LA fitness

It appears Mr. **, the GM of the McDonough, GA location, has it out for one of the instructors. None of the instructor's classes have A/C no matter the day. I take several classes at this facility, including one directly before, and there is always A/C until it is time for that class. In fact, the room is downright cold at some points until that class begins. We don't even have any circulation in the room as the door is closed for every class. The instructor has mentioned that the GM has promised on several occasions that there would be air for those classes, but it has not happened. I advised the instructor that I would contact the corporate office with a complaint. The Irvine corporate office's number is 949-255-7200 (option 5 may be the best); it is available from 7:00 to 5:30 PST (Monday to Thursday) and from 7:00 to 4:30 PST (Friday).

Personal training scam! - I have long been a gym rat and an exceptionally healthy person. I even spent 3 years as a manager at Crunch Fitness on W.38th Street and can confidently say that at the very least, I am exercise savvy. I moved to Stamford and joined LA Fitness. After a few months, I decided that it was time to finally pursue my lifelong goal of training to have a 'fitness model' physique. It was a tremendous emotional decision as well as a psychological challenge to agree to undertake all the sacrifices and hard work that I knew was on its way.

I met with the personal training manager ** and I explained my level of commitment and my excitement that I was finally going to do this for myself. He told me that there are 2 specific trainers that he felt would be a good match for me. When I asked why there would be 2 as I have never worked with more than 1 trainer at a time, he told me that there is no commitment to a single trainer. I expressed my concern about this because I didn't think that trading off people would be the best course for my lofty goals and I was assured that they would 'work it out'.

I had my initial session with ** because he wanted to get me started right away. Then he set me up with a guy named **. I like ** very much. He had great energy and definitely had the knowledge to train me properly. However, after a few sporadic sessions with **, it became clear that his schedule was completely incompatible with mine. I expressed my concern about my lack of progress with ** due to his unavailability, so he sent me off to **.

** was a nice enough guy, seemed like he was qualified but he was very mellow, not at all the energy that I needed to feel motivated. Often, when I was doing some load bearing exercises, he would be staring off into the club, speaking to someone or looking at his phone. Thankfully, I know about good form, but there were certainly quite a few times where I felt shaky and nervous that my body was going to give out. ** expressed no concern for my safety and when I placed the weights back on the floor, he said 'great job'. What? I thought I was going to drop a weight on my face! Needless to say, ** did not work out for me and add on that, he was late for several of our sessions, I was done.

I went online to book a session with ** having to accept that I may only be able to train with him once a week and realizing that my lifetime goal would never be filled with this type of schedule. I had been instructed to book an appointment when the trainer has open time via his online daily sheet. He had a time open that worked for me so I booked it. I showed up at the gym and ** is training another person who he told me he has been training in that time slot for the last 3 years! Needless to say, I was really angry.

So, I went back to try to figured something out with **. As it turned out, ** no longer works for LA Fitness, shocking. So I sat with **. I explained to ** that I have already wasted 6 weeks of my goal reaching trying to find someone that I can work consistently with. He asked me who ** set me up with and when I told him that it was ** and **, I could not believe his reaction. He said, 'Well, he set you up with his friends'. I was beside myself. I had spent the better part of an hour and several hundred dollars explaining and pouring my heart out to ** and he never had my best interest at heart. Let me repeat that. I explained to him that this was a lifelong goal and he set me up with his friends! I was furious!

** told me that he wanted to work with me and that in fact, he was going to try to get me a partial refund for the time that I had wasted. He told me to pick a day and time and that he would train me personally. I booked and confirmed with him. I showed up for my session and there's no **. I waited for 20 minutes and I asked people at the gym if they had heard from him. No show! I left the gym in tears now knowing that my dream would once again have to be put on hold. ** sent me a text hours later apologizing that he had a family emergency and didn't have his phone with him. He asked that I give him another chance but I was more than done.

When I saw him in the club a few days later, I told him that I just wanted to cancel my contract and that they had enough chances. I did not want to waste another moment of my time and emotion on these people who truly cared nothing about my actual goals. He said verbatim, "I understand, I'll take care of it." I asked if he could still get me a partial refund for the time I hadn't used and he said that he would 'try his best'.

Needless to say, a few weeks go by and I am checking my bank statement, I had been charged $850! Two months more of training that their representative told me they were going to address. I spoke to the club manager, a true moron, named **, who simply stood behind the contract that I signed stating that I knew that I wouldn't work with the same people. I told him that was not what your representative of your organization told me. I was told that they would work around my schedule. Even the person that I was going to give another chance to failed miserably. I wasn't asking out of the contract for any other reason than I showed up. I was ready to work out, I was committed. But your staff failed to uphold their part of the contract by actually providing the service that I paid for. I explained that I was an advanced exerciser and that there was never a time that I wasn't ready to fulfill my end. He just kept repeating that you signed, therefore you owe. There's no early cancellation for training sessions and they did in fact provide the sessions for me.

I called my credit card company and disputed the charges. When I got the letter from Citibank, it had LA Fitness' response simply was to put arrows pointing to my initials where I 'okay-ed' all of these conditions. So, they just told me that I had to pay because I signed. I wasn't going to let this go for $850! I let Citibank know that I was going to pursue having the charges reversed. I called their customer service line and proceeded to explain to their rep about my utter disappointment with the service that I hadn't received, in addition to being lied to by their employee. After listening to my story, the rep said, "I'm sorry. I understand that you're frustrated but there's nothing I can do, you signed the contract."

I explained that I was deceived by their employee before I even signed the contract. And that I was fully prepared to uphold my end and their company did not fulfill theirs. He stated that the sessions are still available to me, therefore, they did indeed fulfill their end. I realized that I was getting nowhere so I asked who the manager was. He told me a woman with the last name of ** would call me. After almost 1 hour on the phone with this guy, I was no closer to solving this problem. I also never received a call from Ms. **.

I called the service line a few days later and the person on the phone asked me to explain my story as there was no additional information in my account. I was amazed how the person that spent an hour talking to did not leave any notes in the computer. I said to this person that all I want is the email or fax # for Ms. **. He told me that he cannot give me that information and kept insisting that he wanted to know the reason for my call. In a tirade, I explained to him what was happening and that my $850 was at stake, and all I wanted from him was the contact info for the next highest manager. He also told me that Ms. ** would be reaching out to me, that was almost 3 weeks ago.

Today, in my mail, I received the notice from my bank that they have to reverse the credit that they gave me because I 'signed the contract'. I was fuming! I haven't even stepped foot in that gym since February and as you can imagine, my goals are nowhere near coming to fruition. I feel completely and emotionally drained and feeling so sad that I spent 2 months not doing anything to fulfill my dream than chase after trainers. I know that I signed a contract, but that contract doesn't just include the number of training sessions. It included LA Fitness' obligation to give me the proper sessions that I requested. I am now $850 out of pocket, not in the body I hoped to have by this time and completely sickened by the lack of effort, compassion, and sense of 'customer service' that I have had to endure.

LA fitness should be ashamed of themselves for leaving people out to dry with such an emotional and psychological toll. This is not what a fitness lifestyle company should do to people who are entrusting their bodies and minds to them!

I have been a member of LA Fitness since it began in Harbor City. We move from California to Florida, Texas and out of the country every three months. When I enrolled, I went to the manager David and explained our situation to him. He said we could use the services anywhere in the country - no problem. Last Friday, May 11, 2012, I talked to David stating that I had to go to Florida for two weeks and that my wife would be using the service in California and I in Florida. He said okay and that all I needed was a 7-day pass for two weeks and my wife's ID. Unfortunately, she had no ID since we were at the gym.

On Saturday, I again talked to the people in enrollment and the acting manager said he could not issue the pass due to the fact that my wife only has Florida ID. We have used my California ID in all the other states as well as my wife's Florida ID. He said his computer only accepts California ID and that we had to live within 20 miles of our ID to be able to use the club services. I have decided to cancel my membership and I want a full refund on the money we gave as first and last membership fees. I am sincerely looking into the idea of talking to an attorney about discrimination, lack of service and possible breach of contract in a nationwide company.

I attempted to use the Kids Klub services at LA Fitness last night and was told my membership didn't include this. The guy who signed me up a few days prior, John "JB" **, never mentioned this to me. Nonetheless, he came over to explain that it costs extra per month to use those services and that he told me about those fees and that I declined. It was 7:30PM and I had only 30 minutes to workout before the Kids Klub closed. I arrived with my kids and obviously, wouldn't had done so if I knew that I didn't have this service. I explained to JB that he didn't mention any of this to me during my sign up on Saturday, April 28, 2012. He persisted that he told me. I reminded him that I even asked him what the Kids Klub hours were during my sign up and he gave me the sheet with the hours on it. I had received no further information.

He left me in the lobby of LA Fitness to speak with the general manager and I could hear him telling the general manager about how he told me all of this and how he was right and I was wrong. I walked over to their desk thinking they were going to take care of things or move forward with the issue but no, we basically argued over what he told me and what I heard from him on Saturday. The conversation then moved over to cancellation and I was handed a form and told they weren't going to assist me further and calling the police. Point is, they called the police, cancelled my membership and told me that I wouldn't be receiving a refund of any amounts paid on my account which consisted of first and last month's membership fees of approximately $60-65.00 because they claim that I breached my contract by arguing with JB in front of other patrons.

Ideally, the situation would have gone down like this: "Hey Melissa, sorry for this misunderstanding. Let's get you signed up real quick so you can hit that workout tonight. I can take care of the information for you while you hustle in the gym." To be honest, that's all I was looking for. Someone to take care of the problem and let me go workout. Instead, I was called a liar by JB, store manager (male) and the receptionist (male).

I signed up for personal training with LA Fitness, Landmark, on Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA. I contracted for eight paid sessions a month. I also received 12 free sessions which was mutually agreed that these sessions would be once a week for 3 months. After three sessions, the trainer failed to show up for the fourth session. He did train me the following day and threw in the next day session as compensation for blowing me off. He again failed to show up for the very next session.

I complained to the Personal Training Director and he said he was short staffed and did not have a trainer for me and he agreed with me to cancel the contract. I contacted corporate and after many unturned calls, they eventually stated they would calculate how many sessions I had and would charge me accordingly. I thought this was bad business since the ink had barely dried on the contract. As I was waiting to hear back, they charged me for another month of training, which of course I never received. I called corporate and was told that a trainer was now available. I stated it had been three weeks and not only was it unacceptable to expect me to wait three weeks, but that no one had called me. I was told that I should have called the club, but I asked why should I since the last conversation I had with the director was that there were no sessions available.

After numerous requests that the regional manager call me, he eventually called. However, he over spoke and was by far the rudest representative of club I had dealt with. I asked for a face to face as he had mistakenly calculated the number of sessions I had received. I insisted he pick the date and time, but he also failed to show up for our meeting. He didn't have the personal responsibility or professionalism to even call to say he was late. Two days later, he called and I was so frustrated with this matter that I just hung up on him. He called back and I told him not to call me again after he stated my account was going to collection.

I had informed him, in writing, that I had disputed the charges on my credit card. In addition to the letter I sent to him, I also sent copies to the top three executives in LA Fitness, Office of Consumer Affairs - Virginia, ABC 7 News, and my credit card. I consulted with an attorney and was advised the club breached the contract, not me, and that they don't get to wait indefinitely to provide a trainer. I have decided to pursue a small claims action against them. I'm preparing for my second deployment to Afghanistan and wanted to be in top shape and had hoped using a personal trainer would facilitate my training. LA Fitness is extremely unprofessional and their lack of timely communication to resolve this issue is deplorable.

I waited in line at my local LA Fitness and had consumed too much water. After waiting for about two minutes, the clerk working the desk was still talking to the same customer. I motioned to him that I would be right back, I was just going to run to the restroom. This is the same clerk who checks me in about five days a week. As I was walking away, he yelled at me loudly, "My man, you have to check in or I'm calling security on your **". I told him I would be right back, I was caught off guard. I used the restroom and as I walked through the door, the same guy was standing there and informed me, "I need your name and your telephone number so I can put notes in your account." He also told me that all the clerks would be watching me now. I talked to his manager and he assured me the situation would be handled.

As I was running on the treadmill, I noticed him waving four different members in without checking them in the system. Does anyone have a corporate number to LA Fitness so I can contact someone in the head office? I really want resolution, it is hard not to feel discriminated against.

Three months ago, Bally Fitness transferred my contract to this LA Fitness (1111 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11042) without any notices. At first, they honored my old contract then they changed the terms of my membership. This basically is more like getting a new membership with them, in other words, more money.

Last Saturday, when I handed my gym key card to the clerk, she was yelling out in such rude manner, "You have to pay $5 or pay the upgrade if you want to use the facilities." She was so nasty and clearly shouted out in front of all the people and staff that it was not her fault if I don't have the money to pay. This is unacceptable. Instead of pulling me to the side and explaining the situation, she completely embarrassed me in front of everybody. She never apologized to me not even once. Next Monday, I called the manager to complain about it. Basically, the same nasty and mean attitude. They should be fired for the lack of customer service and respect for a client. They get paid because of us, and they should work in a DMV. I felt very discriminated by these people.

Last month, I renewed my old contract from previously known Bally Fitness. At first, they gave a hard time and then they honored my old contract. When I went to renew my daughter's contract, the manager had such a nasty attitude and clearly shouted out in front of all the people and staff that my daughter's contract could not be renewed as mine was. One of their staff told him that they could, but he insisted that it will not renew and provided his business card when I told him that I would complain against him. He seemed not to care. He is the general manager and is located at 14100 SW 8st. He should attend an angry management class and customer service class as well. It is a shame that I paid a full year already with that identity.

On the day of April 16, 2012, at around 5:30 pm, I walked in with my little ones into the LA Fitness located at 3176 Northlake Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403 (registration no. HS5825). This was the first time I brought my babies (3) with me to this particular gym. Unfortunately, I was in for a big surprise. Becoming a member at this particular LA Fitness, the sales team offered a discounted rate for the Kids Klub. In addition, I was receiving the first 6 months of Kids Klub for free!

So when I finally decided to bring my kiddies with me, the OM (as she calls herself) by the name of ** completely humiliated me and my kids. It all came about when my kids and I walked in to the gym and I handed my gym key card to **. ** then asked for the Kids Klub (without eye contact) key card. I handed over my card the sales team gave me for the Kids Klub and she (**) went insane. She yelled out in such rude manner, "Who would give out 6 months of free Kids Klub? Whoever did this is in major trouble. I don't believe this. This is unbelievable. This is unacceptable." Instead of ** pulling me to the side and explaining the situation, she completely embarrassed me. As of right now, I am looking into cancelling my membership and taking my business elsewhere. Never in my life have I ever felt so degraded.

I took a cycle class as usual. A sub was there and proceeded to tell us her style of riding. I, myself, a beginner, was doing my best to keep up and she asked me if I was just doing my own thing because when I take her class, I cycle the way she's teaching it. I told her when she pays my membership, I will cycle anyway she wants me to. I told the management. At first, they were surprised that she spoke to me that way. But when I checked up on whether they spoke to her, they were trying to justify her actions. I felt very dismissed and that she had every right to do what she did. Any other cycle class I have ever took, the instructor tells us it's our ride and do the best you can do. She won't keep me from cycling, but I don't understand where the loyalty lays. The member or the rude instructors?

LA Fitness in Clifton, NJ - I joined LA fitness some time ago. I go in to do what I have to do and I leave. A friend of mine was thinking about joining so I offered her my buddy pass. A sales associate wanted to talk to her about joining. She let them know that she won't be making any decisions until she tries the gym. My friend is in pretty good shape since she works outdoors in NYC and has to walk a lot throughout the day. The sales associate went on and on saying that she has the type of body that will be prone to getting fat and that if she doesn't join a gym that she will become fat and unhealthy and her body will become deformed so that she needs to hand over her credit card so that doesn't happen.

Are you kidding me, LA Fitness? What in the ** kind of selling is that? It was derogatory and rude. After she told him, "No, I will not give you my credit card and now I really don't want to join," he insisted she go try out the gym. But as she was trying to work with the equipment, he kept on coming by and harassing us, telling her to join and to give up the credit card and mentioned again that she is going to get fat. I went to the manager and he was completely ignoring me as I was trying to tell him my complaint. I left furious. I cancelled my membership (which is another song and dance and from what I hear there is a class action suit because of the policies) and will never recommend this gym to anyone ever again. They are abusive, rude and sleazy.

Dissatisfied and treated wrongly: The same stalker, **, crowded me again today. I was absolutely upset because this man will not stop and Ryan nor the other acting manager did the fair thing. As I was pumping out hand sanitizer to clean the machine, Mr. ** stood up about 2 feet behind me and wouldn't move. He has no regard for personal space and is very passive aggressive. He won't speak, but he'll crowd me on purpose. I had to say something rude for him to go away. I spoke with a woman who speaks to Mr. ** the other day (I wasn't aware that she was friends with him as he was stalking me) about the incident because I thought I knew her as just someone friendly I can speak to from time to time. But the day I mentioned his behavior to her, she got defensive and said, "Well, he doesn't do that to me." Please keep in mind that since the incident, several women have come up to me and complained about **, saying the same thing. She was being difficult about what I was saying as if to say I think I'm cute, so I'm just stating that this grown man is stalking me to look like I am! This whole thing is disgusting. I stopped talking to her after that because she made it seem as though she was angry that I had a stalker and she didn't. I let her know that there's nothing cute about it and that she can have one if she wants. No problem!

Continuing on where Mr. ** finally walked away today - I had had enough of him, so I decided that I would take out my camera and act like I was taking his photo, solely to make him feel uncomfortable because he apparently just can't stop. In the anxiousness of the moment, I told two trainers who I sometimes speak with that I had taken his photo. I said this because the grapevine in there is so small I was hoping that word would circulate and Mr. ** would finally leave me alone. He only does things like this when he sees that Herbert has gone home. He keeps his eyes open for things like that. I spoke with him the day he got back to work about being harassed by Mr. ** and several incidents have been reported.

The woman walked behind me saying my name and when I turned, she asked if I took her photo. I started to say no, but her voice began escalating as she was being rude. So I said very calmly, "Listen, this is really none of your business and has nothing to do with you." I continued walking to the locker room and she started shouting at me, "You don't go in there, you don't go in there." It was embarrassing, really. Then the managers came in and asked what was going on and she jumped in and said, "She's taking pictures of me. I want her to get rid of them." I let them know that I didn't take any photos and Ryan told me to go ahead to the locker room. I don't trust him too well either. He was too lackadaisical about the whole thing the last time I had made a complaint about Mr. **.

There were women in there asking about what just happened and I didn't have a minute to change when a young female trainer walked in and said that Ryan (one of the acting managers) wanted to speak with me. I got my things together and sat down with both Ryan and the other manager. I asked him for information about the dates, times and complaint list that were made about Mr. ** and he said, "We can't give you information on another member." I said I didn't ask for his information, but I do know that it's my right to have documentation on the list of complaints that were made about Mr. **. He looked at me a bit surprised and continued to half way lie and distract from my question. He acted like he didn't know how to spell **, but when he got to his name, he said, "There's nothing here on him." I said, "What? You were supposed to document that the last time I complained! What's going on? Now, I really don't feel safe here!" He said, "Well, I've heard from two trainers that you took pictures of Mr. ** and that's against club policy."

I let him know that photos weren't actually taken and that I was acting out so that Mr. ** might actually stop his nonsense. I offered to show him my photos and he rejected several times to look! He asked me to leave. I told him I didn't think it was right that he would do that and I feel like I may need a lawyer. And I saw that Mr. ** was talking to them after I had left to get the rest of my things from the locker room. He had a satisfied look on his face as he went back to exercise/woman watch. I said to Ryan, "Why is he still here and you're asking me to go home?" He said something that sounded like because he's not bothering anybody. It was muffled and said under his breath so I couldn't hear.

I was so angry I had to leave at that point. As I got home, I called a fellow trainer who's a friend of mine and asked her if she knew Herbert's number (meaning his cell phone number) so that I can tall him what happened. She didn't have it. But not knowing the complete story of what happened, she asked Ryan for Herb's number and Ryan - knowing Herb wouldn't want to be disturbed at home - gave her Herbert's home number. I called and understandably Herbert was upset that I had called his home number and I explained how sorry I was and that I thought it was his cell phone. I felt so stupid and completely out of luck. I know now that I'm going to have to take matters into my own hands and take this to the police. This is ridiculous and disgusting behavior both by Mr. **, that woman, and Ryan. I feel disrespected and at a loss. Mr. ** should be the one to have his membership revoked, not me.

Today, they threatened me if I do not give them a credit card number, that they would be revoking my membership. I do not give anybody my credit card number over the phone, and especially not to Bally/LA Fitness. Also, they are very rude, and the manager was not available because it is Sunday, and also Easter. But they have the guts to call customers on Easter Sunday to threaten them. I was a member with Bally Rancho Palos Verdes, CA since February 2005, but I think I will say good bye to them, because this whole merger is a big disaster.

On April 3, 2012, while visiting L.A. Fitness on Old National Highway in College Park, GA, on a guest pass, my car and 13 others were burglarized within an hour's time. It was brought to our attention by the police officer, members of LA Fitness, and a customer service representative, that the thefts have been going on since December 2011. I am appalled that since December over 50 burglaries have been reported and LA Fitness has not established that a security guard is a necessity on the outside premises. Considering that the patrons pay monthly membership fees, it would be sensible that a reputable institution would consider the livelihood of its consumers. Simple question, while LA Fitness is extending admirable commercials and plans for the physical well being of its members and guests, why not protect/secure their material property while on the premises? Patrol your lots and protect your patrons! I look forward to your response to my question and concerns.

Incident took place on March 29, 2012 at the LA Fitness Carmel West location. My buddy and I wanted to play racquetball and he was assured that we had a reservation for today between 6pm and 8pm. When we reached there, we were told that there were no courts available. When asked why this happened (and this was the second time at the same location), they said they did not know who took the reservation and that there was nothing they could do about it. Furthermore, they said that we were in lucky to be using their location since we had a full paid membership at another location. Expressing our dissatisfaction that this had happened a second time, we said that the least that LA Fitness could do is apologize and compensate us for the trouble. We were also told that we did not have the privilege to reserve courts last week upon which an additional money was put on the membership to guarantee us of this privilege only to find out that we still did not have a court.

After much debate, the individual literally told us in plain English to get out, threatened to call the cops on us and revoke our membership for life. Sorry to say, but LA Fitness has caused me deep distress especially after being a long term patron of this club and my family who loves going there. I am sure it is only this one individual that is tarnishing its reputation and demand a personal apology from the individual. If not, I will cancel my membership and hopefully everyone else who reads this will do so too. Also if I'm not allowed to play in that location, how come they charged me for having court reserve facility? The credit card payment info is attached at the bottom.

I bought a house in Boca Raton, Florida, but I live full time in Honduras. I bought a membership in LA Fitness in East Boca Raton in June 2011. The salesman told me that if I did not use the membership while I was away, it would be kept on hold until I returned to Boca. They billed me every month, but I was unaware of it because my accountant receives the statements. I also bought 10 personal training lessons for $36 each or $360. I have no problem with that. However, I am being billed each month for $360 and I have not been back to Boca since July or August of 2011. I want my money refunded for the personal training sessions I did not receive after my first session.

Today, March 29, 2012, an incident took place at my local LA Fitness. This is another branch of LA Fitness that I decided to use since it is the only one that has racquetball courts. Despite assuring me that the courts were reserved, my buddy and I were disappointed to hear that there were no courts available. Since this was the second time this was happening, we were very disappointed. Also, my friend had recently paid an extra $26 to activate the privilege to reserve courts. When we started questioning the front desk personnel about our dissatisfaction, one particular individual simply told us to get out and threatened to call the cops on us. Perhaps a more cordial tone of explaining the mix-up and apologizing for the same would've saved their day, but there is no excuse for this kind of behavior with one's customers.

Upon further discussion, the individual threatened to cancel/revoke our membership. As my friend and I stormed out of there, we swore to cancel our membership anyway. It is sad because both my friend and I are long time patrons of the health club and this one individual has ruined it all. We got home and called LA Fitness' headquarters and the club location where I actually obtained membership and they have promised to resolve the situation, but nothing as of yet. Honestly, I don't have any hope of resolution. Never ever become a member of LA Fitness. Trust me, you will regret it! By the way, the location where this incident took place is in Carmel West on Michigan 10574 Workout Way, Carmel, IN.

You don't have USA. You have UK and other countries. I want to file a complaint against LA Fitness. Their clubs are dirty, no hygiene is maintained, and staff changes happen very fast. They are only taking money. There is no paper towel and no clean bathroom.

Before LA Fitness took over Bally, I was able to go to the gym and work out and it was a TV that works on every station. Now, I go to the gym and the TVs only have 3 channels on. I pay the same amount on my membership and I feel I don't get the same quality with LA Fitness. And there are no juice bars in these gyms.

I never knew the hot water I'd get in at a local gym, until I waded into a hot tub and saw one of the gym staffers assault a fellow bather when he paid more attention to the person he was speaking to via headphones than the operations manager, who yanked at his headset, telling him to get the hell out. He yelled at the staffer, a woman, and warned her never to touch anyone the way she had grabbed the headphones. It turned out that she pulled a wire and broke the $300 device before calling the police on us and threatening to strip us of our gym memberships for not responding to her demands.

Philadelphia cops, however, appeared at the scene and advised the young man, a 6-foot 8-inch professional basketball player, how he could file a private criminal complaint against the manager. I gave a statement and called the corporate headquarters, asking for immediate action against the woman. Not once during the episode did she identify her self as a manager. She repeatedly refused to show me any identification when threatening to revoke my membership at the LA Fitness Center in the Andorra section of Philadelphia.

How did this all come about? The hot tub had been closed and barricaded for use the past four weeks as repairmen worked diligently to fix whatever problems they discovered. Today, the yellow tape surrounding the tub had been removed, and persons entered the tub for a good soaking. There was nary a sign anywhere cautioning bathers to keep out.

I had worked out on the treadmill 25 minutes and swam a half-mile over another 25-minute spree, when I slunk my body into the bubbling water with jet air shooting streams of pulsating pleasure onto my back, hip, and other sore spots. I had been soaking, paying no mind to the African-American male at the other side of the pool who was in deep conversation on what I took to be a business call.

No more than five to seven minutes had passed when a person I had never seen before approached the side of the tub and told me I had to leave. I had just begun to meditate and had yet to calm down from the nearly hour-long stress I had subjected my body to. It was an Asian woman who spoke to me. I didn't understand what she said. I thought she was one of the cleaning staff. This gym retains a lot of Hispanics for housekeeping, and I stupidly stereotyped her as a member of the gyms housekeeping staff.

She said there was no chlorine in the hot tub. So what, I thought. She said we could introduce germs into the water. Again, I thought, so what. I even played lawyer with her, telling her that I'd waive the right to bring any charges against the gym should I get a contagious disease from my fellow bather, who had to lift up the side of his headphones to make out what she was saying.

The tub is situated in a closed section of the gym next to two shower stalls. An Olympic-size swimming pool occupies the great bulk of the room, and it is difficult to hear because of the constant running of water and the echo sound each word creates when someone speaks. Then she threatened to call the police if I didn't get out of the pool. I heard that loud and clear and told her Id get out once she got my fellow bather out. Off she stormed, ordering him out, and grabbed the headphones when she claimed he ignored her, when in reality, he was still speaking to someone else. She yanked at the headset.

Now, there are certain things you simply don't do in the United States. Jim Croce, a Philadelphia-area singer who has since passed away, put it this way: You don't tug on Superman's cape. You don't spit in the wind. You don't pull ... the mask ... of the ole Lone Ranger. And, you don't mess around with Jim. Well, here, you could put the name of most men wearing headphones and trying to relax after a hard workout at the gym. You don't mess around by yanking at an object that is an extension of the work-outer.

He yelled at her but never cursed. She told him to get the hell out of the tub, and at least one of the swimmers in the pool overheard this and reported it to the police. I'm sure she gave a different story to the authorities. I kind of felt sorry for her, because she handled the incident so badly and probably saw nothing wrong with using force, no matter how slight, to demand someone else's attention. You can't do that and expect cooperation with your management style.

The young man, who plays for an international team out of Venezuela, exchanged e-mails with me; and I agreed to assist in any action against the gym manager. He might file a private criminal complaint if he couldn't get restitution for the expensive headphones. I'd settle for a corporate manager to investigate this and ensure that nothing like this ever happened again. Hot tubs were made for relaxation, not consternation.

I joined LA Fitness in August and enrolled to pay a $30 monthly fee. By December, I have paid 6 months (2 months when I enrolled and 4 month after that). In December, they are having a special that 4 people can join to get a lower monthly fee of $20 but need to pay $200 enrollment fee. 3 friends and I switch to the lower monthly fee program and shared the cost of the $200. The sales manager promised that my previous payment (2 months of fee when I paid in August) will be refunded and took away my old fitness card and gave me a new one. When the LA fitness in Renton Fairwood opened in January 2, I went to ask the operation manager when my two months will be refunded. She told me only one month can be refunded.

I explained to her I have paid 6 months since August to December and then started to pay in January under my new plan. So I have paid 2 months extra. She told me she would request the headquarters to give me the refund. She told me in person that "it will be taken care of". 2 weeks later, when I check with her, she told me it is pending for approval. Another week passed, I asked her again and she told me it won't happen. She gave me the same reason she gave me 3 weeks ago. I really don't think she ever tried to get my refund for me at all. So I told her I would cancel my new membership, too. Overall, I have paid $150 for the first membership and $100 for the 2nd membership for a total usage of 6 months. And between December 14 to January 2, I couldn't use the gym because the old membership key was taken away and the new membership hasn't been activated. I really don't know if the franchise owner has any idea what is going on in the gym. With this kind of bad business ethic, I don't think the gym will last long. This is sad because we do want to have a nice gym in our area.

I'd like to point out before this letter continues that I've enjoyed being a member at LA Fitness for almost two years and have recruited three people; therefore, generating more business for the company. Sad to say, I have not been made to feel like a valued customer.

I am a member at the Brandon, Florida location of LA Fitness and have been stalked numerous amounts of times by two specific men. I have complained (depending on the situation) numerous times about both men but nothing has been done. Just tonight, I had a run in with one man, last name was **. He's acting in a passive aggressive nature by walking close by me, watching what I do--in an inappropriate way and just being creepy!

For example, as I was working on back strengthening exercises, he'd watch me as I bend forward (disgusted). I walked away and watched to see if he was gone. There was a trainer helping me out that day and I pointed Mr. ** out to him. When I thought Mr. ** was gone, I turned to my right and there he was, staring at me, sitting to my right side, now behind the trainer. I pointed this out to the trainer too.

Another instance is that since he watches me so closely, he knows my routine. I was on the Stairmaster (which is a new thing for him) and I left to get alcohol to clean the machine. I saw a bottle and didn't know whose it was. I moved it politely and began cleaning. Just then, I see him standing too close right behind me after I've already complained about him. Many other women have complained about this same man making them feel uncomfortable. And quite frankly, I may end up cancelling my membership as they have because I'm in fear of my safety. So much that I told one of the police officers who works out there the story. And before going to the women's locker room, I asked to be escorted there.

He approached me today because he heard me--as he was passing by deliberately too close--that he is my stalker. He said, "Young lady, I need to speak with you." I said (in a loud voice), "I'm not talking to you because you're a stalker. You know, I'm not comfortable with you and now, you're invading my space to talk to me? Go away!" He then proceeded to follow me. I turned and said, "You're following me again? And still talking to me? I have a problem with you."

I proceeded to the front desk and began telling the management what was happening, making sure to mention that he has harassed me in front of a trainer before and that this is the third time I've reported him. I feel unsafe to go through my daily routine because If he has gal enough to invade my personal space in such a disrespectful way, what's next? I have to bring my cell phone with me and take pictures of him if he gets too close!

Why should I be made to feel uncomfortable? What he's doing is against the law and is causing me great discomfort. I heard he was saying, "She better stop talking about it." I'd better? So now he's threatening me through another source? Please make this stop. He also told the management that he owns his own business (just so he could add value to his case). I just looked Mr. ** up in my Google search engine and couldn't find any businesses he owns. Please revoke his membership or I will need to leave the gym as other women have for the same reason. Thank you.

Pool water temperature is well below 80 degrees, especially 3 days a week when tested and cold water is pumped in. Staff and pool tech insist temperature is 82. The tech was heard to say we who complain are "whiners" and many do complain. The hot tub is also below the norm and at times is closed. Surely, the best time to tend the pool is late to allow time to warm up. The facility is clean and the staff friendly, but that doesn't help my arthritis when I can't tolerate the cold pool.

Since LA Fitness has taken over the Bally's Club, the new staff is very cordial, and proficient. They are to be commended. But, since LA Fitness has taken over the Bally Club, the first floor area has become a veritable pig pen! The floor area is dirty and dusty, the restrooms are odorous (health issue?), weights, dumbbells, barbells, equipment handles, mats, step supports, steps, and empty water bottles are strewn about all over the place. And some members have even gone so far as to move the equipment to other locations of their choosing. Something must be done about these violations because not only are these abuses unsightly, but accident, safety, and health hazards abound, as in mishaps waiting to happen.

Staff does not want you to work out with your friends. They are rude. They will not show you how to use the machine without trying to sell you a trainer. They don't want to hear you tell your partner to push because then you will be training them. They violate my first amendment rights and freedom of speech.

They have not been able to provide me with any signed contract and are charging me more than what I was told would be my monthly fee. They did not honor any of the previous Bally membership agreements. They only take cancelled membership through their offices (in person from 9 am to 5 pm) or by mail. I work 9 to 5 and can not take time off to cancel a membership. I mailed cancellation to them, but they continue to bill me and say they never received the cancellation. After calling back, they stated they may have lost my cancellation. Now, they want to charge me for cancelling, except they never cancelled anything. Add me to a class action.

I've been requesting a copy of my contract (a.k.a. agreement). Apparently, since this was done so long ago, over 16 years, before they had an electronic system in place apparently, it is impossible to get it. I went to a branch and they told me that I needed to contact corporate. I called corporate and they told me that I needed to go into the branch. Ah, bureaucracy at its best! I guess that's what I get for being a loyal customer for 16 years!

After a year of not using my gym membership and still paying for it, I finally decided to cancel it completely. I went through their outrageous system of canceling my gym membership online along with my personal training online and submitting their forms. In addition, to avoid being charged by them, I went ahead and changed my debit card number with my bank. About a week later, LA Fitness emailed me a cancellation for my membership but never sends me an email regarding the training. I find it funny that they received one form, but not the other. Even after the cancellation email, a month later, low and behold, they begin charging my card. Would you know, they tracked down MasterCard and made them give up my information, which I found out they could do it because they had a contract with me.

What Mastercard didn't know was that my contract was actually cancelled. Now, I have over $300 that they've taken out of my account in random charges none of which amount to what my training charge had been or even my gym membership has been. They even took out $5 for who knows what. I am beyond angry with LA Fitness at this point and I'm now in the process of closing down my bank account, which stinks because I actually liked my bank and they had absolutely nothing to do with LA Fitness' wrongdoing. They're crooks, plain and simple.

I wanted to join LA Fitness, so my husband decided to surprise me with a membership. He told them it was a surprise, and to not contact me. Right before Christmas, I got a call from a trainer to set up a session. I told him I wasn't a member, but he assured me I was. I realized it was a surprise, but he insisted on making an appointment, which I declined. I went in after New Year's. He spent half an hour going over goals, etc, and then gave me a mini workout of 5 exercises, involving 2 machines, and then tried a hard sell for personal trainer. I wasn't interested, but he insisted and called back several times.

I had no tour of the facility, or review of the various machines. When I asked for a demo of equipment, he said read the description on the machine. I went back couple of weeks later, and talked to the desk, and asked for an "orientation" and tour, and they said what I had gotten was it. They don't demonstrate the equipment, unless I buy the trainer. I told them Healthtrax and other gyms do, but LA doesn't. I said I wanted to cancel my membership and go back to Healthtrax, and they said okay. Apparently, LA doesn't need my business. I should have listened to others who dropped them (including PTs)! Healthtrax is much better!

When my fiancee and I joined Mount Laurel, we paid for a full facility, as described by our salesperson Chris **. The pool has been out of commission for close to three weeks now. We figured we would go to Cherry Hill to swim, and lo and behold, their pool has been down since August. A good business would at least offer some sort of compensation. Health clubs are pretty competitive, and LA Fitness is going to bury themselves, if they don't pay attention.