my wife was only receiving training once a week. As a result, we were overcharged $720 dollars. When I attempted to contact them about this oversight, I learned that there was a new head trainer named Stephen. Stephen at first seemed to be helpful in trying to rectify the situation and told me that he worked it out so that the $720 dollars would be used to pay off the rest of the contract. However, when my wife showed up for her next session, she was informed that the contract had been cancelled, and she would not be getting any more training sessions. Upon learning of this, I repeatedly called the gym trying to reach Stephen. When I finally reached him, I told him I would like a refund of my money so that I can take my business elsewhere. He seemed sympathetic and said that he would talk to the billing company, Paramount Acceptance, to try to get me the refund. However, since that time, I have not heard from Stephen and repeated attempts to contact him have been to no avail. He is always "unavailable" and the staff take a message for him which is either not delivered or ignored. I am going to camp out there tomorrow until I get satisfaction. The bottom line is: While this gym may be a good place to work out, their business practices and word of honor both are dismally lacking.

• Pros: great equipment-open all hours
• Cons: business practices are sadly lacking-questionable ethics as well