24 Hour Fitness Nightmare

[merider1]

Okay, I have to rant. I’m a member of 24 Hour Fitness Super Sport in Glendale where I have been for a little over 3 years (since starting at my company). I signed up as a corporate member, which basically means my company footed the $200 initiation fee, but my dues are at the highest level (i.e. I didn’t get any special rate like some of the other members. I was paying $64/month but after complaining forever about the condition of the gym, they brought it down to $49/month).

Well, tonight I walk in and I’m told my membership has been terminated. No warning, letter, nothing, nada. I immediately asked to speak to the Operations Manager. He walks over (this cocky, little ****) and immediately says, “Yup, says right here in our computer that you haven’t paid dues for several months.” - as if the woman at the counter saying it just two seconds prior had an exaggerated lisp and I hadn’t quite understood her. So, I try to explain to him that there is a glitch in their computer system, that it had been going on for awhile, and that both 24 Hour Fitness Corporate as well as two other managers at the Glendale Super Sport have taken copies of my bank account routing number and my ATM card info, and they have already twice reassured me that the glitch is being taken care of so that I don’t have to worry about it. I also pointed out that dues had in fact been taken from my account for the month prior. He looks at me blankly and repeats that the computer says that my account has been terminated and that I cannot work out – even if I had provided him with my credit card right then and there!

Now, normally, I would have been calmer, but tonight I was in no mood to be told this, so I’ll admit, I raised my voice and began urging him to check the notes in my account in the computer and to ask among his employees in the office if I was being truthful, as there were several of them who were aware of my situation and who could vouch that this was the gym’s error and not mine. Of course, he did none of what I requested and, instead, told me to lower my voice or else… To which, I raised my voice further (using no profanity, mind you), and asked him if he was threatening me. I stated that I just wanted go work out and would handle it in the morning – after all, I was a member of over three years on a corporate account with a company that was located in the same building as the gym! I really wasn’t trying to pull one over on him. And even though I informed him that I’m a corporate account holder (we’re supposed to get a little special treatment since we pay out the wazoo for our memberships, while others pay as little as $24/month), this apparently had no meaning to him. “I’m sorry, I can’t let you work out until this is resolved.” I said I would work out and that legally he couldn’t stop me. He then told me he would call the police if I tried to workout. At this point, to call his bluff, I began walking away from the desk not realizing that there was a member behind me, and I bumped right smack into her (not hurting her, just surprising her). The Operations Manager then shouted, “Look, you’re attacking a member!”

Okay, honestly, I have a healthy sense of humor, and personally, looking back, I actually find that funny as hell. But in the moment, if I had had a baseball bat, I wouldn’t have harmed him (I don’t think, anyway), but I would have smashed his ****ing computer to itty bitty pieces, I was that livid. So, I left the gym (shaking and telling him that I would report him in the morning and that he legally could not stop me from working out, etc., blah, blah) came upstairs to my desk, printed out the note to Corporate and account info and marched right back down to the gym to deal with him again. By the time I had gotten there, he did, in fact, check the notes in my account and realized that I was not lying and the mistake he had made (which I still find so unbelievably egregious!). He then immediately reinstated my membership and vows to fix it on Thursday. Oh, and he apologized profusely for the error and "misunderstanding."

So, this coupled with the constant lack of towels that we Super Sport members are supposed to get, messy bathroom, broken lockers, dirty, hair filled drains in the showers and broken hair dryers, I have had enough of 24 Hour Fitness Super Sport. I’m only staying there as I need a place to cross train to supplement my cycling, I love several of the spin classes (although the bikes are POS) and it’s in my building where I work (convenience). I thought I’d share this experience (and I’ve had others like it over the past three years, as I’m not one to hold my tongue – this is just the first time I’ve been threatened with the police due to a raised voice and accused of attacking a member I’ve accidentally bumped into. Perhaps I should practice a smirk for my future mug shot?) and if I can dissuade just one person from joining 24 Hour Fitness Super Sport in Glendale, I’ll feel so much better about the headache I just endured - as well all the other headaches over the past three years. Thus, I’ve posted…if you were considering joining, do so at your own risk.

[voltman]

Super Sport. Pssh. You're one of thoooose people!

(If I had hair, I'd toss it right now.)

[Drew12]

Okay, I have to rant. SNIP if you were considering joining, do so at your own risk.


Gym, I don't need no stinkin' Gym!

:crash: <-----ME hitting 24hr fitness computer!

[merider1]

Gym, I don't need no stinkin' Gym!

:crash: <-----ME hitting 24hr fitness computer!

Yes, that would have been me if I had had a hammer. And, Volty, I only belong to that gym because of convenience. Super Sport just means that you PAY MORE. :mad:

[voltman]

Yes, that would have been me if I had had a hammer. And, Volty, I only belong to that gym because of convenience. Super Sport just means that you PAY MORE. :mad:

Oops. I was thinking of Ultra Sport.

Here, I'll help.

:crash:

[Drew12]

Oops. I was thinking of Ultra Sport.

Here, I'll help.

:crash:


two of you, ganging up on the 24 Hr computer!!
it's probably a old IBM anyway, and would be doing them a favor....

[ecnetsixe]

lets face it you ARE a trouble maker!!! so i dont blame him for trying to get rid of you lol :p

How much do you pay????? sounds like wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much i get (for my $63AUD pcm) 50m indoor pool, spa, sauna, massive new gym, free personal trainers, physio, nutritionist, yoga, pilates, spin room with awesome bikes where you can bring your cleats. oh and hot chicks who work there.

sounds like you are getting ripped bad :(

[Psydotek]

Local YMCA FTW! Actually i only go there for the pool...

[TrevorInSoCal]

Wait a minute? Corporate membership means you pay *more*? Sounds like a raw deal.

My local 24hr fitness is pretty sad, but the reason I've kept my membership is because it's *cheap*. I pay $12/mo which is a deal I got through a previous employer, and is pretty much unheard of anywhere else. Apparently it doesn't expire if I'm not employed there any more (haven't been for over 3 years) and keep paying the bill every month. Or maybe they just don't check their records, in which case I hope no one at 24hr fitness corporate is reading this...

Admittedly, this isn't one of the fancy sport or super-sport clubs, but I mostly just go there a couple times per week during the off-season to push some (little tiny bits of) weight around. I don't really need anything that they don't have.

[merider1]

lets face it you ARE a trouble maker!!! so i dont blame him for trying to get rid of you lol :p

How much do you pay????? sounds like wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much i get (for my $63AUD pcm) 50m indoor pool, spa, sauna, massive new gym, free personal trainers, physio, nutritionist, yoga, pilates, spin room with awesome bikes where you can bring your cleats. oh and hot chicks who work there.

sounds like you are getting ripped bad :(
:rolleyes: Even if I AM a trouble maker, I'm allowed to work out if I've paid my dues. And without dragging a wad of cash in there every month (or a pound of flesh!), all I can do is provide them with either a check or credit card for automatic withdrawal - which I DID! Ugh...:mad: OH, and I pay $49/month. I go at least 4 times a week, sometimes five - so I figure I'm paying for the convenience.

[Grumpy Pig]

24 Hour sucks. I just go because it's closest gym to my house. It wouldn't be so bad if they didn't train the employees to be such *****holes.

They've warned me a few times about having a bag on the floor. I ask to see a manager and then complain about the cleanliness of the gym and restrooms and the broken cardio machines. If you invest 30 minutes doing this, they'll never bother you again.

I'm saving my "There's a guy masturbating in the locker room" until the sales desks are full and I feel cranky.

[merider1]

I'm saving my "There's a guy masturbating in the locker room" until the sales desks are full and I feel cranky.
:roflmao: Now, why didn't I think of that! I think that would have shut him up at least long enough for me to run to the locker room and change. I missed my spin class :( The *******s!

[ecnetsixe]

I'm saving my "There's a guy masturbating in the locker room" until the sales desks are full and I feel cranky.

:D :D :D :D :D classic!!!!!!!!!

[Brandy]

Wow m.e. that sucks and I think that you have every right to be pissed. I'm glad that they realized their mistake, but damn...nice customer service. :rolleyes:

[ecnetsixe]

:rolleyes:

Did you miss my ":p "?

[Oleanshoebox]

24 hour fitness is pretty crappy I must agree. I've been going to the one down the street from my work for a few months. It is pretty dirty and crowded and all that but I only pay 30 a month which I know isn't as good as some people have but is pretty cheap just the same.

I am not at all surprised that some crap like that happened at one-whatever happened to the customer is always right? Sorry to hear it, ME-and good job stickin it to him.

[jsigone]

I only belong to 24hr because my GF gets a banging discount. She pays $23 bucks per month for us to go to any gym in Socal. Can't turn that down.

I'm sorry to hear that you had a run in w/ a jackass w/ a big head. During tomorrow's workout, you should hit the boxin bag for a bit and work off some steam there:D

PS: yah their bikes are a JOKE

[ronjon10]

I only belong to 24hr because my GF gets a banging discount.


:eek:

[jsigone]

nasty minds :roflmao: :roflmao:

[dauphin]

Having been a gym owner for over 18 years there are some givens that everyone should be aware of.
In most instances (especially in the large chain clubs) you are nothing more than a sales statistic and represent a commission check to a salesperson. Most gyms exist on bringing new people through the front door and not on keeping existing disgruntled customers from exiting the back door. It's purely a numbers game. Most of you are dedicated exercisers...most gym members are sporadic participants or even better for the gym...non-participants. Most instructors are there on an ego trip...most front desk staff are undertrained and underpaid. Once you sign a contract...you no longer really matter. If you use the facility on a regular basis...you are basically just a pain in the ***** to 24hr or most gyms for that matter. Sales is always and will always be the focus with customer service...in most cases being at best, laughable....

[DanteB]

The 24 Hour I use in Bakersfield just had a renovation, they took out all the carpet now we have all concrete floors. They're so nice to get down on to do sit-ups and stretching on. They also had a major problem with lockers and cars being broken in to. Someone was breaking into the lockers, stealing the valuables and your car keys. Of course they wouldn't put security cameras, it was and invasion of privacy. One good thing about all of this is the gym isn't very busy now and you can get on any machine you want.

[ronjon10]

Sadly Dauphin is right. I've been a member at many different clubs and they're almost all the same. I'm actually pretty happy with the Spectrum Clubs, but I pay out the yinyang every month.

[Oleanshoebox]

Having been a gym owner for over 18 years there are some givens that everyone should be aware of.
In most instances (especially in the large chain clubs) you are nothing more than a sales statistic and represent a commission check to a salesperson. Most gyms exist on bringing new people through the front door and not on keeping existing disgruntled customers from exiting the back door. It's purely a numbers game. Most of you are dedicated exercisers...most gym members are sporadic participants or even better for the gym...non-participants. Most instructors are there on an ego trip...most front desk staff are undertrained and underpaid. Once you sign a contract...you no longer really matter. If you use the facility on a regular basis...you are basically just a pain in the ***** to 24hr or most gyms for that matter. Sales is always and will always be the focus with customer service...in most cases being at best, laughable....
i guess i already knew it but to hear it spelled out so nicely just made me weep a little. evil *******s.:(

[Luwin1026]

So, this coupled with the constant lack of towels that we Super Sport members are supposed to get,

My garage is loaded w/ brand new white, 100% cotton towels if you need a good stash - or I can bring you a bunch next time I ride with you.

With that aside, man, I'm sorry to hear about that - looks like they owe you a big apology - perhaps you can negotiate for them to drop it down to like $29/month after all the hassle, embarassment, personal trauma they subjected you to!!

[Mr. Beanz]

$64 a month?:eek: Geeez, one month at your gym cost more than my entire cycling wardrobe!:o .........and I'm not kidding!:D

[cyclezealot]

We don't have very many private health clubs here, because most cities provide us with gym facilities. I found when I had a gym membership, I did not use it. Now, my bike is in the garage and awaiting me to take it out for a ride. You'd have to use a 24 hour club a lot to make it cheaper than your cycling costs.

[merider1]

Having been a gym owner for over 18 years there are some givens that everyone should be aware of.
In most instances (especially in the large chain clubs) you are nothing more than a sales statistic and represent a commission check to a salesperson. Most gyms exist on bringing new people through the front door and not on keeping existing disgruntled customers from exiting the back door. It's purely a numbers game. Most of you are dedicated exercisers...most gym members are sporadic participants or even better for the gym...non-participants. Most instructors are there on an ego trip...most front desk staff are undertrained and underpaid. Once you sign a contract...you no longer really matter. If you use the facility on a regular basis...you are basically just a pain in the ***** to 24hr or most gyms for that matter. Sales is always and will always be the focus with customer service...in most cases being at best, laughable....
You know, John, this is why I rarely follow-up with trying to complain to their corporate offices. I just use the gym for cross training and need it for the weights (something I can't afford or fit into my one-bedroom apartment). But I agree - I'm nothing more than a number. But to your comment above about the desk staff - oddly enough, at Glendale Super Sport, the girls that run the front desk are the nicest, most attentive. The Operations Manager was the jerk (behaving inappropriately and making the situation worse, IMO) but not the very sweet gal behind the desk whose eyes almost popped out of her head when I wouldn't back down (I'm a little expressive when I'm angry...:o )

[Rick@OCRR]

So that's what Beanz? One bright neon-orange jersey and a pair of shorts? Are you counting what you spent on shoes and helmet?

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

[BigSean]

Ahhh yes, another 24hr fitness complaint. All I can say is they are one of the worst Ive ever experienced. Ive been a member at alot of gyms, mainly because I cant stand the attitudes at many of them. Usually from the staff, sometimes from a crowd that is more about socializing the working out. The initiation fee's are to make money on, as most members would cancel after 3 months if it wasnt for having to shell out that money or sign a contract. I was very happy with some of the smaller private gyms we used to have around. Seems they couldnt survive with all the big gym hoopla.:( I have been very pleased with Golds gym for a long time. I just recently joined again after cancelling many years ago cause I couldnt find time to go. The gym is always clean, and everything works. If something does break or is in need of repairs, it is handled within 2 days in most cases. I dont know how the Golds are in So-Cal, but if they are anything like here Id check it out. I got the corperate rate of $99 including the first month and $29 a month after that. If I had been willing to pay a higher fee it would have been $19 a month. I know conveince is big for alot of us. The closest gym to my house is 24hr:eek: , but Golds is closest to work and I go in before work.

Id call corporate and speak to someone about the manager. He could have easily checked your account before being rude and all could have been avoided. :mad:

I too will assist in the computer beating.:crash:

[Extort]

came upstairs to my desk, printed out the note to Corporate and account info and marched right back down to the gym to deal with him again. By the time I had gotten there, he did, in fact, check the notes in my account and realized that I was not lying and the mistake he had made (which I still find so unbelievably egregious!). He then immediately reinstated my membership and vows to fix it on Thursday. Oh, and he apologized profusely for the error and "misunderstanding."

I can think of easier ways to get a free year of dues and the attentive services of a personal trainer. ME, you know that computer hacking is a criminal offense, right? ;)

That place is such a rip off that I cannot understand ever being a member... the AC sucks, and employees are college graduates with a degree in recess, that actually landed a job in their field of study.
http://images.despair.com/products/demotivators/potential.jpg

[roadfix]

Lucky that I have space in my home for a small gym setup although some equipment has turned into clothes racks. The smith machine gets most usage though. I stopped going to the gym years ago simply due to the inconvinience of travel time, parking during peak hours, and visual distractions inside the gym.

[caligurl]

now see!!! that's why i work out at home... in my garage... i have everything i need and no jerk attendant/employees and no strangers sweating on my gear! (heck.... i get grossed out when hubby sweats on my stuff! i can't imagine using gear after a sweaty stranger.... suddenly i feel like i need a shower!)

[Scootcore]

maybe you should check out the 24hr fitness at sepulveda and ventura....maybe its nicer...and its close to home, right?

[voltman]

I have no problem with 24 Hour. I pay my dues ($12/month for all Sport), hit the weights, leave. As long as I get in the door and the weights are available, I don't expect any other service. The Group X classes are great, too.

[VelodromePhoeni]

Dear ME -- I'm so sorry to hear you were treated that way. Nothing sucks worse than being treated like you simply don't matter as a human being.

The only thing a business like this understands is money. The only power you have, ultimately, is the power to take your money and give it to their competitor. However, since your complaints as a customer have not been heeded (especially about the poor level of sanitation), then I suggest you register your complaint with YOUR employer -- who is, ultimately, the gym's REAL customer. Tell them how badly the gym is treating you (your company's treasured employee), and ask that they give you a voucher or something to take your employee benefit to ANOTHER gym which will provide better service. Trust me, rather than go through that hassle, your employer/company will lean on the gym to provide better service to its employees -- or else the COMPANY will take it's employee benefit to another provider. The potential loss of a big corporate customer will very likely force some changes to be made.

VP

[Moochers_Dad]

I'm saving my "There's a guy masturbating in the locker room" until the sales desks are full and I feel cranky.

Or, until there actually is a guy masturbating in the locker room.

[merider1]

I can think of easier ways to get a free year of dues and the attentive services of a personal trainer.


You volunteering? :D :D :D

[merider1]

now see!!! that's why i work out at home... in my garage... i have everything i need and no jerk attendant/employees and no strangers sweating on my gear! (heck.... i get grossed out when hubby sweats on my stuff! i can't imagine using gear after a sweaty stranger.... suddenly i feel like i need a shower!)
I wish I could fit a gym in my home, Cali, believe me! I'm definitely investing in a trainer so that I'm not relying on spin classes as much (during the rainy months).

[AGGRO]

I never paid more than 10 bucks for 24 fitness and dumped them altogether after I got sick of the crowds. Picked up some equipment for the gym and good to go.

[merider1]

maybe you should check out the 24hr fitness at sepulveda and ventura....maybe its nicer...and its close to home, right?
I've been there and it isn't convenient (parking is such a hassle!), but good suggestion.

[merider1]

I have no problem with 24 Hour. I pay my dues ($12/month for all Sport), hit the weights, leave. As long as I get in the door and the weights are available, I don't expect any other service. The Group X classes are great, too.
Well, I guess the gym gods just love your well-toned butt, now don't they. :p

[caligurl]

I wish I could fit a gym in my home, Cali, believe me! I'm definitely investing in a trainer so that I'm not relying on spin classes as much (during the rainy months).

i hear ya!!!! that's where we're lucky cuz we have the garage.... however in the summer i'd prefer to work out inside... i guess i could displace hubby and the XBOX out of the "xbox room"! *insert evil laugh!*

[merider1]

i hear ya!!!! that's where we're lucky cuz we have the garage.... however in the summer i'd prefer to work out inside... i guess i could displace hubby and the XBOX out of the "xbox room"! *insert evil laugh!*
Forgive me...I don't even have cable. What exactly is an XBOX? Is that a gamer thingy? :o

[Pheard]

:lol: xbox room, that's a real man.

[Pheard]

Forgive me...I don't even have cable. What exactly is an XBOX? Is that a gamer thingy? :o
It's a gaming system for us folks that are addicted to halo 2.

[roadfix]

Forgive me...I don't even have cable.

whew!.....I thought I was the only one in SoCal without subscription TV.

[caligurl]

:lol: xbox room, that's a real man.


oh it gets better.... THAT room has the ONLY HD tv in the house! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[caligurl]

whew!.....I thought I was the only one in SoCal without subscription TV.

*gasp* we just switched from dishnetwork to dirctv.... (after firing the cable company a few years ago for getting rid of OLN!)

in the 3.5 days i've had DTV.... i very much like it! (and now we finally have two DVR's in the house! they wouldn't let me get more.... b@stards!)

[Pheard]

oh it gets better.... THAT room has the ONLY HD tv in the house! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Wow, I hope he gets some exersize. Both my brothers are game freaks and they sit there drinking soda for hours....

[caligurl]

Wow, I hope he gets some exersize. Both my brothers are game freaks and they sit there drinking soda for hours....

he rides his bikes! and occasionally works out with me.... he's not as big a gamehead as the room makes him sound!