I Want To Quit The Gym!

Because I have no desire (or motivation rather) to be this girl…

I fancy myself somewhat of a smooth-talker, and when I say “smooth-talker” I mean person that complains to the point of getting what I want from companies that I already pay money to and I feel owe me something more than half-hearted customer service.

However, no such luck with a dreaded gym membership… I signed up to work out at said gym a few, 8 months back. The club worked out alright, but I have since relocated. I now would like to not drive to the complete opposite end of town to get my 1 hour workout in. Said gym informs me that I will be charged 100 smokers (yea, $100) just to quit – on top of my monthly charge! The only loophole is moving more than 30 miles away from any one of their buzillion locations (only one of which is located on the opposite end of my town). My first thought is, what person in their right mind travels 30 or more miles to get on a treadmill? Run, Forest, Run… Give me a break. My second thought is, why is it absurdly more difficult to get out of a fitness membership than any other binding contract in my life? Rental agreement, visit to the office and out – Cell phone contract, a little finagling then out – These gym nazis won’t budge!

If you find yourself in my predicament (and I don’t wish this fate upon my worst enemy) these are my tips – although they have proven largely unsuccessful for me -

1.) If you’ve signed up within the last week and are having buyer’s remorse, cold feet, or go back on your New Year’s resolution you might be in the clear. Apparently, most gyms have a healthy window shortly after you sign up to get you out of the contract without permanent scarring, or an extravagent fee.

2.) If you’re like me, a few months in and want out… Scour your official contract. Read and reread the official cancellation clause within your signed agreement. There may be a loophole or specific reasons which will allow you to get out of the contract scot-free; such as injury, illness, gym relocation or moving outside a certain distance to the club.

3.) Talk to the higher-ups. If you aren’t making headway with Suzie-trainer or Billy-gym manager, call the gym’s headquarters, parent company or billing institution to discuss policies further.

4.) Civil codes! Yes, there are state-by-state civil codes regarding gym and spa membership cancellation. Research the codes for your state (mine’s Oregon) to be sure there is not a law or guideline your gym may slyly not be following. With the proper legal jargain and civil codes in your back pocket you may be able to fancy-talk your way out of cancellation fees.

5.) Put it in writing. Many gyms require written cancellation letters, but if yours doesn’t do one any way. Submit a written and signed official cancellation notice with as much notice as you can give (30 days is the perfect amount of time to say ’sianara!’) Keep a copy of the official letter for your records and in it: indicate the date you joined, the reason you need to get out of the gym contract, your final date and the action you expect the gym franchise to take (such as halting the automatic withdrawals from your checking account or monthly charges on your credit card. Also include the names of any health club employees that you talked to during the cancellation process.

Better luck to you in your “I want to quit the gym to sit home and make a generous dent in the La-Z-Boy” endeavours. And please, if you have any advice, tricks or shared frustrations comment it up below! I want to hear it… I could use all the ammunition I can get.