Complain about a product or service

Bally Total Fitness

Bally • Sales Practices, Contracts • The 12-Day Rule • "Lifetime" Contracts • Moved Away • Maintenance • Child Care • Opening Late • Headphone Policy --- News • Bally's Customers Hope To Exercise Their Rights

We get so many complaints about Bally Total Fitness, it's a workout just to sort through them. Maybe the most important thing to know about all health clubs is that the contracts are legally binding. If you want to cancel your membership, you must do it in the manner specified in the contract -- in writing, via certified mail, usually. Otherwise you end up like Kathleen (below).

Kathleen of Waterford, MI (8/4/05):
In April of 1990, I went to the Waterford Balley's (which at that time was called Vic Tanney) with my sister-in-law to see what it was like. The girl that met with us talked me into joining. After I filled all the paperwork out, she told me that I needed to bring back a cancelled check to verify my checking account. She also informed me that if I wanted to cancel that I should contact them within 4 days. The following day I called and cancelled the membership. I was then under the impression that everything was taken care of.

Now 15 years later, as I am trying to get my finances in order to buy a house, I find out that I was turned over to a collection agency and I owe over $1100.00 to Balley�s. 15 years later!

Britney of Brown Deer WI (05/05/08)
I was pursaded to sign a 2 year contract because it was so much lower than a month to month, once a joined I was told that if I wanted to end my membership with-in 60 days, I just needed to swip my card 17 times..then after losing my job, and getting the run around by customer service, I was told I couldn't cancel until I visited 17 days in a row,

I've been lied to, and now I can't pay the membership, only to be told by a repersentative that they cannot help me, I am so upset. This club was never for me, they don't have a child care facility and is not close to my home..

Leah of Portland OR (05/02/08)
I had been very ill and was undergoing cancer treatment in the fall of 2007, and my account lapsed during that time. After dozens of calls placed to my mobile phone by Bally's, my daughter-in-law notified Bally's of my status, told them that I would never be back to their club, and paid $175 of a ~$450 payoff amount. I am still very ill and, indeed, there will never be a time when I will return to Bally Total Fitness. I now owe ~$138 and the total payoff amount due is still ~$450.

About three weeks ago, calls to my mobile phone started again. The phone is usually off, though I can sort through incoming calls. In a single week, Bally placed 52 calls to my cell phone. My daughter-in-law contacted them again, and she was told I would have to call them directly, and they could not discuss my account with her - even though she explained the situation. The calls increased, and now Bally calls my mobile phone no less than 5 times per day, and as many as 8 times per day.

She paid an additional $140 to keep the account (donation) current; however, the calls continue. In fact, they have increased to anywhere between 8 and a dozen calls per day. It is certainly a relief that, in one's final days, Bally Total Fitness can be counted on to stay in touch. ...sounds like harassment to me!

Dozens upon Dozens of harassment calls placed to my mobile phone (see what happened section). Even after bringing the account current, the call continue. Their electronic dialer is tireless.

Nikki of Hackensack NJ (05/02/08)
Several years ago, 5 individuals including myself signed a joint membership contract with Bally total fitness. While signing our contract we were informed that if unhappy with our membership, we DID have 30 days to cancel our membership, however certain requirements were to be met. With that said, after a little over two weeks into our contract we had all agreed that we were very unhappy while using the facility and wanted to cancel. At this point we attempted to meet all the requirements to cancel ,we sent back our contract, we wrote a letter to explain our reason for cancelling, which included that the facility was always full and there was typically a 30 minute wait for our equipment of choice. Also, as per our initial contract signing we were told that AS A GROUP we needed 12 visits to cancel.

Once we had them, we called Ballys to confirm we indeed had all the requirements. At that time we were told that it was 12 per person. So we frantically continued to attend ballys to meet our 12 visit per person requirement, while within the time period allotted. During the last two weeks we attended 2 facilities in the area to gain the 12 needed, unfortunetly we were denied entry because we were not working? out long enough. I am disputing this because as per my last conversation in May 2, 2008, the ballys representative said herself, that they can not deny giving a customer credit for their visit, even if they walk in swipe their card and walk out. We never did that and normally stayed for at least 30mins.

So why did they deny us the visits back then? The are clearly showing customer fraud. They were able to trace the phone calls between them and I for other situations, why not pull this one to prove they are liable so they can relieve me of this $2200.oo Bally loan. I believe they just dont want to pay the creditor that they sold this account to, and are making up horrible excuses and give false reasons as to why they deny us because it is different every time.

In conclusion they deny my right to cancel because they say I did not have enough visits to cancel. When asked, they tell me they dont have a number of visits in the computer and that I confessed? to only coming into swipe my card, I never once said that, I attended what I felt was sufficient work out time. They need to pull their phone conversations to prove this. I would never fight for something if I didnt believe in it.

My credit score has been damamged for 6 years because of this

Cristina of Miami FL (05/02/08)
I have been trying to cancel my member for the past 6 months because the Bally's facility is under severe construction. I do not feel safe entering the building and there is no end in sight to the construction. I've waited almost 2 years for the construction to be complete and it's only getting worse. Ballys policy is to force their members to exercise at another conveniently located clubs. The other clubs in my area would take approximately 1 hour in traffic to commute which is not a reasonable request. The club that I signed up for is directly between my commute from home to work. Also, a main reason for joining the gym was to use the pool which has been closed due to construction.

The manager, Tony, agrees that I should be able to cancel my membership and explained that he gets these complaints all the time but he does not have the authority to cancel a membership. He explained that the Regional Manager would call me but I never received a call. The corporate office has not returned any of my calls, which you are placed into a 30 minute queue each time you call, or letters. After waiting to speak to a representative for 45 minutes in March I was told that they would stop the auto-debit to my credit card but continue to charge me and send my account to collections. They told me my credit would be destroyed so I better keep paying.

I've contacted the Better Business and it seems like there is no one that can get through to these people. I've never experienced such poor customer service in my life. All I want is my membership canceled and my dues returned. Given the club is not operational and the lack of customer service Ive received I dont see how this company is still in business. Do not join this club!

I've been charged $20.33 per month for the past 2 years and will not be allowed out of my contract until Dec 2009.

Jody of Portland OR (05/01/08)
In 2003, I had won a 30 day membership, used it 6 days didn't like it canceled. 2007 I pulled my credit report says Bally's and I owe 1412.00 which is now in collections. I still have my orignal copy of my original contract it doesn't say how many months the contract is for. The little box is BLANK and they still won't take it off my credit. So it is I pay for a membership that is not binding by any paper work but they can put it on a credit report. Or i let it sit for some more years as it is making me look bad.

My credit score has dropped because of this. I can't buy the house I live in because of this collection which i am refusing to pay. Which means I might be homeless soon with my family.

Cijomon of Burnsville MN (04/27/08)
My wife and I joined Ballys Fitness Center in Torrance on May 06, 2007. The membership paper work at the time of joining was handled by Mr. Brian Alvarez (Employee No. 622531). Before signing the contract I explained to Mr. Alvarez about the nature of my job, which requires me to move from one location to another as and when my assignment is over and hence would like to sign the contract only if I were free to cancel my membership at any point in time. I had also told Mr. Alvarez that I was joining this Fitness Center for the reason that Torrance Fitness Center was less than a mile away from my apartment. Mr. Alvarez assured me that we would be able to cancel our membership any time we desire. He also mentioned that the contract would be on a month-to-month basis and none of the constraints regarding the cancellation would affect our membership.

While signing the contract, I noticed that number of months in contract was not filled by Mr. Alvarez. When I pointed this out to him, he told me that since it is a month-to-month contract it must be left blank. I signed the contract based on his assurance that we could cancel the membership any time we desire without any other cancellation constraints. In Dec 2007, I got transferred to Chicago and we wanted to cancel our membership with Ballys. I contacted Torrance Fitness Center and talked to Mr. Alvarez regarding my need. He assured me that our membership would be cancelled at the earliest.

I continued to follow up with Mr. Alvarez regarding the status of our cancellation even after moving to Chicago. Whenever I contacted him, he was assuring that our membership cancellation is in progress and the delay was due to the heavy back log they had with holiday seasons. In the mean time, Ballys charged my credit card (our membership fee). I again contacted Mr. Alvarez in February 2008. He told me that our membership was cancelled and he also mentioned that I should call the corporate office to complete the cancellation formality.

Based on the directions I received from Mr. Alvarez, I called the corporate office. To my surprise our cancellation request was turned down with the explanation that our contract was for 36 months and as per the contract in order to cancel the membership, I should relocate to a place where there is no Ballys Fitness Center within 25 miles. They stated that there is a Ballys Fitness Center which is 8 miles away from my new apartment in Hoffman Estates, Chicago. Ballys representative whom I talked to was not open to any discussion and was not ready to listen the fact that our contract was only month-to-month and not 36 months. This is a clear case of deception. In the first place, I never agreed for a contract of 36 months and I was told that it was a month-to-month contract. After I signed the contract, someone added the term (36 months) into the contract without my knowledge.

This kind of act is not appropriate especially from a health organization like Ballys. When I explained the situation to Torrance Fitness center manager she assured me that their area manager would contact me to discuss and resolve the issue. Till date no one has contacted me to discuss the same. Its been a very unsatisfactory service from Ballys till now in this cancellation process. The whole issue is creating lot of mental anguish to me and my family. In the mean time, I again got transferred to Minneapolis. It is really inconvenient for us to travel 20 miles to and fro to the Fitness Center everyday. In view of the above mentioned scenario, I request Ballys to cancel our (Mine and my wifes) membership and refund the excess money which was debited from my credit card (after December 2007) As suggested by Ballys I forwarded the Contract papers given to me. As mentioned earlier this contract copy is not having the 36 months in it. But still, after receiving my complaint and the contract copy send by me, they again denied my cancellation request saying my contract is for 36 months. I can't understand why Ballys is continuing their claim even after see the contract papers which is not having the 36 months term in it.

After sending the cancellation request in Dec 2007 they again charged my Credit card for 42 Dollar. Ballys Total Fitness is now contacting me frequently asking for the payment of due amount from Feb 2008 with fine.

Mike of Coram NY (04/24/08)
I opened an accout with ballys back in 1999 and from there it was a disater. I guess the guy who sold me the accout opened a few others under my name. By the end of 2003 i had 5 accounts in collection and i kept on getting the run around from them saying its in judgement they cant do anything then when i call the collection agency they say its up to ballys. I wrote to better business bureau and they took care of a few. I tried to get a hold of my contracts and they would not realease them until 1 yr ago.

I get the contract and i see it has the wrong SS # and wrong birthday. How is it possible that with all that wrong information its on my credit report and i cant do anything about it. I just got off the phone today with ballys and the same thing Im sorry i cant do anything its already in judgement Please I dont know what more i can do. I have credit reports still from 05 showing them being on my credit, I have bills and the contract with the wrong SS#. Im 28 now and trying to start a family and dont know if i can get my credit fixed because of my past problems that were not my fault.

This has hurt my credit so bad thousands of dollars where on my credit from 99- now and on my credit i have a judgement for over 2000 dollars. It is killing me financially and my stress with them is through the roof.

Jee of Grapevine TX (04/22/08)
I have been bally total fiftness member 2002 and I usuing only one month and I cancelled membership. but bally take out my bank account until few years. also, take over collection company. please all earase my bad record of bally.

I need want delete bad record and recover the good credit.

Rene of Troy MI (04/22/08)
My 18 year old daughter was awarded a one month free trial membership. She went to Bally's to claim her award and was asked to sign paperwork to be accepted for the 30 days. She went to the facility approximately 5 times and got busy with other things, not worring about it figuring it was a trial period. Come to find out she was unknowingly cohereced into signing one of their elustrious CONTRACTS and has now been turned over to the infamous ACC for COLLECTIONS.

This practice I am sure is used endlessly and I believe there should be a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT filed to end this injustice! The services are not being used and were not used for any longer than about a week. How is it that companies are allowed to not give you the information contained in their contracts and yet still hold people responsible. How do these people look at themselves in the mirrow and feel ok about how they conduct their business. Corporations such as these are slanderous and should be out of business.

More of us need to band together to end this injustice. If in fact you are asked to sign a CONTRACT it should be required by law that the person(s) asking you to do this explain the cost/binding agreement etc. This is a clear cut case of cohersion, bait and switch, etc. There goal was to get people to sign a contract for their 30 days free and are now holding them all in financial ruin!

Fred of Peoria AZ (04/21/08)
Bally Total Fitness P.O. Box 1080 Norwalk, CA. 90651-1080 On or about 20:01 Hrs. on 06/14/2001 I was taken on a tour of  facility by one of the Managers (on-site ) at the suggestion of my therapist at the time which the Doctors had Mis-Diagnosed my condition as being Carpel Tunnel Syndrome? and thought Hydro-Therapy using your pool would be advantageous at the time. However, on 06/19/2001 @ 10:30 Hrs. I suffered a Gran Mal Seizure while checking into a local Hospital and was on Life Support in ICU in Critical Condition unaware of what happened to me. Later it was determined I was having a Stroke and the resultant numbness was not Carpel Tunnel? at all. My Physician suggested I see someone at Barrows Neurological and I had resultant Brain Surgery. I contacted both  local Rep. and sent E-mail notifications of the outcome. My Physician stressed it would not be wise for me to go to an indepenet facitity such as Bally as it would be a liability to you and me as well, since the Stroke left me partially Paralized on my Right side and I might slip under water and Drown without assistance. My Insurance saw to it that I was enrolled in Barrows Neuro-Therapy Program which was more suited to my immediate needs.

After My initial request of cancellation and several Emails I sent all the required documentation  requested to include the fact I was declared Disabled. After several attempts to meet repeated requests of Doctors Statements you persisted in Auto-Withdrawl of monthly dues with no regard to my repeated pleas to stop. On 08/06/2001 xxxxx xxxxxxx MD wrote a note which I then forwarded, then Bally claimed that wasnt good enough so on 09/12/2001 on Letter Head he again submitted the same request for cancellation of my membership due to disability and subsequent Brain Surgery. At the same time one of the Collection Agencies attempted a Settlement Offer of $230.00 on a $767.00 or they would refer it to another collection agency. I contacted a Brian Sanchez who told me to Fax all this documentation again to 562-484-2445 and the Auto- withdrawal stopped but the collection efforts continued and the Credit Report at all three CRAs still show this as a bad debt. Even though I was forced into a Chapter 13 reorg. to make things stop from them and all the other creditors.

In closing, I no longer am concerned about my refund which I resigned myself years ago they were bound and determined to cheat me out of. But the constant Barrage of SPAM advertisements I find offensive considering the fact Bally didnt live up to the agreement by denying me the right of cancellation after being declared Disabled and Partially paralyzed and persist in ruining my Credit Report with continued False Claims. I am sending a copy of this note to Trans-Union, Equifax, and Experian. I would like you to review this matter once again before I consult Counsel for satifaction.

They persued me with every conceivable excuse to elude my requests for Membership Cancellation and automatic withdrawl. Since I was paralized my caretaker at the time tried to answer their repeated requests for more information, while I was busy going thru Rehab to learn how to speak and swallow again. I recently wrote the above letter to Bally's and have naturally heard not one Peep! They continue to ruin my credit record, and show no interest in answering any of my repeated pleas for years.

Thiana of Dorchester MA (04/16/08)
I saw that Bally's had a promo on the television about $20 to join.I contacted the closest Bally's facility in my area. I spoke to one of the representative over the phone and he lied and told me that the promo was ending today so come down as soon as I can to join. I woeked out only once in the gym and I called the facility to cancel they gave me a toll free number. When I called the toll free number and waited forever to get a rep. she advise me that my contract is for 3 yrs and I am unable to get out of it unless I show some type of proof.

I asked if I can be charged a cancellation fee and she told me no. The thing is that the rep in the gym never go over the cancellation process and he never told me that my contract is for 3 years. The told me that I had 3 days to read the contract. But really no one can sit there and read the fine lines. i hate BALLY'S TOTAL FITNESS and I wish that they will go out of business.

Lauren of Oregon City OR (04/15/08)
The day after I turned 18 I went to Bally Total Fitness to decide if I wanted to use their gym- this was supposed to be a birthday present from my parents but they wanted to make sure I got the best deal. The woman I dealt with offered me to try a 30 day trial which required a contract and my debit card information. I signed the contract and brought the information home to my parents. They thought that the membership was too expensive (thousands of dollars) and they told me to cancel it.

It states in the contract that you have a three day period after signing the contract to cancel the agreement. The very next day (May 9th 2005) I called to cancel the account. Months later I realized that they were taking money out of my bank account (roughly $200 total). i called to ask about what was going on and the person I spoke to told me that there were no notes in my account and there was no record of me calling to cancel the contract.

I attempted to cancel the contract again but they told me I couldnt because part of the agreement for the 30 day trial was that I had to work out at the gym 15 times over a 30 day period- which by this point had passed. He agreed to take my debit card off my account and said theat bills would be sent to me from now on. He told me that a regional supervisor would call me to discuss the matter further. No one ever called.

For several years I simply ignored the matter because I didnt know what else to do. I have no phone record of me calling to cancel the account. They have no phone record. I have never once worked out at their gym (in fact I went with 24 hour fitness instead) yet I am being charged almost $2000 for nothing in return. Right before christmas of 2007 they were sending me letters attempting to settle the dispute by offering me to only pay a certain amount. With each letter the amount got smaller- to about $300. Ive never heard of a company that you supposedly owe money offering deals on the money that you owe them. If I really owed them money, why would they offer me deals?!

They now have a collection agency called Asset Acceptance LLC attempting to collect $1477.17 from me. I dont know to do. I dont have the money, and even if I did I have principles that do not come with a price tag.

Tina of Binghamton NY (04/15/08)
I would like to lodge a complaint against the Bally's that I am currently signed up at for the last 2 years; Bally's in Johnson City, NY. In a time where Staph infection has become evident in our area the dirt and filth of the gym is the worst I have ever seen. I had not gone to the gym consistently for 3 months since I was attending the gym at my college and I started up again 1 month ago.

There were several occasions where there was not any disinfectant for the machines so people were not wiping them down. The paper towel holder in the bathroom was jammed so the paper towel roll would be on the counter where everyone was touching it with their hands and getting it all wet. They would place paper towels and toilet paper on the floor in the entrance of the bathroom not protected on its sides or wrapped so it is laying on a rug that people walk on. The water fountain and sinks are caked in a film that is not removed properly. The lockers have mold and rust in them and the showers are full of black mold. The floors in the bathroom are washed with a mop that is not clean since the corners are full of caked dirt.

And finally, my biggest gripe is the dust and ventilation system. Every thing that is out of anyones reach has never been dusted since I signed up two years ago. The layer is at least 1 thick I did not notice these things when I first walked through (or I would not have signed up), but as I began attending I realized how dirty this place really is. The dark gray dust on the tv's and duct system is at least 3/4 of an inch thick through out the whole facility.

Every time I have visited in the last month I begin to have a sore throat and my allergies become inflamed. I am not happy with facility and feel I am not getting what I deserve for the money I have paid for my three year membership. I am requesting a credit on my last year of my membership since I did sign a three year contract and I feel that Bally's has not held up to their end of the contract. I contacted corporate several times and they said it would be taken care of. During my last conversation 1 week ago they said that the independent auditor passed it with flying colors. I was in there and it was disgusting. During that last conversation they said they could not refund my one year because my idea of clean was too high a standard compared to the average. But they said out right they do not give back money for the reason of unsatisfactory service.

My money has been wasted on a facility that I don't even want to step into. There were two instances back in the fall that I went in and got sick immediately following with respiratory issues.

Jim of San Antonio TX (04/14/08)
To everyone who is whining about Ballys contract. Did you not read it prior to signing? It is a legal and binding contract. If you had you would have noticed that you financed your gym membership, now similar to any other loan, you are expected to pay it, I have never heard of writing a note to my mortgagor or Lender requesting to cancel my loan and agreements because I can no longer afford it nor any other unacceptable excuse to not pay your loan. Seriously notes work for children at school, not adults who make loans.

I am shocked at others who whine that they moved and never received a bill so they chose to not pay it, that is a very adult way of dealing with bills. You know you have a bill, just because you move and you never received a new bill at the new address does not mean it no longer exists. One year I moved 3 times, despite that I had previously called and turned in the change of address forms and the address change info on my credit cards, without fail, I still did not receive some bills, I called and kept calling untill they changed it because I am still legally responsible to uphold my end of the agreement despite that these companies are incompetent.

Simply finding reasons to complain like sweaty eq. because you really want to join or try out the new 24 hr fitness, or sighting you think you have gotten more sick since joining? I suppose you did not know that working out also lowers your immune system. Do some research. I suggest you do your research prior to signing any contract, not after. Common sense folks. Also having sensitive skin is not your gyms problem, I have sensitive skin as well and simply showering after working out helps remarkably. I came to this site looking for real complaints with merit instead I found only excuses. Grow up, and like with any company do your research prior not after.

Michael of Brooklyn NY (04/13/08)
I signed up for a 3 year contract. The contract has an expiration date of 3/06/2008. In February 2008, I went to the club and was denied access because the computer had my expiration date as 2/06/2008. I was offered the opportunity to renew my membership but decided against it because of the constant state of disrepair and unsanitary conditions.

The following month, I started to receive phone calls from Bally's regarding my membership information. Upon speaking with a representative, I discovered that Bally's had renewed my membership without my expressed oral or written consent. Not only am I being charged for a membership which I expressly turned down but, Bally's is reporting the account delinquent to the credit bureaus.

I am being unjustly charged for a membership I expressly refused to renew. My credit is being ruined by Bally's reporting delinquencies to an account I never authorized.

C. of Brooklyn NY (04/10/08)
I have been working with a Bally Sports Club personal trainer for several months. I recently purchased more sessions at a cost of almost $700 for 8 sessions per the terms of the contract. After just one session, the trainer was suspended. Please note that at this point he has not been terminated. Because I paid for this particular trainer, I wanted to know what the deal was, and when and if he'd be returning because if not I wanted to get my money back for the unused sessions, contract nonwithstanding.

When I called Bally's to get information, everyone was very vague and kept asking me to come back to speak to a particular manager. But all of a sudden, a week later and with no firm resolution regarding the trainer I hired, I'm getting phone calls from a new personal trainer saying he's going to be working with me. I'm livid because no one has time to talk to me and keeps me waiting on hold or in person, but all of a sudden Bally's can get a new personal trainer to call me WHO I DO NOT WANT AND DID NOT PAY FOR.

I want to know the status of the trainer I've been working with for months now and if at this point he's been terminated, I want my money back. It took me 3 years to see a trainer there good enough to make the huge decision and financial committment to and at this point, if he's gone, I don't want anyone else. I want my money back.

Just an almost $700 loss.

Helene of Baltimore MD (04/10/08)
I have a lifetime no fee membership with for 35 years. I never had to pay a dime. Now, I received a bill stating as of 2008 I have to pay a $10 ANNUAL CARD FEE. This annual fee can go up as much as they want.

I feel I should pay nothing since my original contract said no fees ever. This could be a class action suite for lifetime members with no fees.

Keith of Darien IL (04/08/08)
I have been a member of Bally's for over 20 years and I love Bally's. This is not a direct complaint against Bally's; rather, it is a request for clarification concerning its policies concerning members/patrons using non-hypo-allergenic chemicals in the steam rooms. I have had significant allergic reactions on three separate occaions when other members have dispersed foreign chemcicals e.g., methylated, spearment or eucalpytus oils) in the steam room. On one occasion, I steamed after swimming and someone placed one of the aforesaid oils on the steam. Mhy eyes burned significantly while in the steam room prompting me to leave immediately. Shortly thereafter, I went to work out with the weights. I broke out on my left and right arms. My left arm was beat red and bubbled with raised bumps which I assume was a significant chemical burn. My left arm was on fire. I tried placing my cold towel on my left arm, but it failed to alleviate the pain. Ultimately, I came home and continuously placed hand lotion containing Aloe Vera for two days. The pain and rash finally disappeared.

On several occasions, I have had other allergic reactions/rashes but not as severe as on that date. Most people are courteous and ask if anyone in the steamroom would find it objectionable to use the oils, at which point I usually leave. However, some members feel that it is their right to use same and pour it on without asking the other members who were there first.

My concern is two-fold. If certain chemicals are burning my flesh, what harm is it doing to my lungs. And should we, as paying members, be subjected to repeated chemical battery by unknown foreign substances? And what damage can this do to elderly people, pregnant women or persons with comrpomised immune systems? When I complained to management, the Bally's representative was not certain of the official policy in this regard. It seems to me that allowing foreign substances to be dispersed in the steamrooms that can cause injury to its patrons subjects Bally's members to an unreasonable and foreseeable risk of harm that can cause major injuries to its patrons. I don't mean to be Debbie Downer, but I see potential problems (including litigation) for Bally's if it doesn't set forth its policies in this regard or warm its patrons. I would suggest that Bally's either immediately cease allowing this practice or provide its own hypo-allergenic oils to prevent injury to other patrons. I know that Bally's will deal with this issue in due course. Thanks.

Physical injuries: Severe skin rashes; burning eyes; unknown problems.

Zunaira of New Castle DE (03/29/08)
I joined ballys and wanted to cancel my account because I was moving. I sent in 4 credit card statements showing that I had moved and the nearest gym is about 30 miles away. Everyday i=I'm getting a phone call saying I owe 300 dollars in late fees when I have already paid the cancellation fee and I called them back and they said my account will for sure not close even though I have proof. I'm in desperate need for this account to close, I believe it's already in my credit and I'm only 20 so I know later on in life I wont be able to get anything. Can someone please help?

Credit ruined and in debt.

Patrick of Concord CA (03/29/08)
I had direct billing set up with my credit card. In Sept 2007, my credit card company changed my account number. When the monthly transaction failed, instead of calling the credit card company to process the transaction, they continued to let the debt increase. I was no longer attending the gym, just paying out my contract and my address had changed, so I didn't receive the notices.

The debt was finally reported to the credit reporting agencies, which will now affect a home purchase which I am attempting. I have filed a complaint with all three CRAs.

Jesus of Coatesville PA (03/28/08)
I went to this gym to train for a big fight in Madison Square Garden in NYC.  I told them I needed to use the gym to swim and run.  43 days later I got injured in my shoulder and called to cancel. They said yes, they will cancel, but it had been 7 years adn I owe the credit company Assest Acceptance.  I owe them $3400.  My credit cannot be good until I deal with this.  I've tried and everytime I default in payment because of difficult circumstance adn they bring me back to the same about of $3400.

Consuelo of Langhorne PA (03/28/08)
I signed up for a 3 year contract and added my husband, so we pay about $58 + dollars a month for a 7 days/week gym membership. At the time I signed, I had no idea that the membership cannot be canceled but at the time I just needed to pay a fee to cancel membership. 6 mos after I wasn't able use the gym as much and I tried calling the local gym, and instead helping they gave me the usual spiel of trying to be healthy etc. even though I told them I could not afford to continue paying $60 because I am a housewife. I asked them If I can just pay a penalty, and they basically told me I have to pay 3 years even though I wasn't using their facilities.

Yesterday I called the corporate number again, and I got 2 different responses. By email I was told the same spiel (abide by contract) and over the phone, I was told all they needed to do was stop my automatic payments and I don't have to worry about a thing. After reading the many complaints on this page, now I am worried and curious if they will hand over my debt to a collection agency without informing me! All I know was that the operator agreed to cancel a membership, even if I offered to pay a fee for early cancellation, they said that there is no fee at all. My next payment due is supposedly 4/15/08 and all I can do is cross my fingers since I spoke with this rep over the phone, and there is no written proof of our conversation.

Jackie of Miami FL (03/18/08)
14 years ago, when I was 17 years old, a Bally's trainer contacted me to see the facility in Miracle Mile.  He appeared to be very friendly and nice.  The gym was almost empty when he took me to tour the back of the gym where he grabbed my private areas.  I was in complete shock, I could not even speak I was so scared.  After he touched me he began to scream at me, ordering me to go.  I ran out of there.  I've never been so scared in my life.  I didn't tell me mother, didn't tell anyone and kept it a secret until today.

Alfredo of Rancho Cucamonga CA (03/18/08)
My wife and I have noticed that the rule of using towels and wiping down machines are not enforced, We have sat on other peoples sweat many times. We have seen that the Trainers are not enforcing the rule either. I would say 75% of members don't use towels. I have talked to the management and to corporate and i have been told that they cannot police members and enforce them to use towels and that I should use my towel to wipe down other member's sweat. I have asked them to please tell the memebrs that they need to have towels when they show their memebership cards, they tell me that they cannot do that. I want out of this gym. There is another gym down the street, they enforce the rules plus they have wipes to wipe down the machines and that is 24 hour fitness, but Ballys will not allow me to brake my contract. My wife is disgusted and does not want to go back to Ballys and I feel the same.

I feel that since I joined this gym we have been getting sick a lot more.

Kellie of Saint Louis Park MN (03/17/08)
I accepted an job opportunity in Melbourne Australia. I sent multiple letters, including my $50.00 fee to Bally's notifying them that I wanted to end my contract because I was moving out of the country. I sent them a copy of my employment contract. A copy of my Apt Lease in Australia. A copy of a phone bill from the Apt. They cashed my $50.00 check, yet they still keep saying that none of these items are good enough to terminate my contract. Their latest response - the bill from my Apt has my first name as initials, not as Kellie so they are claiming that isn't proof that I lived in Austalia.

My credit report is reflecting a Past Due bad debt. I am in the process of trying to buy a condo and might experience problems because of this.

Jill of Fresno CA (03/17/08)
I was foolish enough to sign a 3 year contract with Bally's. Due to disability, I cancelled the membership. I had minor children on my plan, plus my 20 year old. Since the minors cannot drive themselves, I was told that their memberships, plus mine, would be cancelled. Meanwhile, a month later, my 17 year old had turned 18. He is mentally retarded, has grand mal seizures, and will never be able to drive a car. I was told by Bally's that I would need a letter from his physician stating that he could not drive. The letter was written, the doctor signed it, and I mailed it in.

Meanwhile, wondering why my membership is still being automatically deducted from my checking account, I asked why there has been no response to the letters from my doctor or my son's. I was told that the letters were invalid because they were not on the doctors' letterhead. I contacted the doctors and they are FAXing new letters, on their letterhead. I have spent literally HOURS on the phone with Bally's. I've jumped through their various hoops, only to find out that there are more hoops. Meanwhile, the monthly dues are being paid and we are not going to the gym. I have never dealt with such an organization! On top of it all, their facility has become dirty and the jacuzzi is often shut down.

Membership fees are deducted from my checking account when I have already fulfilled Bally's requirements for cancellation. As I meet their requirements, I am informed that there are additional requirements.

Veronica of Plymouth MN (03/17/08)
My husband and I have a membership and when I became pregnant I gave Ballys a doctor's note to be excused from my contract since I had a high risk pregnancy. This was done in January and we are still waiting for them to accept the doctor's note. They stated it was invalid, don't know why. I had my doctor sign it and they are supposedly contacting my OB/GYN office to get another note. Several attempts to contact them and they keep giving us the run around. And they are still deducting from our bank account!

No major damages occurred, just tired of unfair treatment and inconsistent rules from their part. My husband has had to take the time from his clinic to go argue with them.

Laura of Lakewood CA (03/12/08)
Facility women's shower area and changing room is filthy. When I asked to talk to a manager, the manager states they will look into the conditions of the women's locker room, and nothing ever changes.

The shower stalls, soap dispenser, walls, floors, covered in black mold. Toilet area filthy with actual dirt on floor, hair all over floor. The work out equipment is dirty with sweat, no spray bottles anywhere with disinfectant to spray equipment.

Michelle of Liverpool NY (03/11/08)
I went to bally's fitness center 14 yrs ago for a 2 week trial and now they put a judgment on me for 1616.35. I never had a membership with this company. My checking and savings accounts are all frozen. So how can a company do that and try to get money? I'm really stuck because I have to pay my bills now and my money cant be touched. So is there anything I can do or you can help me? Thank You for your time.

I'm stressed That I will lose everything.

Jesus of Coral Springs, FL (03/11/08)
I joined Bally's with my wife on 06-03-07.  After 3 months we found out that my wife had colon cancer.  I spoke to Bally's headquarters to cancel my wife's contact and they said they needed a doctor's letter, which was not a problem. 

My problem is that I can not attend the gym until she is stable, so I asked to have my unused time moved to the end of my contract until I could attend.  I told them they didn't have to stop collecting from my account, I just wanted the time I paid for available to me.  That is all.

They totally refused.  They said that was "lost time", and was my problem, not their's

Xuemei of Flushing NY (03/08/08)
I signed up with Bally Total Fitness gym club with my friend in Nov.2007. Since then I only used the gym once due to my busy working schedule. I tried to cancel the membership with the local gym where I first signed up, they told me I would have to call the headquarter. But I could never get through the number they gave me. I don't know where I can get help to cancel the Bally gym membership.

I am paying $40 monthly for the service I am not using. I don't even know when I can get out from this obligation.

Xuemei of Flushing NY (03/08/08)
I signed up with Bally Total Fitness gym club with my friend in Nov. 2007. Since then I only used the gym once due to my busy working schedule. I tried to cancel the membership with the local gym where I first signed up; they told me I would have to call the headquarters. But I could never get through the number they gave me. I don't know where I can get help to cancel the Bally gym membership.

I have to pay $40 monthly in order not to ruin my credit.

Mario of Culver City CA (03/06/08)
I did not renew my membership which expired on January. I had a heart attack, and when I recovered I called from the hospital and talked to a Bally's rep. in the corporate office. They said because I did not renew they will not make more deductions from my credit card. They said it was OK, not to worry. Time passed, and I noticed a charge on my credit card for 2 weeks of Bally. I called them and told them about my first call and what I was told. They said they did not have record of it. They told me to send a hard copy of the Credit Card statement showing the charges. I did so, and then again time passed; in March I noticed more charges.

Called again and sent a fax with the information required and also asked them to let me know as soon as they received the fax. They never called me . Called again and again with no luck.... Now I am planning to go myself to their office in Norwalk, California, to get this situation fixed. I think this Company is cheating the customers and violating the law by using bad business practices.

All I need is my money to be reimbursed or my credit card to be credited.

Rebekah of Chatsworth CA (03/05/08)
I joined on 2/28/08. Today is 03/05/08, and I already want to cancel my contract. (I've been trying since 03/04/08.) I went to the two closest gyms since joining (Chatsworth and Northridge). The bathrooms/women's changing rooms are filthy. The clubs are too crowded. There isn't enough equipment. The parking is atrocious. They promised all of these aerobics classes, but I found out on 03/04/08 that they had actually had to shut it down a couple of months before (minimize the number of classes). I don't know if it's downsizing of some sort or not. In addition, I've been trying to cancel. They never gave me a copy of my contract. They told me that I had 30 days to cancel.

Now they told me that I had until the day before yesterday to cancel. If I want to cancel now, I have to either get a note from my doctor (medical condition), or I have to do the 60-day promise which states that I have to see a personal trainer, and go to their gym seventeen (17) times in total, and write and send a letter to the corporate offices (certified, registered) requesting that they cancel me. They don't really even promise that they'll cancel my contract, either.

This has caused emotional damage and migraines.

Benjamin of Fort Washington MD (03/01/08)
I was deceived by a Ballys employee into signing a 3-year contract despite repeatedly informing him that I did not want to get into a contract! He gave me a date by when I could cancel, and there would be no charge on my part. So before the due date I called him on the phone and asked him to cancel, and he said no problem, that he had done it. A few weeks later I noticed a charge on my credit card. I went the have a talk with Josh, the Ballys employee who had signed me up, but I found he no longer worked there! I called corporate office, and they informed me I was in a 3-year contract. I tried to explain to them my situation, but they said I could pay about $3000 to get out of the contract. Josh took advantage of the fact that I was new in this country and barely knew how their system worked. He told me I was signing just so I could get started and that the contract would come into play if I decided to become a full time member! Now I am having to pay $39 every month just so my credit is not ruined, and I don't even use their training facility!

8

Katie of Fort Worth TX (02/28/08)
I do have a 2 complaints. One: I am constantly harassed by Bally's employees to sign up for personal training, which I politely declined 2 dozen times before getting more aggressive and insisting they not ask me again. When I told one guy I was having a lap band surgery done in a few weeks, he literally got hostile and said I was taking the easy way out; and I should just sign up for x amount of sessions for x hundreds of dollars. It was insulting and frustrating, and I said if you ask me one more time to sign up for personal training I am calling the corporate office. He hasn't, but others have.

Two: The child care situation is less than ideal. They are open even less hours than is posted on the website, and sometimes there will be 10-12 kids (babies and big kids) with one lady who apparently is also a janitor when she is not in the childcare area. Sometimes it is a younger girl who is obviously inexperienced in caring for young children, especially babies. My 7-year-old hates it because they only have old baby toys. They finally started an exercise class for kids, but they want me to pay an additional $40 a month for 2 kids. And, the swimming pool is cold sometimes!

If it weren't for these things, I would be happy with the gym. I have made some friends there, and I enjoy working out. If you've come here it's probably too late, but I would suggest insisting on a letter of cancellation from Ballys, and don't stop until you get one. That waythey can't come back later and say it never happened.

Joi of Murrieta CA (02/19/08)
I went to Bally with my friend in 2004. All we wanted was a guest past for that night. Our gym on our campus was closed, and we decided to go get a quick workout. The sales counselors then took both of us into two different rooms and began signing us up for a pass. He said that it would cost $5.00. He said that they do not offer guest passes--only trial memberships. He asked me for all of my information; and when I asked why he needed it, he said that it was just in case they needed to verify my information and source of income. He tells me that what I am signing was NOT a contract but a trial membership. He told me that this information is discarded after 10 business days. He says within that time I could use the gym, and I would not be charged for anything. He made the both of us have photos taken. Again I asked why, and I said I would only use this facility that night. He tells me that it is required for everyone using the gym. I again asked about that 10-day trial. He tells me I don't even have to come back to have it removed or tell them why I do not like it.

I then came back two days later and told them I did not want a contract. I was reassured that nothing further would happen. Well, on my billing statement I see a charge from Bally and immediately call him. He then acts as if he doesn't know anything about what he told me and tells me to call corporate, which I did. They tell me that I am signed into a 3-year agreement and cannot cancel my membership--and that I will be sent to collections.

This really should be unlawful. Bally's has done this to many people, and now my friend and I have both been bound to these ridiculous contracts. All i wanted was to just stop at a gym for ONE night because the gym on my college campus was closed, and it cost me $1200. I have tried to call Bally's several times regarding this, and all they tell me is there's nothing they can do. Well, something needs to be done about this.

I have been harassed by Bally collectors telling me that they're taking me to court. My CREDIT has been damaged. I finally get caught up with everything, and now have to work another job to come up with the money.

Ric of Vancouver WA (02/19/08)
I am being charged $788.00, and it has gone on my credit report for a closed account that I never had.

I receive harassing phone calls and have a bad mark on my credit report.

Anh of Silver Spring MD (02/19/08)
I came to the Bally Fitness center at Wheaton MD and asked to become a member there. When I asked, I knew that if I became a member I have to pay month to month for service I use. But because my English is not good enough, I was fooled by their employee and now they keep disturbing me and forcing me to continue my membership with them for 3 years. When I signed the contract I didn't know I have to stay for 3 years. I only knew that if whatever month I use, I have to pay for that month. I also was told that I can cancel my member after one month and 12 times using it, but when I sent a letter to request they cancel, they didn't approve it. Any recommendations and any way to solve this pain in the neck is welcome and appreciate.

Vince of Philadelphia PA (02/19/08)
It seems almost impossible to cancel an account with those very unethical people at Bally Total Fitness. If you feel the same way or have been a victim of their unethical, unlawful practices read on. I can't afford Bally's anymore; and when it come to putting food on the table or going to the gym, the answer should be obvious. However, this obvious answer doesn't seem to be enough for Bally's employees.

Edith of National City CA (02/15/08)
While at a Walmart here in National City, Ballys had a booth set up looking for potential clients. My mother, cousin and I were interested and we enquired further. I filled out an application but did not sign it. Jorge told me there was no contract and thus a signature was not required. My mother and cousin are witness to this. There was no legal writing on the back and no contract length mentioned on the application. However about three weeks later I get a bill for $1404 for the balance of a 36-month contract. I told them that I signed nothing indicating I owed the amount and therefore was not going to pay. After more harassing calls I asked them to send me a copy of the contract I allegedly signed--confident I knew I signed nothing. I thought the matter was forgotten.

I received a letter from them with the enclosed contract with forged signatures! I have years and years (over 10) of my signature, and none match what they did. My guess is that Jorge or one of his associates filled out the contract which bears no resemblance to my writing and signed it to get the commission. I have no idea what to do next and am considering legal action. Do you suppose that with the witnesses and sample signatures, I have a fighting chance in small claims court?

George of Chicago IL (02/15/08)
I have contacted Bally Total Fitness in writing within the thirty day period that I was told I had to. I visited the gym a total of 13 times within the first 30 days. I was told I had to visit the gym 12 times within the first 30 days. I also completed a 1 hr training session within the first 30 days. Even though I was told by the lady I signed with I didn't have to and they would credit it to my account if I didn't want to do it. I have held up to my end of the deal with Ballys; but they have failed to hold up to their end of the deal. They have continued to harass me with phone calls and letters. I have contacted them by phone several times and explained to them that I completed all the tasks they told me to within the thirty day time limit, and they continue to harass me! I have told them that several times I visited their facility their card reader which shows I was present, was not working.

I notified the employee on duty that the card reader did not pick up my card, and the gate would not let me through. She said just walk around. I told her I need this to go on my record to count towards my 12 visits. She replied don't worry the gate doesn't work, but the reader still reads your card. I told her it did not read my card because there was no beep and the gate would not let me through. She told me it did read it and don't worry about it. This happened on at least 3 occasions when I went to their facility. I also completed my 1 hr training session at another location other than the one I signed up at. And I asked again if this would be recorded on my record, and the employee replied yes. I trusted it would, but obviously it wasn't. When I called and tried to straighten this matter out, they informed me I needed to get a written statement from the employees at the facility I visited. Obviously the employees were uncooperative! I also informed them in writing before my thirty days was up to cancel my membership like they said I needed to do. I feel Ballys is taking advantage of me as a consumer who tried their gym on a trial basis and complied with their terms. Yet they are still harassing me! They are trying to bully me because of their faulty equipment and unreliable employees.

A collection has been placed on my credit report, which is affecting my eligibility to refinance my home. It has dropped my credit score unnecessarily.

Liz of Ny NY (02/12/08)
Identity theft: I want to alert all Bally's members that your personal information is at risk at all the Bally's locations. All low level and new employees have access to everyone's personal information (very much like DMV information) on every Bally member across the country. They have access to the following: Full name and Address, Telephone and cell numbers, Credit card, Social security numbers, Email addresses, Check in times at any Bally locations, Family member information, and any information that you choose to share with Bally's when you sign up. I found out that some low paid Bally's employees are being paid to give out information on any member the payor wants. I also found out that an inquiry can be made on any Bally's member on any of their computer systems without a trace as to whoss making an inquiry. As long as they don't hit the enter key when making an inquiry, no one will ever know who is doing it. There is no paper trail!

I am a mother of two children and have been stalked by other Bally members by seeing familiar faces by my residence and other strange locations. Also, I have had unauthorized credit checks by companies that I did not know on my credit reports. I also had inquiries done on all my bank accounts as well. I am currently working with my bank as to how this happened! I think this is pretty irresponsible for Bally's to have an open system like this where anyone can access any members personal information. They should be doing more to protect the identity of all members. No low level employee should have access to this personal information. Only the manager should have access.This is a den for identity thieves!

None so far but, with all this personal information that is readily available for the taking, all Bally members are subject to identity theft or maybe even worse. I am in the process of contacting my state's attorney general, consumer affairs, Better business Bureau, and other high ranking people on this matter!

Ronald of Philadelphia PA (02/12/08)
I have been charged $54.00 on Jan. 28, 2008; but may last payment of $75.24 was on Dec. 28, 2007. My membership ended on Jan. 28, 2008. My monthly payments were coming out my acct. electronically. They're saying that since I didn't call and cancel electronic payment, that they automatically renew my membership without my knowledge. But they can't seem to find the written statement that I would allow this.

Possible overdraft fees or bounced checks from my account.

Raysa of Bronx NY (02/11/08)
I was a member of Ballys in the year 1998. I could not afford it anymore and the account went into collection. There have been numerous collection agencies. Even though this account is no longer in my credit report because it reached statue of limitations. It has been over eleven years. Collections companies continues to try to get this debt paid however the statue of limitations for New York is 6 years for contract as well. Why am I continued to be harassed to pay for a service that I never utilized in the first place? Why are they are violating the statue of limitation. I am poor with disable parents to support.

I received phone calls and letter announcing they are lawyers, claiming they will make this debt valid. I don't have money, I have two disable parents to support.

Serge of Van Nuys CA (02/11/08)
I have signed up for a month-by-month contract at Bally Total Fitness and I have been busy at work lately so I haven't gone for the past 2 months. I tried calling to cancel, the representative at the gym told me that I must be present at the gym to cancel. I took my time to go there and the worker then told me that I have to call the headquarters to cancel. I tried calling and waited for about an hour just to get my ID Number, then I waited another hour to try and cancel my membership. No one ever told me that canceling a membership would be such a hassle. Very disappointed after paying so much to gym that offered such a horrible service to its costumers.

3 Hours of my life have gone to waste and I drove 30 miles to get to the gym in which I gained nothing.

Patrick of Amityville NY (02/07/08)
Back in 1997, before I turned 18. I wanted to join a gym and get into shape. After being given a tour and wanting to sign up, I signed what I was told was a contract that stated I would not hold them liable for any injury I suffered on the gym's property. But it was actually a very long term contract. I was told in order to pay for the gym I needed to give them a voided check. Seemed innocent enough to me, because the check was void. I had no idea about the way banking worked back then. After spending about a month in the gym in which time I turned 18, I injured my knee in a school sport. And it would be over a year before I would be able to work out again. I have doctor records to prove the injury. I spoke with the person who signed me up in person and informed him that I wished to quit the gym. The next month they took over 500 dollars out of my back account, then overdrew it by a tremendous amount of money. When I went there to speak to them they told me that I was responsible to pay the entire contract when I canceled it. I even showed them the medical records and explained my injuries.

My credit is ruined. I had to close that bank account so they wouldn't keep overcharging me. And then pay that bank back. They would try and take money out of any bank account I opened. Then I joined the class action lawsuit against them, and I didn't hear from them for years. Now after over 10 years, I was told that my salary was being garnished by a collection agency for Bally's Total Fitness and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I was never asked to testify in court, and I have no money in which to hire a lawyer. My credit is still ruined from them, I never received any money back from them. My losses I have suffered are in the tens of thousand I estimate. How do you stop this?

Michaela of Dumfries VA (02/05/08)
My Bally account was frozen for about 4 months due to my health problems, my job and traveling out of country, and I paid $4 monthly fee to keep the account. I returned in Jan and was going to continue my membership but a clerk in my bank made a mistake and let a random person take money out of my account and I was inform I will have to wait at least a month for the bank to give me my money bank plus my health problems were still not fixed. Bally automatically charged me $50 monthly membership fee so I immediately went to woodbridge location to see if they could refund the money or freeze it so I would pay $4 instead of $50 since I was going to be in minus with my bank.

They told me they can't do it and in addition to $50 they will charge me $25 cxl fee. I work in a DC hotel where we have to deal with those type of things on a daily basis so believe me I do understand every place has policies and rules, but I also understand sometimes customer experiences things that are not his fault and can't do anything about it. I have never experienced nor seen any of my co-workers not help in a situation like this. Due to my health issues I cannot use the membership so I asked if I could attach someone's name on my acc and the person can use it and I was told its not transferable. (Gym policy-I understand but again, my situation isn't something I chose) Even though I told them many times I can not work out they kept offering me lower membership or change location and telling me I'll be fat if I stop working out! I am 5'2, weight 110 with or without work out-I felt like I'm on candid camera! Once again nobody cared whatsoever, no concern, no empathy...The only thing the manager was trying to do is to keep my membership!! I am extemely disappointed, sad and angry. Never was I treated like this.

Bally took the last money I had for gas and my phone bill. I cannot get to work, I am unable to pay my phone bill, I am in minus on my bank account. I told Bally I can get proof of all this, they said they don't need it because there will be nothing done for me.

Brian of Akron OH (02/05/08)
I joined Ballys in Canton OH the fall of 1990 at 18 years old and was told it was a pay as you go contract and could be canceled at anytime. In July of 1991, I had a car accident that left multiple fractures of my skull, spinal fluid ate through my eardrum, broke multiple bones, and had a bruised kidney which cause me to have blood in my urine for nearly 8 months. Not being able to workout, having to quit college, car-less, without employment due to doctor concerns and not having an eardrum and frequent dizzy falling spells for nearly a year.

I contacted Ballys and told them what had happened and that I was forced to move back home over an 1.5 hours away. They said I could not cancel. I spoke to a lawyer and he showed me at a minimum the clause of 25 or 30 mile move was grounds for cancellation. I recontacted them and they agree and had me send documentation which I did. I received a letter saying they received my letter and later, about 6 months later, called trying to extend me a membership at a closer gym, which i declined and had them confirmed my original membership had been canceled. I was assured it had been canceled and that they were offering this to past members.

In 1994-95 I was contacted by a collection agency and told it was due to my membership never being canceled. After many harassing calls I was instructed to provide in writing the details and was told they would take care of it, and so I did. Then again in the late 1990's I was contacted buy yet another collection group saying I owed for this. I explained the situation and was asked to write a letter explaining what happened. I did.

On 2-4-08, I get another letter from Northland Group that I owe $3900 on this account but since it is tax season they will settle it for $1900. I called. I was told it is a valid debt and to pay it or make payments or put my dispute in writing and they would use any information to collect this debt. So I have once again sent a letter on this issue. I have also filed a complaint with the FTC and the Ohio Attorney General against Northland Group and referenced Asset Acceptance LLC and Ballys in those complaints. Outrageous business practices, debt collection schemes, unethical management and scandel. Please, if you are having problems contact and file a complaint with the FTC and your State Attorney General. Need I even bring up the fact of statute of limitations, multiple government investigations and fines, numerous class action lawsuits, defamation of character if they add anything to your credit report, and the ability to sue if harassment continues. I am fed up of these shady companies and if contacted again about this issue from 17 years ago, will sue each of the above mentioned firms.

Luckily it has just been a pain to constantly resubmit letters to these collection agencies surrounding such dealings. And the rude calls become comical. The stress involved with each attempt and the time wasted returning calls and filing complaints is enough to drive a consumer mad.

Erica of San Jose CA (02/04/08)
I joined the Bally's in San Jose almost 2 years ago, when I moved to the area. It wasn't that impressive a gym, but it was very convenient. When I signed up, I was told that to add a friend would only cost $20 more per month. When I asked if it would be possible to take the friend off the membership, I was told it wouldn't be a problem. Nearly 2 years later, I'm now trying to take the friend off the account (we're no longer friends). I've been on the phone several times and have been told basically no, not unless I can get proof that the friend has moved out of the area. I can't get a hold of the friend, and they won't take her off the account even though they can clearly see she's no longer using the membership. Additionally, the individuals who run the front counter seem really incapable of doing anything other than check people in. I've tried switching the account my payment automatically comes out of, but the front counter doesn't know how to do that. Is it really that difficult?

Because I'm unable to take this ex-friend off the account, I'm going to pay $20 a month until July 2009. It won't break the bank, but I'm not rich - I could use the money elsewhere.

Carlye of Palestine TX (02/02/08)
I canceled my contract with Bally's following the contract's method for cancellation. I called Bally's on Jan 16, 2008, and was told that I am no longer responsible for the contract. I have been receiving phone calls from Bally's the last two days, notifying me that I am now responsible for the individual who was added as a family friend option on my contract. I have read over the entire contract and cannot find where upon termination I am responsible for this individual. I asked the company where this is located on the contract and was told that it does not have to state all of the details in my contract. I now realize I am not dealing a company that is has legal practices.

I am being told that this will be reflected on my credit report.

Linda of Santa Monica CA (01/29/08)
I went into Bally's Culver City to ask how much it would be if I paid per use of gym, since I was only living in the area temporarily while looking for a new place to live. They convinced me to join, said it was a month to month deal...and if I move, I can cancel my membership. They made it all sound so easy. So, I am planning on moving and called corporate, who said I am bound to a 3-year contract; if I move, it has to be more than 20 miles away from a Bally's. So if I live across the street from another gym, I guess they want me to drive 20 miles to go to them, for three years. ABSURD. They told me I have to go to the club to get the number of the district manager.When I went to the club, the club manager gave me the apathetic 'well, you signed a contract'...and didn't care about the circumstances or what I was told.

I've never in MY LIFE experienced such poor customer service. I asked for the district manager's telephone number; he refused to give it to me. After the treatment I've received and the deceptive way I was coerced into joining, I do not want to step foot into a Bally's ever again. I would like to bring a class action suit against Bally's for deceptive business practices, and I think some sharp attorney can see that there are enough people with enough complaints to do so....

Bally's wants me to pay $34 per month (they'll probably try to squeeze more out of me), for 3 years (minus the 2 months I've used the gym). I want nothing to do with these money grabbing gym con artists, and want OUT of this contract that was not what they told me it was.

Eveline of Anaheim CA (01/29/08)
My membership is current through January 2008, however on January 28th, 2008 they told me I still owe them $59.00, and to be able to exercise I should pay first. I explained that my membership is current and it showed in their system that I have already paid. Still, this Johny did not let me in - he told me to call the Corporate. He ignored me and was very rude.

P of Portland OR (01/26/08)
I signed up for the Discovery Health National Body Challenge which offers an 8-week free trial to Bally's Fitness. I printed my voucher and headed out to Bally's downtown (Yamhill St) with a girlfriend who is also going through this nightmare. The trainer explained that I needed to sign the contract even for the trial and pay for the access card on the spot. I said that I wasn't comfortable giving them access to my credit history for a trial, and he suggested I just cross it out. Once I was able to review the contract, I discovered there was no mention or reference to the trial. What was supposed to be a Free trial through the National Body Challenge ended up being a 36-month contract that I cannot get out of.

This nightmare started almost 4 weeks ago. I called corporate to have my account canceled based on the fact that they did not honor their promise. They wouldn't let me cancel. I went back to the gym, and the trainer who set me up said he was taking care of it. He scribbled VOID on the front page of the contract and took my membership card. Well, 2 days ago I got my fist bill for $1300. I also emailed Discovery to bring this to their attention: they have plenty of Marketing materials (website, brochures, etc.) that clearly talk about an 8-week free trial. Their response was an automatic reply. I sent a second message saying the only purpose of my contacting them was to alert them of their marketing messaging. Sadly, I got the SAME email automatic response again. I am willing to fight this scam all the way through. I suppose I am not surprised that Bally's would be so sleazy on the business practices, but to have Discovery Health endorse this, is a real disappointment.

I am now tied into a 36-month contract that I didn't want. It is disgusting that Discovery Health would not acknowledge any wrong-doing when endorsing this hoax all over their marketing materials.

Mary of Fullerton CA (01/25/08)
Fullerton Bally's is poorly managed. A fire caused damage to the facility 8 months ago (6/07). Since then there has been minimal repair and what was repaired has not been finished. I would like to send pictures. There is a rumor that Bally's hasn't paid their bills for the repairs and the contractor will not finish the job until he gets paid. A KNAACK tool chest is still sitting on the main floor as well as wood and metal and all kinds of repair items The main stairs still have no molding and equipment and paint buckets are are sitting around. If there is a Manager, he is not there in the mornings 7:00-8:30 a.m. I talk to the girls at the desk and they just shrug their shoulders. How can we get this facility back into decent shape? If these materials are necessary, why can't they be put in storage locations out of sight? This is no way to obtain new customers. I would be embarrahed to recommend anybody join. Since this Bally's has discontinued free group classes, no new members have joined, in fact many left. Swimming, Cross Training, Spinning, Yoga & Pilates classes are all charged now. And no one is buying it.

Patti of Hackettstown NJ (01/22/08)
We joined Ballys total fitness two years ago. We moved to Hackettstown, NJ and contacted Ballys to inquire about our membership. They told us that we could cancel our policy as long as our home address is more than 25 miles from a Bally's, which we are now. We sent them a letter canceling our membership due to our relocating. We thought everything was fine until we received a phone call stating that we were late in our payment. We told them that we had moved; the woman we spoke with said we had to send proof of moving. She gave us a fax #, and I sent a letter along with the PROOF that we moved. I tried 12 times to fax, called to double-check the number, and still the fax did not go through. I wrote yet another letter, included all of the documents mentioned above, sent it certified, received the card back that Ballys received it, 1/9/08

I thought at this point our membership had to be canceled. On January 21st at 8:01 pm Ballys called again, inquiring about payment. I told the girl that we had canceled, went through this whole thing, and she actually told me that they received the letter. She told me that it was DENIED! That is the most ridiculous thing I have heard; we did everything that they said to do in regards to canceling our membership!

Marie of Bronx NY (01/17/08)
I purchased a contract and paid it upfront. I did not know much about Bally's, but have worked out in gyms for many years. I enrolled in graduate school and wanted to graduate in 2008 and doubled up on classes and am rooming with a classmate. I wanted to upgrade my membership. I was given five different prices, from five different gyms. I spoke to Carlos in the Riverdale gym, but when I went there; he did not exist. I am getting the run around and feel victimized for being a woman. My boyfriend called and was quoted a lesser price than I paid three years ago.

I am losing my $780.00 payment that was made; along with $10.00 per month that have been paid into my membership for over $1,000.00.

Chassity of Riverdale IL (01/15/08)
I signed up for services when I went to use a guest pass, and it sounded real good at the time. The one thing that I was most concerned about was child care for the kids while I worked out. They said that that would be fine as long as the kids were over 2. Mine are 6-, 8- and 9-years old. I worked out one time, and after that each time I called to make an appointment I was informed that child care was booked for that day. They said you could only book within 24 hours. So I called several times and was told the same thing. Then one time I was told that they were full for the week. I asked how was that possible if you can only make appointments with in 24 hours? After that I said I wanted to cancel my membership. I was then told that I needed to speak with a manager. But no one ever returned my call.

Since I got my policy, I had only worked out once and I was under the impression that if you didn't like it within 30 days you could cancel the policy. It was then that I was told that it was if you work out for 30 days. And then I stated how could I if I could not get the child care provided? He then stated I could go to another facility. This has now been put on my credit report, and they continue to send correspondence saying I can pay it off and be done with it--and I have only used the facility the one day that I signed up.

I am now trying to buy a home, and Bally's are stating that I either don't pay or pay late.

Tony of 104-20-94ave NY (01/15/08)
I am a member since 2000 and go to Ballys in Queens' Kew Gardens Rd.  I take a shower at the gym before I go to work, and the shower is very dirty.  The walls have mold, the shower is broken, the soap dispenser not working.  I spoke to the manager about this seven times, and he has done nothing.  I will call the health department.  I got fungus from the Bally gym shower. 

Amit of Mumbai OTHER (01/13/08)
I am victim of Bally Fitness. When I was in United States, I took a 3 year contract with Bally Fitness with a condition that I can cancel the account if there are no fitness centers in 25 miles radius. Now, I am 1000+ miles away, and I had sent a certified letter with return receipt with new rental agreement and a $50 M.O. But, now Bally fitness is still deducting the amount even though I am in India.

I have a limited fund in my US account. The bank is charging me $18 for keeping the account active, and Bally is charging $40 per month. My hard earned money is going to a complete waste plus risking my credit score.

Jose of Norcross GA (01/07/08)
I was using one of the machines on Friday, and when I bent over to change the weight set, the lat bar fell over my head, knocking me down, and I almost passed out. One of the trainers was right there, and he did not do anything to help me out. I regained consciousness again, and then I went down stairs to report the accident. It took me about 15 minutes to report the accident. I have the report signed by one of the mgnt. assistants. Nobody cared at all, whether I was hurt or not. Then a witness came over to me, and he said he saw it all . The manager who did not move nor did anything at all to help me. The only persons who helped me were two new guys that were hired recently as employees.

I had to go the to ER because I began having blurred vision and dizziness. I stayed in the ER room until about midnight. They took a cat scan, and the report indicated a bruise in my head. I had already suffered a brain injury about 6 years ago, and I did not need this at all. I am still very worried because I am feeling very weird all over again. I am having severe vision problems. I have the paperwork associated with this injury, but what really got me the most furious is that they did not accept that this machine is not working correctly--and the manager of the Pleasant Hill Road location did not do anything, not to even take me to the ER . I had to drive to the closest hospital feeling dizzy and disoriented. They did not move a finger at all!

Damian of West Palm Beach FL (01/05/08)
Three weeks ago I got a call from a lawyer/debit collector saying I owe Bally's $3800.00. The only membership I had with Bally's was when I signed up in 2001. I remember clearly how that membership ended. About two months after I signed up, I had a change of jobs and needed to move out of the state right away. I walked into the Bally's location where I signed up and let the manager know my situation. I asked about transfering memberships to my new location, but he said there were no locations where I was going. I asked him how to cancel my membership and he just replied that I was fine and not to worry. He would take care of it. I was unaware that I needed to put the cancellation in writing that day until this lawyer contacted me three weeks ago. Now I am being told a debt collector will take me to court unless I somehow come up with a down payment of $350.00 and $160.00 a month until I reached the $3800.00. With my daughter less than three weeks away from being born, along with working and going to school full time, I see no way of affording this mistake that was not mine in the first place. A two month membership turned into a nearly 4 grand liability.

Terry of Beaverton OR (01/04/08)
I have been a member of Bally's Fitness since March of 2005 and signed up for a 3 year contract. In November of 2007, I decided to look into renewing my membership for another 3 years (I was told that they do not have yearly membership, only month to month, which is more than twice the cost of 3 years) hoping to get a promotional renewal rate rather than the full price. I did renew and was told that I'd get a month free so that my renewal date would begin in December. What I didn't realize was that the new contract would also end in December so that by renewing early I lost out on the final 3 months of my initial membership and the access to other area clubs. The head office said that because it was a new account number that it was a new contract and not a renewal. So basically, I was penalized 3 months for renewing early. I have never seen anything so unorthodox as this. Also, the 3 additional months that were promised for sponsoring an additional member never materialized. Clearly Bally's is not interested in customer satisfaction and I will probably find another health club when my membership expires.

Madeleine of New York NY (01/04/08)
I went to Bally's in California with a week-long pass and they said I would have to leave the pass there during the entire week. They said they would mark it each time I came. The next day I came to work-out and the guy at the front desk said that he could not find my week pass. He said I could work out if I just paid him five dollars and filled out some paperwork. I asked if it was a contract and he said that it was, but that I could easily cancel the membership. I explained that I was leaving the country so it was useless for me to have a gym membership. He then repeated that if I moved I could easily cancel the membership.

I called to let them know that I was moving and they said I could not cancel the membership. I moved and wrote them a letter from Spain saying that I did not live in the country and therefore could not use their gym. I started receiving bills to my parents' house in California for over a thousand dollars for this gym membership for the year and then a debt collecton agency starting sending me letters. I moved back to the states and now live in New York. I recently received a paper in the mail saying that I was being sued by the lawyers of the debt collection agency. It had been sent to the wrong address and I received it over a month after I was supposedly expected in court. I was recently on a trip to my parents' house in California and the lawyers were calling me daily. They tried to get my work and cell phone numbers. One woman tried to get my credit card after telling me she could not settle with me and then calling me back to say she could settle for $1666 from the original stated amount of $2200. At this point they say that the judgement has been entered but has not gone through to put me in default. A lawyer told me to go to the civil court and talk to the clerk's office. I am not certain what to do at this point. I never stepped foot in that gym for that entire year and have proof that I was living out of the country. Three different people have called me numerous times saying they are in charge of my case at this law firm. They have hung up on a lawyer friend of the family who was calling to find out the story. I want this nightmare to be over.

I have been told that they are going to garnish my wages and ruin my credit report and it could be for more that $3000. The debt collection issue is already on my credit report.

Jennifer of Los Angeles CA (01/03/08)
I signed up with Bally's and a month later I was going to leave for Europe for 5-6 months. I called Bally's Corporate and told them I needed to freeze my account until I return. They said, No problem and told me to call when I return. When I returned, I came home to over 50 calls from them stating that I owed them money. I contacted them and they said that it was never put on freeze and that they don't do that. I asked for them to correct it and they said that I could not return to the gym AT ALL and that I owed them 2,000+ dollars for breaking the terms of the contract and that even if I paid that (which was the cost of the 3 year monthly fees) I still would not be able to return to the gym!

Rebecca of Seattle WA (01/02/08)
I wanted to change my form of payment by paying my bill in the club instead of doing direct withdrawal. I requested this two days prior to withdrawal and requested a conformation number for assurance. Instead, they charged me and have yet to refund me two weeks later. Now, being on hold for 30 min., I still have not resolved the issue. I will never use Bally's again!

Luchia of Houston TX (12/28/07)
Please, if you are getting infections and diseases at these Bally gyms, and they are unsanitary, please report them to your county or city public health in your area. This should be found in the governmental pages of your phone books.

This is a health issue.

Chris of Los Angeles CA (12/22/07)
I signed up at the Bally branch in downtown Los Angeles in 1995. They offered me a special zero down deal where I pay zero down at first and then make monthly payments with my credit card. A few weeks later, I found out my credit card was billed for close to $2,000. All my questions and complaints regarding this were ignored by the company. They were actually quite rude and dismissive. Luckily, my credit card successfully disputed their faulty claim and the charge was reversed. This was only possible because, while my signature was on the contract, I didn't sign any credit card authorization form, especially not one authorizing them to charge my card for whatever they wanted. What they did (or tried to do anyway) was blatantly illegal.

Avi of Tarzana CA (12/19/07)
I went with a friend to Bally Total Fitness in Encino, CA. My friend was a member and had a free pass. The sales rep offered me a good deal at that time for $19 a month with about $100 down. The rep who used very aggressive sales tactics told me the membership was for 36 months, and I could cancel at any time if I pay only a $50 cancellation fee. I added 3 more of my family members thinking I will pay $50 dollars if I wanted to cancel. When I moved out of the area and since my family members visited the gym maybe 2 times, I decided to cancel.

When ready to pay the cancellation fee I was told such a thing does not exist and that I have to remain a member or pay all 4 memberships for the next 24 months. The only way I could cancel is if all of us were living in a place that is 30 miles away from a Bally's--or God forbid, sick. I was a member with LA Fitness before and also with the YMCA; none of these Gyms FORCE their members to remain members. When I wanted to cancel my LA Fitness membership it took me 15 minutes, and I was out!

I know have a $1940 debt to Bally on my credit report. I refuse to pay since I was lied to when I signed my membership and never received a copy to actually review what I signed. The debt took my credit score from 670 to 580.

Brenda of Plano TX (12/17/07)
I signed a 3-year contract to use the Bally gym, and I have no problem with that obligation. However, I asked the rep about martial arts: how much it would be a month, if I could pay it on a month to month basis, and later when my son was old enough if I could add him. The rep told me yes to all of this. Listed under features and options it says TMA Blackblt Prgm (nonmember). I took this to mean that this was not part of the membership 3 year agreement and was a month to month program. I called Bally because I no longer use the martial arts program and have no intention of using it anymore. I asked instead if I could continue to pay for the program and my son use it instead. They told me it is nontransferable (which the rep failed to mention). Iasked if I could drop the program because I no longer use it. They told me I have a 3 year contract.

I am paying for a service that I no longer use, do not want, and am dissatisfied with. If i was using the service I would have no problem paying for it, but since I'm not and they will not let my son use it, I do not feel that I should be obligated to pay for a service not being used.

Ericka of Puyallup WA (12/11/07)
I make my payments in person, in cash at the club itself. I have never given permission to deduct monthly payments from my account, or to access my account. I AM NOT LATE on my payment. When I make a payment at the gym in person, I am told that it takes 7 days to register with the headquarters. So, if I am a week off of my payment, I begin to receive phone calls from the California offices. It used to show as a California phone number. Now it comes in as an Unknown ID. I get 4 calls daily on average with a recording that this is a message from Bally's Total Fitness, and I hang up. My phone is my connection to my clients. I have put them on hold, or cut calls short to take this recorded message. I have had calls from as early as 8 a.m. to as late as 8 p.m. Last night, at 7:40 pm, I had a please wait for the person that requested this call. I waited and guess what - Bally Total Fitness! I told them I had already had 4 calls (including his). He said, yes, but have you spoken with anyone. I threatened to turn the company in for harrassment on a Federal complaint. Even if I was in the red, the Fair Credit is only ONE call per day. Now, I am unclear as to whether a recording or a person counts. However, it is evident there is an autodial system in place. My issue is did they harrass me? Absolutely! I have never been 30 days late on a payment. I want to be left alone, and no, I will not give them my account number. I had friends that were debited 3 times in the same two day span and created havoc in their accounting. How do you stop the harrassment?

Constant interruption and harrassment while trying to work, and no reason for phone calls. I am not late on payments. They simply keep asking for my debit/checking account information and I will not provide it since I pay in person at the gym.

Barbara of Keller TX (12/10/07)
I had three sessions with a personal trainer at Bally.  The first two times, the trainer had terrible body odor, but I thought maybe it was due to his having worked all day.  On the third session, his odor was so bad that I had to end it early.  On my next visit to Bally, I told the manager about the trainer; he told me he was aware of the problem and working on it.  He told me the trainer had personal hygiene issues.

I went to the gym twice after that but was so grossed out by the horrible odor on the equipment, in the women's bathroom--so much that I left still smelling that odor.  The women's restroom is also not clean, the pool is dirty, and I'm concerned this gym is in a health violation and that I could become ill from using the equipment.  I have not been back and am afraid to go back due to fear of becoming sick from it. 

Mitch of Los Angeles CA (12/04/07)
I've complained more than once to this gym's management (and to Bally's corporate office) and have been told "We are understaffed". In my time at this gym, I've seen the following: urinating in the showers, masturbating in the shower (many times), shaving both face and scrotum in the steam room and tapping out whiskers onto the benches, blowing nose into the air (hold one nostril shut and blow) in the steam room, plucking eyebrows in the jacuzzi, using the jacuzzi in white fruit of the loom underwear, bloody band-aids in the shower (regularly), dirty paper towels strewn all about, puddles of urine in front of the urinals, broken locker doors, rusty and filthy lockers...If this facility cannot afford to staff the place sufficiently to keep it in a sanitary and safe condition, they should be closed.

I cannot enjoy my workouts anymore. When I paid for a membership, I paid for a club that, at that time, was new, clean, well-maintained, not overcrowded. Bally's has sold to the lowest common denominator over the years, dragging the quality of environment down in terms of clients, maintenance and overcrowding. I want what I paid for. I am so sick of this place and it's filth, I'm considering taking on the additional expense of going elsewhere. I shouldn't have to do that. Again, if they cannot afford the cost of maintaining this gym, then they should close or BE closed.

Michelle of Delray Beach FL (12/03/07)
Saw a commercial advertising $35 Bally month-to-month membership. I knew that I would be going full-time in about 6 months at my job so I asked only to sign up for a month-to-month.The saleswoman assured me it was month-to-month; it wasn't. It really hurt me that they've added over a thousand dollar debt to my credit report. It effected me very negatively and may prevent me from buying a house. When I went to cancel my membership, the people at the desk gave me a number to call. No one at all has been helpful in this event.

I know that corporations have to make money, but its not fair to hinder good citizens this way. Bad enough I'm overweight; now I'm overweight and without a chance to buy a house or anything else. I'm gonna end up paying for something I'm not using, and it probably still wont come off my report.

Took my scores from 600 to mid 400's. Very very depressing and inconvenient.

Guillaume of Dallas TX (12/02/07)
In May 2005 I joined Bally Total Fitness in Dallas, TX. I knew I had to leave the country in November so I specifically asked for a month to month membership. The sales person agreed and made me sign a contract I did not read. My girlfriend at the time was a member too. When my girlfriend (who had become my wife meanwhile) and I tried to cancel our memberships in October 2005, we were told that we couldn't since we were both on a contract. I was angry, but I admitted that it was my fault since I didn't read the contract entirely. We were told by the corporate office we would have to pay $50 each. We agreed, and my wife sent a $100 check to cancel both our memberships with a letter and a copy of two one-way plane tickets to Frankfurt, Germany. My wife and I had decided to live in Europe.

Bally's received the check and cashed it; however once in Europe we noticed that my wife's bank account was still being billed. We called and a lady called Danielle Mojica told us that the plane tickets did not prove our relocation. However, they cashed our check and never tried to contact us; they simply took our money and kept charging us. My bank account was closed already so I did not notice I was still being charged. My wife and I now live in the US again, and upon receiving my SSN (after 2 years away from the country) I ran a credit check and  found that Bally Total Fitness reported me to a collection agency and claims that I own them $717.

Donna of Rosedale MD (11/28/07)
I have a membership with Bally since 1984. I renewed my membership for 2007 in October 2006. Bally had a special where a friend or family member could join, but you would have to renew your membership to receive the special. This took place in November of 2006. It was $50.00 for me to renew the membership plus the money for my friend. Since I had previously renewed my membership for 2007, I thought this renewal was for 2008. When I talked to the service rep and explained to her that I had a receipt from the internet saying I had renewed my membership, it did not say it was a partial payment.

The renewal fee is $96.00, and when I request to speak to the manager she left the phone for a minute and returned to sat the manager would not speak to me. The $50.00 was not applied to my account where it would reflect a partial payment so that I could use the facility a few extra months.

I am unable to workout and have gained weight due to lack of exercise.

Praopun of Staten Island NY (11/26/07)
My husband got me membership at Bally Fitness at Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY. He was charged monthly $16.50 to his credit card since Dec. 2005. A month later, he purchased another member card from one of the member guy from this club, so that I will have more privileges to use any Bally Fitness club in America. He filled out the transfer application, sent all documents, and my ID copy, but the Bally Fitness denied receiving membership application and did not know anything about transferring membership. My husband tried to call many times about my transfer application. However, I still kept the status of current member, and the Bally Fitness kept charging his account every month. November 22, 2006, I called and spoke to Dennis (emp #6726) and said I wanted to cancel my membership; after that I never went back to Bally.  My husband found out that they kept charging his account until March 2007. We called, but the person on the phone said we had to show the proof that I made a cancellation. I did not have anything to show.

They then said that there WERE two accounts, and I had canceled only one. Today, I was told that my transfer account was accepted and sent to my old address, and it was my fault that I did not try to find out. Actually, all the mail was forwarded to my current address, but I have never received anything about my memberships. We have called several times for a refund, but Bally will not give it. 

Jo-Antoinette and Sarah of Bloomfield NJ (11/26/07)
We joined Bally Total Fitness at Madison Avenue in New York together on July 31, 2007. With the signing of our contracts we were told that if for whatever reason we did not wish to continue our membership, we had 60 days--no obligation--to cancel. We attended the gym regularly for about a month and a half except for the weekends. We decided that Bally Total Fitness wasn't a good fit for us since we both had busy schedules. When we asked the gym about it they told us that we had to cancel by phone and that it was out of the hands of the gym itself. We called the Customer Service line and to my surprise, we found out that we were on a 3-year contract. Nowhere in the conversation with the Sales Associate were we made aware that we were signing a 3 year contract, only the price that we would be paying per month.

This is just the beginning of many problems that occurred. The representative on the phone said that there was no proof of us attending the gym or even having trainer sessions. According to the 60 day Promise Plan it says that you must attend 17 times along with a trainer session. To explain the odd situation, since the day we signed up, we were never given membership cards. They told us their machine was broken and we could get it another time. The front desk was aware that we didn't have cards, and from that day forward always allowed us in, being able to recognize our faces, and said it was no problem that we could come in.

After many calls, being put through numerous hoops of doing this and that to try to prove we qualify to be able to cancel without obligation, and much time and effort in this mess, it has been economically damaging to us because we are both students who make little to no money to support a service which we are not happy with. We both feel we were misinformed and taken advantage of by Ballys Total Fitness. The emotional stress caused by the false advertising done by Ballys Total Fitness is leading to the the potential damage to our credit. We feel if Ballys did not leave any information out and did their jobs correctly the first time around no one would be in this mess today.

Joy of Saint Paul MN (11/19/07)
I was not able to get out of my contract with Bally and  was told to work out 14 times before canceling, and now I'm stuck paying $58.00 a month. I only visit the gym about 5 times because it doesn't work out with my work schedule . I don't think Bally is being fair taking my money. I've been paying for about 11 months now and think something has to happen so that Ballys cant keep ripping people off. If you are not using something you should not have to pay for it against your own will.

Bedora of Boise ID (11/15/07)
It all started when My older brother John wanted to use a couple of free day passes for Bally Total fitness. At the time he was working for Verizon and they had given him a couple of passes to use. So my brother Sanarra John Lim, and James Khamvongsa my other brother went to use the free one day passes. As we went in We were Approached by Andrea after giving the free passes to the counter lady. Andre then talked us into setting up a 30 day trial period, which to me sounded perfect because I was leaving the state with in a month. I told Andre this a couple times that I was going to be leaving and he ensured that it was just a trial period and all it would take is about 50 dollars a person so I gave him 100 for me and my younger brother because my older brother was not coming that day.

One week later I brought my older brother in and gave another 50 dollars for him. We used the gym 3 time a week for about 2 and a half weeks then we stopped because I had to move to boise Idaho. While I was in Idaho, about 2 months later I recieved a collections notice saying I owe $3213.72 for Bally Total Fitness. I then Called and asked to speak with Andre he then assured me that this could be taken cared of so we hung up and i went on with my weekend. I called him again on monday where he tells me I signed a contract with them and he cant do anything, so I asked for a manager. Mr Tucker I believe was the main manager of that Gym so I explained what happen to him and he said that he would forward my email to the VP to help me. I wrote an email stating what had happen. Called him about a week later and he confirmed he had recieved my email and has forward the email to the VP. Its been 2 months and nothing was done about this. No phone call returns and to top things off I already paid the collection agency $1125.00 so that the interest wont go up on the account.

I am backed up in all my Bills due to this. I am really stressed out that they couldn't call the collection agency and tell them that the matter was being handled by them. Its a bad way to do business and I wouldnt recommend anyone to go to Ballys total fitness.

Sue of Marietta GA (11/13/07)
I paid my Bally membership in full in 10/2006 and closed the account. Bally repeatedly billed my credit card each month. They refused to close my account. I joined 4 years ago, for three years of membership. When I made the payment to pay off the account, they said I renewed the membership.

I was wrongly charged $22 a month for the last year.

Milind of San Jose CA (11/08/07)
I and my wife had joined Ballys. We were fooled into believing that ours was a month to month contract. The staff seemed very enthusiastic in our health and came up with these different schemes. in the end I paid for mine and my wife's membership for three years although I had canceled it after 1.5 years. After that, my wife went to school and came back. At that point we decided to again enroll into Ballys since that was the only gym in our neighborhood. THis time, since we had experienced it once, we specifically asked that the contract say a month to month deal. However today when my wife wants to cancel that membership since we are moving, they are again insisting that we signed up for a 3 year membership. I feel that they manipulate the papers and documents that they we sign and give them. Their service is also horrible and their gyms are small and always packed with too many people with little room to do any exercise.

We have lost a total of 900$ to Ballys because of the way they force a certain membership policy on us without explaining it to us.

Brenda of Lynwood CA (11/01/07)
When the  Bally membership was offered to me, I explained that I needed child care for my 11-year-old daughter who was present at the time of my signing the contract. The salesperson said that was fine, that the child care service was for approximately 1 hour. On my first visit the person in charge of the Child Care told me that it only allows kids under 10 years and there was nothing I could do to change it.

I can't go and workout, can't take my daughter with me, and can't leave her home alone. I couldn't cancel the contract by person or via phone so they have been charging me $33 per month for a year now; and I have used the facility only twice.

Michelle of Shelton WA (10/29/07)
I have been a member of Bally's since 1999 and have had no problems until now. I moved to a town without a Bally's but was commuting to work near one. When I left that job, I joined a local gym and called to cancel my Bally's membership. The customer service person talked me into suspending my acct as I was considering moving at that time and it made sense not to lose the good membership that I had. This was in approx May of 2007. I was told that at the end of the suspension, I would be notified and could then either reactivate the membership or cancel completely. I didn't make an effort to track this as I was told I would be contacted.

I took my house off the market and decided to stay in this area so I wanted to completely cancel the Bally's membership. The automatic withdrawls from my bank acct started up again 3 months ago without my knowledge or consent. This is an acct I rarely use anymore and I didn't catch this until today. I contacted Bally's and they are refusing to refund those 3 months of dues that I did not authorize, telling me that it was my duty to notify them if I wanted this membership cancelled even though I was told that I would be notified at the end of the suspension. Is there anything I can do? They are pulling the phone call I had back in May and will review it but they have already told me that a customer service person would not have told me this and I would not be refunded this money.

3 months of dues (approx $21.00/mo) I have been paying monthly dues to a new club since May of 2007.

Kristy of Los Angeles CA (10/26/07)
I joined Bally on a 30-day trial back in April. The first 2 weeks of my membership I was told that the machine that makes the member cards was broken and I should just sign in with the front desk person to ensure that my records of attendance were being tracked correctly. So I did that for two weeks until I got my card. I used the gym meeting all the qualifications to be able to cancel the membership at the end of the month. The man won't cancel my account--says I didn't sign in for the first two weeks, which I did. For a week I've had this same argument with different people at the club. No go. I call customer service. They inform me of the same problem and also tell me I can't cancel anyway because I'm now 10 days beyond the 30-day mark. When I ask to speak to a supervisor I am told there is none. When I ask for an address to write to--they tell me to go to my club.

Finally, I get so mad I ignore them and their repeated calls at 5, 7, 9, and 11 a.m. every weekday for months. Big mistake--they put the black mark on my credit and now I am still fighting with them 6 months later. I'm now working on re-location cancellation. However, in the meantime they direct withdrew $40 for May but insisted that I had to pay for June-October as well. I have paid these monies in an attempt to get them off my back, despite the fact that I do not think I should have to. I am furious with this company. And should they refuse to accept my cancellation I will definitely be looking for others to file a class action suit or a full complaint with the better business bureau.

My credit was perfect. Now I have a 120 days overdue mark right at the top! I'm sure it will cause me problems in the future.

Sandi of Chicago IL (10/23/07)
Bally's employees are totally incompetent. They are rude to the members and are very unhelpful. They treat the members as pests. When asked for help, it seems corporate is never open. I'm done dealing with a gym that only takes money and not provide good service.

Maria of Waterbury CT (10/22/07)
When the Membership first started they made a mistake and neglected to add the babysitting in. so for the first couple of visits were wasted by being verbally attacked by the child care providers and having to go to managment to fix the problem. After that was settled my mother became ill so i did not go back for a month or two but continued to pay monthly. When I returned, once again the child care was not correct, so here we were again!

I went to the manager Roger who set this up in the first place. He realized his mistake but explained he could not fix it unless I switched places with my fiance and be the main person on our account.

While I was running on the track he has me stopping to sign paperwork, explainging nothing will be different in price and we would be credited the time we already had towards our previus set up.Appologized for all the inconvience and gave me a new card stating it was mandatory!

Now my bill hase gone up and he enrolled me automatic payment without my permission. I've tried to reach him by phone but he has someone else return my phone calls. Also my time already there was not credited and my account is being treated as brand new, being demanded to be obligated to another 24 month contract to a gym that is poorly run and is not kept up in a healthy and sanitary manner.

Troye of Lindenhurst NY (10/21/07)
I was in the military overseas  from October 2002-2005. When I came out I saw that I had an outstanding balance of over $3000 with Bally Total Fitness, although I never signed with them.  I wrote to Bally, called often,  faxed my DD-214 military documents to prove to them I was not lying and was in a combat zone at the time. I asked them to take it off my credit. I sent all required, and still the $3000 plus is on my credit.

Due to Bally's credit error, I was turned down for a Homeland Security Job. They said if this is cleared I could be eligible again. I just got called up for The Capitol Police in Washington D.C., and they too said I need to get this off my credit report.  Bally's wrong-doing has cost me a lot money.

Vanessa of Los Angeles CA (10/20/07)
I feel my signature was forged on Bally documents I did not approve. I was new to the area but wasn't planning on staying for a long time. When I went to Bally's I explained to the associate that I did NOT want a long term contract but a month to month. He assured me that I would be paying $35 a month for this. I provided all my information on a sheet of paper that included my signature approving automated payments, and also made a credit card payment to activate my account. The only copy I received was for my receipt.  Six months later I moved. I called into Bally's to cancel my membership and was told I couldn't cancel because I was in a 3-year membership. I was stunned. I have called twice and received different information each associate. The first associate said she had the contract, showing as "clear as day" that this was a 3-year contract. The second associate said there was no way to tell what was on the contract from their end. I was told to pay $900 dollars to cancel the contract, which is the remaining balance.

I'm a student and can't afford to pay when I made it perfectly clear that I needed a month-to-month. I've actually had to cancel a class to use my refund to pay Bally.

Lori of San Antonio TX (09/30/07)
I wrote a letter to Bally stating that as I was within the required 60 day cancellation requirement, I was canceling my membership. I sent the letter with a money order for the current month by certified mail with return receipt requested. I received a letter back from them saying my cancellation request was denied. I am a disabled vet and as I would like to lose some weight and get into better shape the facility was/is not conducive to this goal as they do not have a swimming pool. I thought I'd give it a try but found that due to my disability this was not going to be a good fitness center for me. How can I get out of this membership with out it damaging my already poor financial situation?

We will be financially broke. We are a 1 income family due to my disability.

Lauryn of Phoenix AZ (09/21/07)
You know how sometimes people call it Bally's.. well, technically it's supposed to be Bally... anyway, I go to a club that is located in Phoenix at 40th St. and Indian School.. Not only is this location very seedy with old equipment, clueless employess and shady clientle, but they MISSPELLED their own SIGN. Out front, above the main entrance, it says Bally's. Apparently some manager didn't care enough to fix it, and apparently some district manager didn't care to pay attention. Talk about negligence. As a graphic designer/ brand manager, I am embarrassed for them.

More: The Bally Total Fitness in Long Beach, CA was routinely disappointing for me. Old hand-me-down equipment, gum stuck to the machines, janitors gossiping in the stair well, and nasty, half-naked senior citizens treating the sauna like a singles party (Huntington Beach location, also).

More: I lost my membership card. I got a new one. I lost the new one, but FOUND the old one. I tried to get into the Phoenix Indian School location and was DENIED. I said, I have been a paying customer for 4 years, I have a card RIGHT HERE in my hands, with my picture on it, and you won't let me in because it doesn't have my new number on it and you are going to make me pay for another card? He said that it's to prevent someone else from using your card if they find it. Well, NEWSFLASH, there are pictures on the cards-- why not check the picture?? It just totally goes against logic in my mind. ** Why don't they offer those keychain membership cards so they aren't as easy to loose?! The manager finally caved in and made a new card for me for free.

More: Hours. It really pisses me off that I can't go to the gym on a weekend because my clubs close around 6 or 7 on Saturdays and Sundays. Ridiculous.

Jackie of Studio City CA (09/15/07)
Long story short... New roommate..go to Ballys...did the add a friend so they get a discounted fee...roommate turns out to be drunk psycho that I get a restraining order against. Turns out since drunky did not switch the payments to her card like she said she would, or even if she refuses to pay...I am held FINANCAILLY RESPONSIBLE and it goes against MY CREDIT!! I was never told in signing this agreement that I was the designated co-signer. I wouldn't even do it for my best friend!!

So I am a 24 yr old student who hasn't used my gym in seven months because of a car accident...and now I responsible for another persons membership! Why am I held responsible for someone who hasn't even gone once since she signed up. Why is MY credit score affected because SHE refuses to pay or pays late??? It makes no sense...she should be responsible for her membership!!!

I am a student who has to pay and extra 45.00 a month for a membership I dont even use!!

Jennifer of Bronx, NY (09/11/07)
My boyfriend canceled his membership with Bally's over three years ago. This past week his father found out his bank accounts had been frozen, due to an overdue Ballys account.

Ballys never closed out my boyfriend's account properly and then froze the wrong person's account. His father never had anything to do with Ballys, he just happens to have the same name as my boyfriend! They even have different addresses. 

Now all the checks and withdrawls he has done over the past month have all bounced due to Bally's error.

Kelli of Sherman Oaks CA (09/06/07)
I started working for Bally's back in 1998. When they hired me they said that I must purchase a gym membership in order to work ther. They said that if I ever decided to leave the company I could terminate the contract. (The manager I worked under was nicknamed Red.) My grandmother passed away the day after Father's Day in 1998, and I ended up resigning due to many family problems that unraveled when she passed. At that point my contract was suppose to be cancelled. Red even spoke with Robbie (I think that's his name) who is the President of Bally's. But, instead they put me in collections. Since 1998