New York Sports Club

Do not join this gym! Bottom line, if they owe you money, it takes forever to get it. I have been waiting for $400 for months and months. There's no way to contact the accounts payable department for the status. Every call goes through customer service and they cannot even tell you when your refund is being paid. They have to send an inquiry to their accounting department and wait days for a response. NYSC takes the monthly fee automatically from my checking account but the refund process is a manual process and they will only send you a check, which should take 14 to 21 days from approval (already way too long) and I have been waiting 28 days with no refund so far after months of contacting everyone under the sun to even get them to acknowledge they owe me money and approve it for payment. There are better gyms out there that are cheaper and are customer service oriented. This is the worst customer service experience I have ever had (and I'm no spring chicken!).

I'm very disappointed with Town Sports International (NYSC) because I have been a loyal member for over two years paying the high price of $73.95 as part of the initial one year contract signed in 2010. I continue to pay the price of $73.95 while others I know pay the discounted price for $45 for the same services that I receive. When I contacted Town Sports International, they stated that they can't lower my monthly rate, which I find very ridiculous especially after I found the discount they submitted in Groupon.

The reason I first requested to cancel services was to lower the monthly rate of my passport package as I have been an active member for two years, paying the rate of $73.95 a month. Today I see a promotion in Groupon for $24 for a passport membership that is at a $49 value. How is it that the passport membership is published at $49, yet my same membership is at $73.95 and it cannot be lowered? Lies after lies, I find that to be preposterous.

I am requesting that my monthly membership be lowered at the $49 rate or else I will be forced to voice my issue on the social networking tools at my disposal as well as the NYS PSC (New York State Public Service Commission). I have yet to receive a response from them. How can they offer the same package I have for the "original value" of $49 yet I pay $73.95 a month and they state they can't lower the price?

The New York Sports Club at 124th Street and 8th Avenue in Harlem, which I have belonged to since it has opened, has its uphill gone downhill. The locker rooms are loaded with towels and bottles left on the floor. Other members blast music from radios in the locker room and the staff will not tell them to stop, but the worst has been closing down the steam room and sauna at 7pm and not open it at all on the weekends. The explanation they give is, people can't behave in the steam room - not my problem. I work late so I get there late. I want to use the steam room when I finish working out.

I've been a victim of a fraudulent business practice by this establishment. In September of 2008, I signed up for a 12-month student discounted membership at the local branch of the New York Sports Club on East 23rd Street.

Nine months into the membership, in May of 2009, I informed the club that I would not be in the city for the next couple of months since the school year had finished and so they presented me with the option of freezing my account. I did this with the understanding that I could unfreeze the account at a future date. What I was not told was that the company would unfreeze my account on their own without notifying me, and begin charging my regular monthly fee of $76.49 from my checking account.

What I was also not told when I signed my initial contract was that after the initial 12 months of my membership, the account would revert to a monthly membership until my cancellation. Since I was overall dissatisfied with the service at the gym and since I felt I was overcharged for my membership to begin with, I saw no reason to unfreeze my account. Only last Sunday, March 11, 2012, did I realize that New York Sports Club had continued charging my account every month. In the last 31 months since the club unfroze my account without notifying me, they have extracted $2371.19.

I have not used a NYSC gym in that period of time, nor have I received any form of contact or evidence from the club (aside from the monthly charges on my debit card statements) that I was still a member there. Since you have to scan a membership card every time you use an NYSC gym, my usage reports show that I haven't set foot in one in this span of time. Predictably, the company denies any wrongdoing and their offers are a refund of 2 months of charges!

I'm enraged and I'm in the process of filing complaints with the Bureau of Better Business as well as the New York State Consumer Protection Board, and the Attorney General's website. If you or anyone you know is a member of NYSC, please have them contact me as I am making a petition of active members to show this company that its members will not stand for these deceitful business practices which include exploiting college students with the fine print in their contracts.

I signed up for the 30 for thirty days deal. I usually use the gym where I work and study (I am a pre-pharmacy student), but it was closed for one month so I went to NYSC to inquire about a deal that they may have for someone in my position. I was told that I would be signing up for the 30 for thirty days deal, but was told that they need to have a credit card on file in order to sign me up. I specifically asked to be signed up for only one month and explained my one month situation. This was confirmed by the really friendly woman who signed me up. Then a few days after I returned to my old gym, I saw that my credit card was charged $80. I went back to clear this up. I was apologized to and told that the money would be credited back to my account. I waited two weeks and I wasn't refunded. I went back there three more times, each time assured that it will be taken care of. It has now been almost two months!

I called their corporate office and a woman condescendingly explained to me over the phone that nothing was processed incorrectly. I told her the exact details of the cash transaction that I made and exactly what I was told by the employee who signed me up. I also told this woman that I had repeatedly been assured that no further charges would be made to my account. Her response was that she could not verify the verbal agreement made between me and the person who signed me up. At this point, it seems to me that they say whatever they can to lure you in, even lying until they obtain your cc information. It's also possible that they just need to better educate their employees on their policies, a case for which I should not have been penalized with 80 dollars.

The most she was willing to do was to connect me back to this gym to clear this up, when the only reason why I called the corporate office was because I had already communicated with them about four times. I also did not plan on returning to this gym because on many occasions, the male employees gawked at me while I worked out which made me really uncomfortable (also, perhaps it's necessary to say that I'm not one of those women who dress inappropriately at the gym). Nobody likes to be stared at after running for an hour.

Their billing center didn't update my account when I got a new CC, resulting in late payments and late fees for 3 months (I didn't t realize my new CC was not charged, but I was never contacted by the gym, they just got denied access one day). Since I didn't want to cancel my membership, I agreed/negotiated to pay what I owed and a few charges to regain access to the gym. Since I am being overcharged, fees keep adding up, and despite many complaints and promises, my account will be back on track, I haven't been re-accredited ($200), I have been overcharged. I have an email from the billing center detailing the payments I have agreed to. I contacted the general manager. I haven't heard back from him. He is hiding. I emailed and called the billing center, but when I hung up, it is as if I never called. They didn't respect the agreement for payment. I then filed a complaint with my bank. I don't want to cancel my card "in case" they decide to issue my refund or in case they accuse me of not respecting my one-year commitment, and it ends up on my credit report. I am angry it has been going on for 2 months.

I received an email in early February notifying that there was a problem processing my CC for the monthly membership dues for NYSC. When I discussed this issue with the Assistant GM (name is Ashley), I was informed that the balance due reflected a back payment of two months of regular active membership ($89 x 2 = $178) and a late fee ($8). Dismayed at this information, I acknowledged that I spoke with Member Services in October and asked them to freeze my membership until at least March ($15 per month, big difference) since my job has prevented me from returning to NYC at all to use the facilities. Noting this, Ashley said she would be happy to take my updated CC information and clear up the confusion with Member Services, making sure my CC would be billed appropriately for the two months back payment of $15/ea, plus the upcoming month freeze (total $45 + late fee). She said she would be happy to contact me if there were any issues in getting this understanding approved by management.

Three days later, my bank assessed a charge from NYSC in the amount of $185. I was absolutely shocked and angered that this occurred and contacted Ashley immediately. She claimed that she wasn't aware that NYSC would immediately charge this amount and said "it was likely disapproved by her manager." This contradicted her original claim that she would make sure if there were any issues before processing, she would notify me at once. That clearly never happened.

She supposedly went and spoke to the GM about this, returned and basically denied any wrongdoing in this matter, citing that they were allowed to charge me the $185. I did not accept this decision and demanded that the appropriate difference be refunded to my account ($125). Ashley agreed to request the refund from management and notify me when was processed.

Instead of honoring a bank refund (where the difference would be refunded to my Chase Checking Account), NYSC decided to refund the difference to my internal NYSC account and $125 was refunded and available for credit for upcoming dues billed after February 1st. This underhanded action caused me enormous frustration. After learning this, I demanded that the money be refunded back to my bank account. Ashley responded with "Sorry, we cannot do that, bank refunds can only be processed unless you cancel your membership." I couldn't believe I had to consider cancelling my membership as the only option. But knowing that they had $125 which I desperately needed, I had no choice but to request a cancellation, which would grant me the bank refund I demanded.

The initial call to NYSC took place on February 6. The $185 debit from my account went through on February 8th. It is now February 29th and I still have yet to receive my refund. According to NYSC, the cancellation went through on the 13th, and the refund request went through on the 14th. Ashley informed me that the bank refund would process between 2-4 business days. She was wrong. When Feb. 20 came around and the refund still hadn't been reflected in my account, she then apologized and said "sorry, it's really 2-4 weeks." At this point, it would be hard for anyone to imagine that I was not beyond frustrated and angered at this series of misinformation and underhanded activity.

I now had to demand that the refund be expedited. The debit of $185 compromised my Chase Bank Account, and all my other automated debits continued, causing my account to be overdrawn. I have since been assessed $50 in Overdraft and Extended Insufficient fees. Chase Bank agreed to honor a refund of these fees, but only once the $125 refund takes place. It has been over 11 days now. Numerous emails and phone calls have gone unanswered and unattended to, after a multitude of late responses "apologizing for the inconvenience".

I am currently awaiting a follow-up from Ashley in which she was awaiting the status of the refund from the General Manager. There have been many road blocks for me in being able to speak directly to the refund department. I have threatened to make this a larger consumer affairs issue and this is the first step. As a member for over 5 years, this has been a huge headache. I always enjoyed going to NYSC and I am very disappointed that its personnel handled this so carelessly, incorrectly, and with no sense of urgency in rectifying the matter.

I continue to wait until the money is back into my account. My bank is overdrawn by $62.02. I have other bills that will now be delayed as a result of this ordeal. It is my belief that the Asst. GM is the major cause of this error with her lack of attention and thoroughness in helping me with this problem. Additional responsibility falls onto the General Manager (whom I have been denied contact with) and the refund department (who I have also been told responds to email inquiries by NYSC personnel only). If there was a way to hasten this matter, I would have been allowed to contact the appropriate people directly and had my questions answered.

I hope they resolve this matter by the end of the week. In my opinion, if they were able to remove the money from my account within such a quick time period, they should be able to refund the money just as easily. My patience has officially worn out.

Hello, I joined the NYSC Gym located in Princeton, NJ in January. Then, I had to move to NYC. I decided to cancel the contract. (The fella who helped me initiating the membership explained carefully about the process) In accordance to what he instructed me to do, within 10 days after I signed the contract, I came by the gym and said I'd like to make the cancellation as my new address in NYC and the gym will not work. The fella whose named Alan said, since he has no authority to go though the process, he is going to leave a memo to his boss then he added, the money (initiation+membership fee) should go back into my bank account soon. Before leaving his office, I was assured that everything is gonna be fine.

After I moved to the city, I went though the history of my bank transaction for February then I found out NYSC charged me for the February membership again and, I didn't get the refund either. I got a hold of a manager in Princeton NYSC and he said he will be in contact with me very shortly. Of course, I didn't hear back from him nor could I ever get a hold of him ever again for some stupid reason.

3 weeks ago, I emailed and rang the fella, Alan, and he said he will make sure his boss will give me a ring regarding this process and I was assured I've got nothing to worry about. However, since I'm a college student and living on my budget from the money my parents give me (unemployed), I was kinda going low on my budget. Since they owe me over a hundred something dollars for January and February membership, I asked him to pass it on to his boss. I rang Alan again after one week because the loser hasn't bothered to sort this problem out. The fella goes, even though he left a memo about it, his boss has been super busy.

Its been nearly a month since the problem occurred. To be precise, Its been 1 month and 2 weeks since I demanded a refund. what the dickhead has been up till now? Hence, despite the fact that I've been desperately getting a hold of the manager more than 5 times and never get to hear back from him? this is total nonsense. I'm actually raging over this ** at this point, I'm pretty sure they will charge me for another membership fee on the 1st march. Is there anything I can do at this stage? I don't live in Princeton nor do I have time to go there again, I never get to get a hold of the manager.

Could you guys please help me about this situation? I'm very close to contacting consumers rights association. Since my phone is playing up from yesterday, could you write me back at ** or **? I'd highly appreciate your feedback.

Excessive Late Opening During Business-The New York Sports Club on 115th Street and 5th Ave. has excessively late opening during business hours. On an average of 2 to 3 times per week, the club does not open until 2 hours later than it is supposed to. Members wait outside in the cold to get their workout in before work only to return home without a workout because the club fail to open during the schedule time. Despite members on-going complaints, the problem continues to happen all the time.

My complained with the NYSC located on 72rd and 3rd avenue is with the trainer Tyrone. Besides him not being reliable and professional, he wanted money under the table instead of buying from the club. I wanted to set my schedule with him, but all he preferred was personal time with me. He wanted the money and instead, I got half ** sessions from him. I always had to chase him. He wanted to make time outside the gym, but in the gym was a different story.

I'm sure I'm not the only woman that has, is or will be going through this. I've helped him out with his personal situations expecting respect back, but he is very selfish. It's been a while, but the more I thought about it, I needed to complain because I'm sure there are more women that are getting used for his personal gain. All he wants is a sexual experience.

My husband and I have been members at the Clifton NYSC since it has opened about 3-4 years ago. Lately, it has become very unkept. There is so much dust on the floors. I know they vacuum because I have seen them; but it is still so dusty. I find my self sneezing a lot, and I know I don't have allergies. I think it is just so much dust around. They really do need to do a better job like moving the machines around if possible to get underneath. A lot of the equipment is physically following apart, and I found that there a number of machines that are broken and never get fixed.

Today, I decided to write about the not so good conditions of the NYSC in Clifton, NJ (member number **). I have been a member for six years, and I have never had the need to write to you. However, today pushed me over the edge. To start, last Thursday, there were no towels in the entire gym. When I went today (Tuesday, 2/7) the four vertical bicycles were in various stages of disrepair and the monitors did not work for two of them. Then I went to the rear of the gym, where the weight lifting is done, and the entire floor was covered in dust balls! My allergies went berserk. Please have someone clean and repair the place ASAP. Please!

I have been a member of NY Sports Club for the past 10 years. Last week, I went to the gym and saw a sign that indicated there were new steam room hours that indicated the men's steam room and sauna was going to be closed on the weekends and at 7 pm on weekdays. I called NY Sports Customer Service and was informed that this was a decision made by the general manager and approved by the regional manager. They indicated that the new hours were a result of health concerns but could not specify what the health concerns were. They indicated that this was a final decision and that nothing can be done to reverse this decision. I rarely use the steam room but I would like the option of using it after 7 pm and on the weekends if I decide to use it. Any assistance you could provide would be appreciated.

I had been a member at NYSC for several years and when going through my divorce my membership expired and I did not renew immediately. After a few years I talked to a membership person and said I may be interested in rejoining. I never filled out any paperwork and did not sign any contracts but noticed fees on my credit card. I called my card and they reversed the charges and informed NYSC.

I thought everything was resolved. Now, I am getting calls from a collection agency saying that I signed up from June to October '10 and I owe them money. From the complaints I have read here, this seems to be a pattern. This company is to be avoided as their business tactics are deplorable. I have always had a stellar credit score, what happens to it now! I'm in on the class action! They should not be allowed to get away with defrauding people and ruining their credit.

I paid for a trainer for one year, Roxanne ** at the NYSC Sheridan Square, and went twice a week. By the end of the year, I had had five injuries the last doing an exercise I was bullied into doing that I had tried to refuse to do. That injury left me with five months of PT and recovery. When I called in January 2011 to cancel my membership, they said they would put it on hold for me. Later I found out I pay $15 a month to be placed on hold. But, I didn't fight it.

Instead, I have taken NYSC to court to protest the poor level of training that left me in worse condition than when I started, and thousands of dollars poorer. These people sell dreams to gullible people. After about six months on hold, suddenly with no notice my credit card is billed at $61.25 cents a month, which is more than my dues were initially. Now I am fighting that. It is endless. NYSC is like the roach motel. Once you join, you can never get out.

I was robbed at NYSC on 76th and 1st. A woman broke into my locker - which was locked with a Masterlock padlock. She robbed two other women at the same time. She stole all of the money out of my wallet. The three of us called police, filed police reports, NYSC reports, etc. I was told I would be fully reimbursed for what was taken from me. This was a month ago. No one has bothered to return my phone calls or emails. I have called corporate almost every other day since the incident occurred. I can't get an answer from anyone. This is very aggravating and extremely unprofessional. I am going to cancel my membership when this month is over.

I took a spin class in NYC Broadway.

Back in Dec. 2010, my wife and I were having a baby. Therefore, she wanted to cancel her membership four months early. As this would have incurred a fee, she was told that she could freeze the membership and that we would be notified before the unfreeze. We received no notification. The credit card that I used was also one that I used for business expenses and so I did not notice that charges began again since Dec 2011.

It is only now, since my job situation is terrible and so no charges to this credit card, as well as my scrutinizing our budget and expenses that I noticed this error. After notifying NYSC customer service and much arguing, they reluctantly credited me three months (rather than the full 11 months of overcharges) less what they consider the $15 a month freeze fee for these three months, rather than just retroactively cancel (which would have enabled us to recoup the full membership fees).

The biggest issue with this is that my wife was told that she would be notified prior to the unfreeze and was not. Yes, it was my error for not noticing the charges for so many months but how can NYSC justify these charges when my wife and I never received notice and she never set foot in the gym since her initial freeze.

Know your rights to cancel your health club membership. Here is a link to "Licensing of Health Club Services" published by New York State, Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. http://**. Good luck.

I was a manager for this company for a few months and had to leave. I can not believe the underhanded business tactics this company fosters. They advertise "$0 to join" promotions regularly, but it's never "$0". There are processing fees, rest of month fees, rate lock in guarantee fees, fees, fees and fees!

Also, my sales people never got paid what they were promised. This was done on purpose, I believe, by a company that is so aggressive in its sales practices that they create a culture where their employees feel the need to lie, cheat and steal in order to make a sale. Then, they don't even get paid!

I joined the club in January 2011 and I went till the end of June. Since my job location has changed, I have not been there since. I put one month on freeze and paid $15.When I called I was told for every month I freeze that's how much longer I would have to remain a member. I figure I might as well get this over with also the member ship has increased because they can add on to $3. According to contract, my contract will be up now the end of February 2012. I was told I have to bring a notarized letter the beginning of February. Until then they take whatever they want out of my checking account the beginning of each month.

I go to the New York Sports Club Gym at **. On Sunday, November 27 2011, I had a problem with a client from the gym. I got pushed and harassed. I am so upset with the manager, because he was of no help to me. He actually caused more trouble than help. The manager brought me to his office and tried solving the problem when one of the clients attacked me from behind. Scared for my life, I have instinctively grabbed a pair of scissors and pointed it to my attacker,asking him to leave me alone.

The manager did not, at all, try to resolve anything. I got jailed for harassment because of this,and my membership was cancelled. I will also be suinmg the gym for the trouble I am in. Please help. Please call Attorney Andrew ** at ** or fax him at **. My cell phone number is **. My email address is **. Please call me right away. This is very important!

NYSC (Ramsey, NJ) is not safe for kids! I enrolled my daughter for private swimming lessons there, never thinking about the security and safety. This Club is specifically for children, along with it being a gym for adults. After a horrible incident involving my nanny, her 14 year old granddaughter, and my 2 year old son, I would not trust this club.

Long story short, my Nanny had a run in with a naked young gentlemen in the family changing room! This is not a place I would endorse for anyone, especially children. This man, I had learned from the Police Report after my Nanny reported him, had been walking around naked by the lockers, and in the sauna, naked for 4 hours prior. The 3 managers did not do anything about this for 4 hours. Ridiculous. They called the Police when my Nanny reported him.

I then found out from the club manager and the Police that this naked man was not arrested. They let him go. All very disturbing, upsetting, and unacceptable. This guy obviously knew what he was doing, and was doing it freely for hours. All the managers were not helpful, sympathetic, or concerned about this incident at all.

I called about a month ago questioning why new members of the club were charged lower rates than long-term members. I was told that I could lock in at a rate of $89 per month, which was about $10 less than my current monthly payment. The caveat was that I would have to pay $29 each January to keep the $89 rate. However, NYSC charged me $96 per month and when I questioned the charge I was told that it was including sales tax (which was never mentioned before) when you factor in the $29 fee. I am not saying anything so this was basically a bait and switch. I am going to cancel my membership once I find a new gym.

I was trying to get in shape for my wedding, and i decided to start the GYM on 63rd and Lexington. I registered and payed my monthly fee every month for those 3 months. I have it on my bank account that they had taken the money. Anyways, before July 29th, I cancelled my membership, and also I cancelled my brothers membership with a doctors note in June, and they still did not cancel his.

I went away for three months and all of the sudden my brother from here tells me that the Collection Agency is calling and saying I have to pay 971.21$. I was shocked that they had sent me to collection agency when they knew that I was not in the country. I came back on October 29th 2011. So please help me here to do something about this company because I do not have the money to pay them.

This company should be ashamed of themselves with the way they run their business and how they treat their customers at 125 St. West Side. When I complained that half their lockers were broken and the other half used, they said, "We can let you store your clothes in one of our offices." When I complained that the steam room and shower rooms were being misused and I refused to use either one, they said that they will check it out, which means nothing was done. They had no clean towels, so I was not going to work out when I could not even have a towel if I needed it. This happened more than once. I complained that one day, 2 or 3 machines that were broken and the next, those we fixed and other machines were also broken. Did they really care? No!

For the final insult, I had been diagnosed with a serious illness in October 23, 2009 and had to leave work. I then had 3 surgeries; one in June and one in August of 2010 and a throat surgery in March of 2011, and since then, I have been on disability. I notified NYSC last year, telling them about my medical situation and sent information to prove my case to no avail or help. They continue to bill my debit card from what little money I get for doctor visits and so on. They have been taking money from my debit card for over two years, even knowing that medically, I cannot go to a gym or do things I used to do.

After writing to the corporate office, I said, "Well, maybe now someone will listen. "No," they said, "we will just continue taking out $15 a month as a freeze type penalty until you can come back." Well, I cannot come back. This is very bad business and they should be ashamed of themselves and take a good look at how they do business. I am ashamed that I spoke highly of such a place before I realized that it was a company without a heart.

I have been trying to cancel my membership but they won't. They tell me on the phone that it is cancelled, but it keeps racking up the charges. I am out $160/month as this continues.

I asked to have my Somers membership put on hold because the pool was closed and using the pool was the only reason I was a member at the club. When the pool was to be closed for several weeks for repair, I asked to have my membership cancelled because I will be away for a month and then I was going to move. I have documentation for all the above and have contacted the person I dealt with many times.

My credit card was charged and for several months, I am still waiting for the refund that I am owed.

I was sexually harassed by an NYSC staff. I bought a 30-day trial membership at the 23rd and 8th street location. I was leaving the club after working out with my earbuds in and a staff member, who is also a membership counselor, made loud sexual comments to another gym member because he thought I could not hear him. "Look at that **. Look at that **.", "Ha, I don't think she can hear you".

When I turned to them and said that I could, that my iPod wasn't on, they offered no apology. I made a complaint on the NYSC website, asked for my trial to be refunded as I no longer felt comfortable working out there and had time left. I received a call from Shannon **, the club manager and an email in which she wrote that she would talk to her staff and refund my membership. The email address she gave me bounced. I left her a voicemail 2 days ago and have gotten no response. My membership has not been refunded.

I cancelled my membership with NYSC 3 years ago. They did not cancel. They kept charging my credit card after i went there and sent them cancel papers. They continued to charge my card, so I had to cancel my credit card. They then sent me into collections, and 3 years later, I am still fighting with collections. This company is run horribly, and it should be completely out of business.

I signed up for a year-long membership at NYSC Upper East Manhattan. Post 12 months, they still continue to charge me $80/month. I have contacted the gym multiple times demanding a refund and their response is that I'm required to give a written, faxed, emailed, phone called warning 30 days prior to my cancellation. Is this a joke? I signed up for 12 months and went no more than 12 times. Months later, and months after I have left the the state, they are still billing me. Even while exchanging e-mails about disputing the most previous bill, they billed me again. Avoid NYSC at all costs. Besides the billing situation going haywire, I never felt safe in their locker rooms. If you reside as I did in the UES, join Equinox instead, the extra few dollars is worth it.

I was working out on August 23, 2011 in the Rego Park location. It was about 8:30 p.m. I was using one of the benches and went for a couple of minutes to use an elliptical machine that was very close to the bench. Mike, the trainer, approached the bench and said, "Whose stuff is on the bench?" I said, "It's mine. You could put it on the floor." This proves that I was obviously using the bench. I then said, "I was using it. But if you want, you could work in with me." This is proper etiquette at a gym. I was being polite. He then totally ignored what I said and moved the bench so I couldn't use it. From my observation, Mike knew it was my stuff on the bench and he just wanted to start trouble.

Tony, also one of the trainers, was training a member named Sarah. He was about 12 feet away from the bench. He just started out of nowhere to verbally attack me. He had a meltdown and acted very erratic and irrational. He told me to leave the training area because nobody was allowed in that area. There were other members that were also in there but he didn't throw them out. He then said that I was rude. (I was in no way rude. Actually, I was the opposite because I was very polite). I felt harassed. My rights were violated and the two trainers disrupted my workout. Tony, then, threw me out of the training area. He is just a trainer and not in the management. He had no authority to do this. Once again, his behavior was very erratic. He went off like a loose cannon for absolutely no reason at all.

What transpired between me and the other trainer had nothing to do with him and he had no business or right to get involved. Also, he should have been focusing on his client instead of meddling in another trainer and member's business. The only reason why I left that area was because I didn't want to stoop to his level. The reason why I go to a gym is to relieve stress; not to get stressed. I am a member of New York Sports Club for over fifteen years and never got treated this way. Tony's behavior is unacceptable and disturbing. He also told me that if I come in the gym tomorrow, I won't have a membership. Once again, he had no authority to do this. I am no way a rude person and I actually don't insult anybody. This is very out of character for me. I am disturbed by what had transpired last night. Nobody needs to be treated like this.

Last year, my husband and I decided to switch gyms to a location that was closer to our apartment. We chose the NYSC of Cobble Hill after taking a tour and thought that it was a good choice and went with it. This last year has been regret and frustration one after another. We have complained about broken equipment on multiple occasions and a lack of respect from the trainers. As we were promised to be contacted within a week of joining to set up our complementary personal training session and a session on how to use the equipment.

After a few weeks went by, we finally got a phone call to set up the sessions and I was told by the trainer himself that I was to be treated with extra care because I had put up a stink about broken equipment. I just brushed that one off since he didn't really care about what I was doing anyways. We forgot about the "how to use our equipment meeting" and decided to just let that one go. Funny thing, 3 months later we got a phone call welcoming us to the club and on the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend nonetheless. I politely told the lady I spoke to that I was busy and if she could call again next week (wait never mind, she just hung up on me).

Truly the last straw for me was that this past week, I have been to the gym on three occasions and they have seemed to run out of paper towels. The first time I noticed, I politely told the receptionist that the locker room was out of paper towels. 24 hours later, I was back and realized the same situation. Upon leaving this time, I asked to speak to a manager. With such a nice eye roll, she went to the back to tell them I wanted to speak to them. Yet, she came back to tell me that at 6:45pm on Saturday night, they were on a conference call. Really, that is **. She then went on to tell me that they have been ordering it over and over again but it just hasn't come and that I could just use a towel.

3. She looked at me and said, "well maybe we will go buy some Bounty for the time being" (very sarcastically). I just smiled and thanked her. Tonight, still no paper towels and anything. How unsanitary, you can't even wipe down the equipment after you are done using it.

They obviously do not care about our well-being and I am frankly done with that place. I will ride out my membership for the rest of its time and then switch as soon as I can. This is not the way to be treated.

I applied online for a 30-day trial at the gym. During this time, the gym required that I receive a gym tag for entry each time. This required me to leave personal details for proof of ID. On completion of the trial, I received a call asking if I wished to join the gym on a membership. I could not take a membership as I was suffering from bursitis. I was also traveling and could not commit to the membership. Since the expiration of my trial, I have been charged for a membership I did not sign up for. And money is being taken directly from my bank account on a monthly basis. I have tried numerous times to call and email both Astoria and head office. They continue to do nothing about it. I did not sign any contract and wish to take action to receive my fund back.

In response to my complaints regarding the inappropriate conduct of NYSC Trainers at the club at 36th Street and Madison Avenue, I have been notified that my membership has been terminated.

Bellow is what has been going on at NYSC since June 27th.

I have sent e-mails and left voice messages at Mr Files office. We would appreciate a call from a NYS Club representative to see what has been done to address the matter bellow. Also, we would like to know the full name of the second trainer (Joe).

A trainer named, Abdul Razzaq put his open hand on my chest and pushed me out of the way, while I was lifting weights.I immediately reported the incident to the General manager. The next day, after much going back and forth with the General manager Mr Jonathan Graham and NYSports Club customer service representatives Mary Anne Arrow and Gary Files, we arranged a meeting with Mr: Razzaq at Mr. Grahams office were Mr Razzaq said he had just been trying to say hello. I found this unusual since, I don't know him, but accepted his apologies and tried to move on.

Today, again Thursday July 7th at approximately 7: 40, another trainer ( I was told his name was Joe) put his hand on my back as I was doing pull ups. When I confronted him about it, he said he was saying hello. Since, I don't personally know him, I pointed out that this is a very dangerous thing to do. Approaching someone without his knowledge while he is working out can cause grave accidents. I thought trainers would know that. Also, since a similar incident happened less than a week ago, I thought this kind of behavior would have been discussed at staff meetings or at least with the trainers themselves.

I have to say, I am totally flabbergasted by this behavior specially from a leading gym such as NYSports Club. I would like a reasonable explanation as to what is going on at the gym, and what steps are being taken to remedy the situation.

On Friday afternoon I received a call from Mr. Graham. He told me he knew about the incident and proceeded to inform me that his trainers were just very "friendly". This leads me to believe that this particular behavior from trainers at NYS Clubs, or at least at this particular location, is not just tolerated but encouraged.

I am awaiting your response.

When I first joined in June under the special membership for teachers, I was told that I'd get a call within three days, to make an appointment; so that I will be taught how to use the equipment. This never happened. Apparently, the person in-charge of trainers was on vacation, but never called when he returned, despite my asking the membership person. Finally, I took matters into my own hands and asked another manager, Sean, when I'd be contacted to set up an appointment to learn how to use the machines and et cetera. He immediately set me up with my current trainer Chris.

My complaint is something else. Is there anything that can be done to ensure that the women's steam room is working? It worked OK for two days. Then I went in today, and it wasn't working again. I've been a member for almost a month, and only gotten two days use out of it. They told me that it will be fixed on a certain date, and it's not. Today, I didn't say anything, which is why I'm writing you. I feel it's totally unfair to take my money for membership, yet I'm not able to use one of the services I should be able to. I'm tempted to say, "The heck with it", and use the men's steam room which has worked all along.

Supposedly they couldn't regulate the temperature (but then it was working), but not at 150 degrees, which it should be at. I don't see what the problem is, and why it's taking so long to fix. I strongly feel this is poor business policy; especially when nothing was offered to compensate members like me for the inconvenience. This just not right, and I will no longer tolerate it! If people ask me to recommend a gym, I'll ask if they plan on using the steam room and if they do, I will tell them that it only works some of the time. I'm not asking for much, but something to make up for having to go home in wet bathing suit because I couldn't dry off in the steam room as planned. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I was the general manager of the Marlboro club for just about a year. I was hired by Sheila **. I was told the club had been problematic for many years in all aspects when hired. I was told I would get 100% support. I got about 5% support.

The club has had 11 general managers in seven years. I was given minimal training and left to the wolfs. I was not given much support from Sheila being she does not know much, she can only put on a good show for corporate. I had four managers in sports club for kids in one year. Due to lack of support and help from corporate, I worked very hard to rebuild the culture and member relationship there and was not given any credit only to be told to document and replace sales people.

I was given a hard time for lack of sales. All the competition is 19.99 and NYSC thinks they can get 49.00 and up for an old rundown club. They did nothing to react to the market but run the same lame sales and replace employees after they treated them poorly. They paid sales people 6.00 per hour plus commission and expect them to prospect two hours a day out of the club. One of the complaints from sales people was that they can't afford gas, etc. NYSC's response was 20 contacts a day or coaching log then documentation.

Sheila feels she is above talking to sales people. I once got reprimanded for introducing her to a new sales person. She once told an employee they have to gain respect to talk to her. He quit shortly after. I did not see eye to eye with Sheila because she played favorites with certain people. Example, I found syringes in the club several times in the break rooms and nothing ever was done, no drug tests, etc. This is a major issue! The fitness manager is one of her favorites. Towards the end, she did the same thing she did to the prior manager to cover her job. She terminated me for poor sales. No write-ups nor documentation. She is a very sadistic woman!

I can write a book about my year there. Stay far away them. They don't value people or members!

I was injured while working out with a trainer because the trainer Stephanie ** was inexperienced and still a junior trainer, though has since become a senior trainer I think. So be on the look out! I had a previous knee injury from playing sports in college. I had torn knee cartilage. Over the 20+ years of exercising and use, the left knee and quad had become much weaker than the right knee and quad. The left knee is also unstable. Despite having been informed of my past injury, which I told both the trainer and the senior membership consultant who recommended the trainer, Stephanie made no accommodation for my old injury in the training program; having me do squats and lunges, lunges with weights and steps with weights. All very damaging to my left knee and hip which got out of alignment, not to mention my left shoulder and spine. The exercises were much too intense for an unstable knee with weakened connective tissue around the joint.

By the time training had finished, my left leg was in total pain, I had exacerbated my knee injury and now my hip was out of alignment and I had painful sciatica running down the back of my left leg from my butt. I could barely even do straight leg lifts which are rehabilitative exercises.

When I brought my situation to the Club's attention, a membership consultant mentioned the names of three trainers I should have worked out with who had more experience than Stephanie and were suitable --- Eric **, Yusuf ** and Vanessa. Due to injuries sustained while training (I presented my diagnosis and medical bill) I requested my training fees be refunded and I also asked for a year of membership fees returned to cover my medical costs. The General Manager ignored my medical bill and diagnosis and said that Zurich Insurance, the club's insurer, would handle the complaint.

Unbeknownst to me, the Head of Fitness Thomas ** had already filed a claim with Zurich Insurance of which the General Manager Kern ** was aware, in order to create a cover up. The club at 86th Street never addressed my concern. As of June 17th Zurich Insurance sent a letter to me stating that they had responded to the complaint I reported and that the claim was denied following an "investigation". This is a fraudulent, misleading and untrue statement. Thomas **, Fitness Head, filed a confidential claim with Zurich Insurance which I never saw. Thomas refused even to provide me with the claim # and did not inform he had filed the claim. I only found out about the claim later. Thomas told me, "they" told him to keep it confidential.

Regardless, NY Sports (Town Sports International) is not even covered for member injuries by Zurich Insurance! Please pay attention in case you are injured at the club. I have no idea what Thomas ** wrote in the confidential claim he filed on the club's behalf. The claim, as regards my situation, must be irrelevant since NY Sports is not covered for member injuries. When I spoke to Zurich Insurance, the claim adjuster refused to accept any information from me, including my written statement, medical bill or diagnosis. The claim filed by 86th Street management was one-sided, not transparent, not addressing my injury and not filed by me. The result of the erroneous claims is clear. Now that Zurich - the insurer is involved, my ordeal has been passed to NY Sports external lawyers. No information has been forthcoming so far. What a mess!

NY Sports and Corp management avoid responsibility and act in a sleazy, devious and secretive manner. My case was cut and dry. I had an injury due to an inexperienced trainer who repeatedly prescribed the wrong exercises which exacerbated an old injury and created a new one. Rather than accept responsibility and refund my fees NY Sports has created a charade of false insurance claims and statements. NY Sports created a fortress around themselves to dodge accountability. Who knows what legal fees I would need to incur now that NY Sports at 86th Street followed the necessary channels to have my complaint dumped into the lap of the external lawyer?

It is bad business practice that the Club Manager could not apologize to me and just refund my money. The reason is that someone - Kern **, Stephanie **, Thomas **, or the original membership consultant I spoke to Abdul **, would have to take responsibility and corrective action to better manage the club. Kern **, the GM, obviously wanted to shuck off that responsibility and avoid blame. I would not recommend NY Sports. The management and trainers I met with at 86th Street are immature, hostile, unprofessional and not respectful; not at all interested in customer satisfaction. They are trained in evasion tactics.

I have an exacerbated injury to my left knee. I am in pain walking, sitting and climbing stairs. My left knee and hip have inflammation. I have a hip injury, sciatic pain, pain to my lower back, hip and butt. My left hip, spine, left shoulder and neck are all out of alignment. I have bills from the acupuncturist to address the pain, a massage therapist for the muscle strain, chiropractor for misalignment, orthopedist for my knee, MRI (? to be decided), and physical therapy (which I now need undertake to address the recent injury) = >$4,500.

As a member of New York Sports Club, the Brooklyn Belt at 1736 Shore Parkway, New York, NY, I would like to report that the staff is not cleaning the facility, and treat their members horrible when confronted with issues. When attempting to show her a dirty towel and starting to tell her the problems, she cut me off and started making excuses that the towels are from a 3rd party company, and it's the members' fault the place is dirty. Anytime I started talking, she would interrupt. I got mad, said, "Honey, this is not right, and she got more mad and said, "Treat me with respect, I'm not your honey." I apologized; I didn't know her name and it just came out.

She knows I'm married with 2 kids, but since she started working there, never did she introduce herself and say this is my name, she would only wave and smile when I pass by to pick my kids up from the daycare in gym. I told her if anyone called me hun, which has happened before, I wouldn't think anything of it. Now she is making a big deal that I called her honey as if I did something horrible. Then when I proceeded to tell her the problems again, she cut me off again. She did not even give me a chance to tell her that people are going to the bathrooms and can't even wash their hands, and go directly to use the gym equipment which is rarely cleaned. To avoid creating a scene, I walked away telling her and her staff that my 3 and 5-year-old who accompany me to the gym every day can listen better than her.

They make excuses that it's the members' fault, and play the blame game. Many occasions, there is no soap in men's locker room, on some occasions no towels, so when members go to the toilet, they just rinse with water and do not wash their hands with soap before using the gym equipment. If the steam room works, sometimes towels are left by other not-so-nice members and management does nothing to clean up, leaving the bacteria to spread with the steam. Steam and showers are not kept clean on a daily basis. Shower curtains are slimy unclean while shower stalls even times smell like urine on many occasions. The towels they supply to members are sometimes dirty. There is only so much blame that you can put on members, as it's still the management's responsibility to keep the other members safe and the facility running properly.

On April 18th, 60+ Group Exercise Coordinators were put on a conference call. This call consisted of Cheryl **, VP of programs to read a script informing them that the position of GEC will be removed as of May 1st or May 15th (which ever date has the new position they've created filled) and benefits are to be stopped as of May 30th. One of the GEC's asked the question, "what happens if the position is not filled by May 15th?"

Cheryl ** responded, "It will be filled". On May 11th while on Paid time off before the layoff occurs, I received a phone call that the position is not filled yet and the role of GEC will continue until the position is filled. Other GEC's received the same call that night. The human resources department explained they didn't know anything about this. The Regional Director was informed by Cheryl ** to inform us that this will not be documented or written down on paper. When I asked for a formal letter explaining the layoff extension, explaining that we would receive our actual hourly rate, the new end date, and Medical insurance expiration date and cobra information. No answers were given.

After using the NYSC location from 2006 to March 2008, I tried to cancel my membership at the same NYSC location that I signed up at. I was told I would have to call a specific department to cancel and was provided a phone number. After trying to get through to a person for several days, I returned to the NYSC in Colonia, NJ to complain that I would call this number and would be put on hold for an hour or so, and then if I didn't hang up I would be disconnected. I was then given a fax number and was told all I had to do was make a copy of my membership card and write on the copy that I am canceling my membership. Well, I just found out that I've never been canceled and have been charged over $2,000.00 over the course of almost two and a half years.

These people are crooks and are refusing to refund my money. They could tell me that the last time I used the gym was March 2008. What they can't explain is why while I was actively using the gym, I would receive coupons, special offers, a newsletter etc. from NYSC every month. Since canceling, all that mail stopped. My address hasn't changed so it is obvious that they didn't want to alert me that my membership was still active. What is sad is that I liked the gym while I was a member and have recommended it to many people. I will now try to take them to court. Beware anyone who is thinking of signing up or looking to cancel your membership. This company uses deceitful tactics to steal your hard-earned money. Shame on NYSC.

On July 19, I had visited the Mercer Street location to view the gym's facilities. I was contemplating on whether or not I wanted to get the passport membership which would allow me to go to either the gym in my hometown or the gym by my job. I wasn't even sure if I would ever have time to go to the gym at lunch, but I decided to check it out just in case.

When walking in, I was asked to fill out the entry form (which is obviously used to collect leads and solicit those individuals who decided not to register. I was then given a tour of the gym by a Mr. Lamont ** who also introduced his self at my Membership Consultant.

After being given the full tour, we sat down to discuss logistics. After hearing everything he had to offer, I was 90% sold and had even agreed to give him my credit card number which he wrote on the entry form I was asked to fill out. I then had some second thoughts and told him I needed to sleep on it for a day or two.

He quickly took the card and filed it away, saying that it wouldn't be a problem and I could even call in to officially sign up if I choose to. On the 20th, I even called Lamont and told him I needed more time. Then, on the 21st, I received a message on my house phone welcoming me as a member. As this startled me, I ran and checked my finances online and saw the credit card that I had left him with the info for was charged $144.60.

Apparently the remaining 10 days of the month is worth $55.60. Nonetheless, the point was I never authorized this payment nor signed or agreed to anything. I've since tried calling Lamont numerous times, and he is always never around or "busy" and will call me back. Of course, I've never actually been called back.

I've also consistently asked to be transferred to a manager, but they too are "always busy and will call me back." I also have received a call back from them. Of course, I was also charged another $89 on August 1. Thankfully, after 6 calls, I was able to get someone from their Customer Service department to cancel my membership and send me a notification of cancellation (which I was told I would receive 3 times prior) today.

I have yet to receive my refund for both charges nor hear back from the actual location that has scammed me. I have filed a dispute through my credit card and am awaiting a response.

I quit the gym by sending a letter, as they required. They continued to charge me so I called the member services. I was told that I was canceled. They have continued to charge me and I canceled my credit card. Now, they are continuing to call many times a day, insisting that I still owe them a membership fee! This is harassment and a scam. Do not give them your financial information, they will make it impossible to quit and will continue to charge you fraudulently.

I went to the New York Sports Club two weeks ago to cancel my membership due to my medical condition. I brought in my rehired doctor's note stating I couldn't use the gym and gave it to the general manager named Tony. I was assured by him and he stated the termination was effective immediately (this was two Tuesdays ago). Since I had paid for three training sessions, I was going to loose that money since it wasn't refundable (Tony, the GM, still set me up with a trainer who never called to schedule anything). I didn't care about the training sessions. I just wanted to cancel the membership and not be charged anymore. Well, this morning, the gym had charged me the monthly fee again. I've called the gym 3 times today and Tony is always unavailable and doesn't return my calls either. I don't know what else to do! That's $70 I'm paying for services I can't use or afford for that matter.

I joined this club because of its proximity to my home. It was close and convenient. A couple of weeks after I joined I got a call from a trainer at the club offering to do a fitness test to measure my health. Little did I know I would be buying one of their fitness packages worth $1400 when I walked out. The workouts were too much for me and I complained. She said I was not eating right. Turkey sandwiches? She said I should eat peanut butter sandwiches, which I consider high fat.

Anyways it got to the point where I felt as if I herniated a disc in my lower back. I went to the manager and explained to him that I have a lot of back pain from the sessions--four so far. She had no compassion and the assistant manager said there was no recourse because I had a preexisting condition and was taking medication. If I was taking medication they shouldn't have signed me up in the first place. I told them I was depressed and they signed me up anyways.

So anyways I went into his office almost every day to show him my condition. Had an MRI, which checked out okay though no herniated disc. But the pain was unbearable. At least I should get something back. I went to three different doctors; one a chiropractor which made things worse, and $2000 in medical bills later I was no better off even with a medical letter from my father who is an MD. They said he is not a cardiologist. Well my dad has been practicing medicine for 50 years in Brooklyn and is one of the oldest practicing physicians in Brooklyn so he should know what he is talking about. After about $1500 in medical costs and six weeks in bed as well as consulting with three doctors--a chiropractor, an orthopedic surgeon, and a physical therapist--they all said I had a problem but wouldn't write a letter letting me get out of my contract. I was even more depressed.

H.F. didn't care one bit about the physical pain I endured afterwards for six weeks. I couldn't walk straight and I ended up getting a divorce six months later. I couldn't sleep afterwards either and my meds had to be increased. The people at NYSC care only about the money. Once they get it, if someone cancels a contract, the company gets the money either way and will fight to the bitter end to get it.

I have had a gold membership before in that gym and I've canceled after a few months. I decided to join the gym again and I went there to speak with the consultant - sales person (who is the same one that I did the membership a while ago). But I didn't like the way he treated me. So, I went to another location where I was better treated. So, when I went to Gym at Soho, the consultant, George **, was harassing me. He interrupted my class to threaten me, because I didn't want to do the membership with him and he didn't get commission. So, that's not my business. I felt threatened by him and I'm not very happy with the way he treats people. He said that my membership might be canceled - is that a threat? Because I didn't want to sign up with him and I did with another person, so now he's threatening me and harassing. That's not acceptable!

I joined this club because it is about 12 blocks from my house, very easy to get to. Well, about February 2010, I went to go there and it was closed. So, I tried calling and someone said they were remodeling the place, but use a different one that is far from my home. So I asked when it will be opened and they said, "A day or two." Well, over two weeks and I did find out that they lied and they were closed because of a flood. So at that point I called 3 different people at the company and cancelled my membership, but I kept getting billed. So now I called Drew again and told him, but he said I never cancelled and I hung up the phone so I never cancelled. What **, that is this company will keep charging until the consumer is just sick and tired. What a way to do business. What happened to my rights? They defaulted when they closed.

I joined NYs of Carmel, NY because it is a new facility much nicer than the one in Danbury. I joined for 60 dollars a month. When signing the contract, I asked because I am in sales myself. This is a contract for 12mos? He said I was correct. I then said okay. So after 12 months, I will no longer be in obligation with you again. I was told I was correct.

I went a total of 4 times. I continued to pay and was happy when the end was near. I get charged for 2 additional months. I ignored until the phone calls started. I ran into someone who works for NYSC and he said, "Let me take care of it for you." I explained it's really just principle. I no longer want your service so I no longer receive your service, so I will not pay! I am a consumer, not an idiot. He took my tag and made a phone call. Poof, the phone calls stopped and he said it was all taken care of. I thanked him. One year later, the phone calls started again. Then long and short of it, he told the GM of Carmel that I told I was just stopping the phone calls. That just doesn't make sense. I would have paid a year ago now. It is on my credit. I would highly recommend not joining a fraudulent group such as NYSC.

I suspended my membership for two months due to unemployment and need to streamline my expenses. I was never informed that I could freeze my membership for 12 months (never advised) was charged the following month anyway and would not refund the money. I explained my circumstance to the CEO's office to no avail. I was offered a NYSC credit. What good would that do me? I don't use the facility so why would I need a credit at the gym. That month fee overdrew my account since I'm living off of a fixed income, I had no room for extras and that caused other bills to not get paid causing me great financial hardship.

I'm a retired pro boxer and I work out almost every day. I was very clear when I signed up that I would only use the heavy bag. They said that a new bag was coming to be placed in there. After more than one year, nothing was done. I asked them hundreds of times, sent lots of emails, but they just keep saying the bag is coming. It is a very frustrating thing, as a heavy bag is not that expensive. One month of my membership would be enough to buy one. I'm stating a list of signatures of people who also want to use the bag, to try to make them do what they promised when I joined.

I have been a member since 2003, and my card expired in November 2009. After bunch of phone calls from NYSC, which felt like harassment, I then decided to cancel my membership. I did mention it on the phone, and thought it was taken care of. This morning, I got a phone call from Collection Agency. Apparently, there is a balance of $200 for my membership?

I didn't use it from December 2009. I ended up paying some smaller fee. But how many of us will just pay and get over it? Corporations are sucking everything from us, as much as they could, scaring us by threats that it will affect us, etc. Who will make them stop? It's completely scam, harassment, and robbery. Anyone who is thinking of joining NYSC, think again. There are plenty of other gyms with no cancellation fees and membership fees.

The gym opens at 5 am Monday to Friday. The pool opens at 5:30 am. Today, Monday, the pool was not opened. As always (ongoing problem), I spoke with the assistant manager at the front desk. The lifeguard did not arrive until 5:48 am and the pool was opened at that time. Eighteen minutes might not seem like a lot to someone else, but it is a lot when I need to be at work by 7 am daily, and I swim from 5:30-6:00 am. This has been a problem for almost a year, and nothing has been done to correct it. I am very frustrated. This is not how to run a business. I was unable to swim this morning and had to return home to get ready for work. I drove to the gym and couldn't swim.

Like many of you, I have been aggrieved by New York Sports Clubs egregious billing/cancellation practices. As a result, I am considering commencing a class action suit.

About a year ago, I signed for "temporary" membership (that's what I was told then) with trial period by the end of which I should decide if I want to continue or not. I decided not, then I notified my local NYSC rep (the same who signed me in). He told me that my temporary membership is terminated. Almost a year later, I received a phone call from Amex; they told me that NYSC demanded past due payment. That's how I found out that all this time, and this is 9 months, I've being charged $80+ monthly.

I explained my situation to Amex and asked them to recover as much as possible and they did, for the last two months. Then I received a call from NYSC with demand for money. When I tried to explain what happened, the person on the other end hung up on me without a saying a word.

After a month I received another call, this time from a collection agency. They provided me with "my" account number and a phone number to contact my creditor. I called them and told my story. As a result, I've being told that I do not owe NYSC anything and when I asked for a reference number, she said that she was sending an e-mail to the collection agency as we speak. The next week, I received a call from the collection agency again. They did not get any email. I called NYSC. They told me email was sent. In a month I've got another call from collectors. This time they know that my membership was"Gold". Tomorrow, I have to call NYSC again.

I have experienced a very humiliating incident thanks to one of their "top" employees, David ** (membership consultant at the Brooklyn Belt location). I just signed up for an annual membership at the Staten Island location since my office just moved there. I live in Sea Gate area of Brooklyn. However, I decided to give NYSC a try after 5-yr relationship with Equinox, which unfortunately does not have a club in Staten Island. I thought it will be convenient for me to use the Staten Island club after work and use the Brooklyn Belt whenever I can work out together with my live-in girlfriend.

With that in mind, we went to the club asking to try the facility before we commit to a contract as I wanted to get my girlfriend a membership there. However we were met with appalling unprofessionalism of Mr. ** who flat-out said that we either commit to the membership on the spot or I pay $15 guest fee to use the facility! The horrible attitude and sarcasm he displayed while interacting with us made me decide to cancel my brand new membership and never ever do business with this company. I'd rather belong to 2 different other gyms than subject myself to this kind of a treatment.

Just seeing Mr. ** laughing at us as we were on our way out made me realize that this company rightfully deserves all those negative write-ups especially after he ridiculed me with an accusation of getting a cheaper rate in Staten Island so I can use the Brooklyn location, which is allowed in off-peak hours regardless of his nasty comments.

Needles to say, I also tried to get in touch with a district manager, Frank **. I left a message asking him to get back to me to resolve the problem since the general manager of the club was unavailable and Mr. ** said he was in charge of the facility at that moment.

Now I understand why NYSC have a horrible reputation all over the Internet! I have been a member of 4 different gyms in my life, I am also a certified personal trainer and find those business practices as very unprofessional and deceptive at the least. I am not going to buy the membership just because I want to give a facility a try and possibly not being ever able to get out of it! I promise to make every effort to let everyone out there know how we were mistreated by Mr. ** and very possibly NYSC as a whole. Thank you.

I joined NYSC Montclair in January 2009 for several reasons. First, it was close to work. Second, it seemed like a pretty good facility. Third, I needed to get in shape.

I signed a contract that had some rather ridiculous stipulations regarding cancellation, but I thought it would be a good reason to get me to the gym. The contract was for a year-long membership. One of the stipulations in the contract is that you cannot cancel your contract without proof that you've moved out of the area of a NYSC. The proof has to be a lease and/or a utilities bill.

A friend of mine from work was going to the gym as well, but she moved out of range in March. She brought her new lease to the gym and was told her membership would last another month, because she hadn't given a 30 days notice. Moreover, the next time she spoke with them, they had absolutely no record of her bringing in the lease. I should have known there would be trouble then.

In June 2009, I moved to my parents' house in Albuquerque, NM. That is 2700 miles out of range of any NYSC, including the Boston and Washington DC branches. Also, because I'm taking care of my parents' house and my dad still pays the utilities, I have neither a lease nor a utilities bill. Thinking that NYSC might contain thinking individuals who would be more interested in customer service than in mucking things up, I asked what I could do. They told me nothing.

Nevertheless, in September, when I was fully moved in and had changed all of my mailing and billing addresses, I sent the NYSC Montclair, as well as the NYSC Headquarters in New York City, a copy of my driver's license, the post office confirmation of my new address, a copy of a bank statement, and a credit card statement--all federally-recognized proof of my new residency.

I didn't hear back from them and was still charged on my credit card. I registered a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. (Apparently, I was not the first, either.) Unsurprisingly, the Better Business Bureau did not hear back from NYSC Montclair and recommended that I take legal action. I have declined payment on the credit card charges from NYSC, but those have been denied because I can't get in touch with NYSC Montclair. Now I've found out that they are continuing to charge me the monthly fee, even though the contract has expired.

I tried to call their 800 number (1-800-666-8080--perhaps the 666 should tip you off that they're cursed), but I got a recording that their customer service team was out of the office for lunch. So I wrote an email. I also started a blog. I have been paying $73/month since June for no reason. I was unemployed, and this has not helped my credit card bills.

I signed up for a one year contract in March 2003. In 2008, I moved to West Harlem and in January 2009. I canceled my contract by certified mail, return receipt requested. Nonetheless, NYSC continues to charge me my monthly fee of $91. I contacted my credit card company and disputed the charge but NYSC continued to charge me. Now, they've reported me to a debt collector and are attempting to collect what they allege to be past owed dues. They are trying to turn this into a lifetime contract, non-cancellable! This is a violation of NY Bus Law Art 30, sec. 623 which provides that these types of contracts cannot go for longer than 36 months. It's been 6 years!

A member paying full price for 10 years to be treated this way is beyond comprehension. I will make sure that the 2.5 million people that live in Brooklyn know about how you treat a customer. No credits given - $79.00 x 36 months! minus the 15.00 service fee.

My daughter goes to a school nearby and she along with others were pulled aside and told that if they only pay the joining fee there account would be frozen and they would only have to pay $15 a month. However, what she was not told was the account used for the joining fee would be billed again the next month. She was encouraged to freeze her account in order to pay just $15 a month.

I spoke with my bank rep which called NYSC on Court Street and they revealed that the account can only be frozen for about 4 month; after that they would charge the regular monthly fee to the credit card. My bank rep was told; even if I close that card they could still bill my bank account because the charge to the card was as if the card was a credit card as opposed to a debit card.

Oh, and of course the cancellation fee would cost $150. Even though I am not an attorney or claim to be one, this sounds like unfair business practice. I think they mainly prey on the young.

My company has a corporate account with nysc. I went in asking to sign up and mentioned that my company received a discount. The nysc representative confirmed we had an account and I proceeded to sign up with her. I later found out that to sign up with my corporate account I need to do so with my HR department and I cannot directly go to the nysc to receive the benefits. Even though I explained to the nysc representative that I wanted to sign up with my corporate account, this request was completely disregarded and I was given a contract that committed me as a regular gold member. I thought I was receiving a discount because I was being charged $10 less than what other nysc locations charge, but in reality, this gym location charged $10 less to all joining members and I wasnt receiving any company discount.

Why would you give me a regular contract if I asked to be signed up through my company? When I called member services, they had the contract that I signed to fall back on. It doesnt matter what the representative told me, only that I signed a contract. How was I supposed to tell that the contract I was signing was a regular membership versus a corporate one? Ive never signed a corporate one, and this is the first time I've ever worked with a company that offers this deal with a gym.

When I asked if I could just simply change the contract to the one it was supposed to be, the member services person told me that I had to wait until my 1 yr contract ended. She admitted there was probably some miscommunication and gave me an extra month free.

Although this case is not so severe as others, I feel as though I was misled. And even when member services recognized the room for error on their part, they couldn't give me the service I wanted but rather extended the service I didnt want. I came into the gym, asked for a certain membership type, was given a different one and when the error was recognized, I was still forced to stay in the wrong membership type. I know I'm supposed to read the contract, and I did very well, but how was I supposed to know that I was being given one memebership and not the other. I dont know what a corporate one looks like vs. a regular one. I thought the rate I was being told to pay had incorporated the company discount. Especially since the rate I was paying at this gym was less than it is at other gyms.

I think the only reason they have the $150 cancellation fee is because nysc knows they are going to ***** *** over some way and that you will most certainly want to cancel as a result. A gym should guarantee satisfaction - not charge you to cancel in the event of dissatisfaction. Does a gym exist that doesn't ***** *** over?

I recently (3 months ago) moved from another gym to NYSC. I only use the pool and I was given a promise that Two of the four lanes would be open for member swimming at all times. A month into the membership, they began closing three lanes for various functions but I was given the promise that one lane owould ALWAYS be available for members. Now the "NEW" policy is that on weekends the WHOLE pool may be closed for various functions. All along they keep spewing the corporate policy of total availability...

We need to band together! I cancelled my membership in writing and got an email receipt from the manager a day later saying that I was cancelled. 3 Months later I checked my credit card statement and found that I was still being charged, for a total cost of $300. I've had numerous other problems with them in the past totally over $500 in false charges.

I've been exchanging emails with customer support and they refuse to issue me a refund. They claim that I came back in after I cancelled my membership and spoke with a manager to renew my contract. Further, they claim that I have been using my membership frequently at multiple locations since then. Complete lies. I am a Full Time MBA. I havent had the chance to go to the gym in almost 4 months. Or at least the energy to.

Anyhow, I've emailed the company with the following threats: 1) Contacting the Better Business Bureau 2) Taking them to small claims court since they have no proof that i reinstated my account 3) contacting news agencies which i have already done 4) posting on every available review site my story 5) Denying charges on my Credit Card 6) Im going to check facebook and start a group.

The more publicity they get, the less sales they will make. In a bad economy such as this one they have no pricing power and fewer members. Now is the time to kick them while they are down. We can win this!

Then they automatically renewed her membership. This is the sort form of two years of lies, broken promises and money paid for no services. I have been paying money to them for over 2 years and have gotten no services. Now there is a huge cancellation fee! I just want to get out of any and all agreements with them. Bottom line here is that the managers at NYSC have perverse sales incentives.

They actually owe me money from personal training sessions that I bought and never used. Need counsel on how to handle this unjustice. Primarily harassment from the collections agency. Can I hire a collections agency to collect my credit from them?

I stoped in ask about the price and was offered two weeks free, and told that all I had to do was cancel at the end of the two weeks, when I went back to cancel I was told that I had to call the main office to cancel. when I got the right phone number from the web site and called I was told it would cost 150 dollars to cancel. I was billed for 86 dollars and told it would cost 150 dollars to cancel the membership

I had an experience with NYSC very similar to the other complaints on this page, at a branch in Brooklyn. After ending my membership, I was billed for three additional months. It was due to a clerical error on their part. (A staff member spelled my name wrong on the cancellation order.) The staff at the Cobble Hill, Brooklyn branch told me over the phone (in at least three separate telephone conversations) that they would get me a refund, but they did nothing.

Each time I called, I had to explain the situation over again. I finally had to call the parent company's headquarters, and fax them all the information to get a refund. The woman in the central office never received my fax, so I had to make additional copies and mail them directly to her. The whole process took about six months, and I finally got a refund of about $150. I've read many accounts of people losing a lot more money and never getting it back at all. Their contracts are confusing and full of fine print designed to deceive customers.

Currently unemployed, I froze my membership and they charged me $94. This lady who I spoke (Nicole **, very rude) the first time didn't freeze my account and now they charged me $94, the only money I'm receiving for the unemployment insurance. I cried. I asked for help. She said they cannot put my money back. Instead, she offered me to freeze my account. I said, "I want to cancel" and she said, "you need to pay $150". I cannot get rid of this gym. They are very nice when you open an account but when you want to leave, there are many tricks. Please help me. I need my money back. I asked twice over the phone and in person to cancel or freeze my account.

I'm currently unemployed, froze membership and $15.00 fee. Gym charged me full rate and refuse to refund unless I cancel my account.

Like others, NYSC continued to bill me after I canceled my membership. After reading about the Consumer Reports findings that 38% of those polled had at least one problem with canceling memberships and that Town Sports International was the second worst perpetrator, I've come to the conclusion that this is completely intentional.

I went in to NYSC to cancel and the manager, Oza told me I needed a written letter to cancel. I went home, printed and signed the letter and handed it to her. She said that's all I needed to do and that she would take care of the rest. I, like others, had the membership on auto-pay and since I wasn't making any new charges on the acct, I didn't see the charges until 10 months later.

When I called customer service they said I needed to show a receipt (which in itself is ridiculous). I was never given one. The lady then said that the contract I signed said that in order to be sure you get canceled, you should send a registered letter to the parent company. I suppose I don't have to say how ridiculous that it. They can see that I moved from the area and that I hadn't used my gym membership in that time, but they don't care. Someone should class action these people. $800 lost.

Watch out for Town Sports clubs, including NYSC. I had a horrible experience. Member through my wife's employer, at a good monthly rate. When she left her job, my club manager told me my membership was cancelled and I was no longer allowed to work out at the club, unless I rejoined and paid an initiation fee and much higher monthly rate. Not very customer friendly, but fair enough.

16 months later, realized they had never stopped billing our CC (granted, should have been checking, CC was on auto-pay). I can only guess the club manager was trying to trick me into switching to a higher-priced membership, maybe one for which he would get a commission. After multiple conversations with customer service and CEO's office, they would not refund the 16 months of fees - despite the fact that they confirmed that i had not been to the club a single time in those 16 months - b/c I did not send a certified letter to cancel membership. This is the behavior they endorse from their managers? Over $750 of erroneous charges

I walked into NYSC and there was no one their taking membership I.D.'s so I walked into the locker room and started changing. Shorty after a maintanence working comes running in telling me that I need to show my I.D. when I come in the gym. I am at this point half naked and responded I would have shown my I.D. but there was no one there. He states that she was bending down. He ends up calling me a clown! I speak to management and they didnt care. The customer is not #1 in NYSC! Take your business elsewhere! Maybe this is why the company is trading like a penny stock ($3.37). There are so many gyms out there!

Effective 5-1-09, NYSC is now charging $7.50 for any visit during peak hours to your non-home gym. No holidays, no flexibility, just $7.50 if you clock into the gym during lunch, if your not at you main gym.

We paid the extra up upgrade our membership to NYC rates, but I can't go to both my home gym or my gym near work without being extorted.

My biggest complaint is for their extremely incompetent management and staff. I have been a member with them for over a year and recently tried to change my membership to a corporate account to avail the discount offered. While it sounds like a simple process, the staff at the local club that no clue and wrong information on how to make that transition. I had to inquire about the process with the corporate management and inform the local club, because the staff at Forest Hills branch refused to contact the corporate management directly. Even after giving them this information, they updated my account wrongly, to correct which I had to again make endless requests. I believe that it should not be my responsibility as a customer to first of all inform and educate them of how their business of taking care of memberships should work, since they are affiliated to the club.

I was also charged additional fees by the Forest Hills branch- initiation fee (AGAIN), change of account fees and more, that at the end just nullifies the value of discount that I hoped to save. I was told while signing the contract a year ago that the initiation fee, as advertised is supposed to be only a one time signing fee. I was also charged an additional 60$ which they agreed was an error on their part and had apparently reimbursed to my account 6 weeks ago. But the payment has not come through yet and neither do their own records show that they have reimbursed me. On enquiring, the management at the Forest Hills club sends me into this endless loop that they will reimburse me by not charging me the monthly fee (which is now undertaken by the corporate services) or wait for another week for the charge to show up on my credit card account. I just wish that either they tell me point blank that they will not reimburse or stop treating customers like ignorant fools.

I have spoken with multiple parties at the gym--at 94th St branch, membership services, collection services, etc. Carol M, one membership rep told me that she just needed a written letter from Nilsa stating that she meant to cancel my membership after my phone call but forgot. But now that Nilsa has left the company, she can't provide that letter. Carol stopped returning my phone calls, and now the company has sent a collection agent to collect the "debt" of $462.28 which represents 4-5 months of monthly membership fees. Please help me resolve this with the New York Sports Club. I feel this represents unethical business practice. I can provide documentation that I called Nilsa three days after I signed up for the club. I can also show that I joined another club, Equinox. I know the club records show that I have never been to the gym--except for my first day to sign up for the trial offer. Thank you very much for your help.

They refused to return calls, finally told me that I had advised them too early that I didn't want to renew membership, then told me that I didn't let them know that I didn't want to renew membership and then when I told them I had copy of my form, demanded proof that I sent the form. THey are refusing to return the funds.

In February of 2007 I signed-up for a year membership with NYSC. I provided my credit card information as they would take a direct debit from account (approximately 90 USD per month for the membership fee). In March of 2007 my company with whom I was working relocated me to Beijing. I met and spoke with a membership manager there who said I could freeze my membership while gone depending on how long I'd be in Beijing. During the freeze period the membership fee is reduced to 15 USD. In April of 2007 it was determined I would be permanently relocated to Beijing. I again contacted NYSC (248 West 80th Street) saying I must cancel my membership as I was no longer utilizing club services and had been relocated permanently.

They agreed that due to the fact that I was at that time abroad they would cancel my membership. In short the membership was never canceled, I have never set foot in that fitness club since March of 2007 and have asked them repeatedly to cancel my membership. I was charged for every month (after they took off the freeze)--90 USD per month for 1.5 years. I was not full aware they had been charging my account every month as the debit card was for a checking account I utilize back in the states and only check periodically with statements online. This fall (2008) I called the health club four or five times when home in the states after returning from the states in order to cancel my membership and attempt to receive some renumeration for the fees incurred due to NYSC never taking action to CANCEL THE MEMBERSHIP.

The last time I spoke with the manager there (John)--it was promised they would submit the complaint to corporate but reassured me the membership would again be cancelled. I just checked my bank account statement as it was unusually going down too rapidly again--and lo and behold...once again, a 90 USD debit to New York Sports Club. At this point, I am being robbed. I am outraged and have never received this level of disgustingly poor customer service. Not to mention the fact that given our economic climate--I, like many others out there, sincerely cannot afford to lose 90 USD per month to some imbeciles who cannot handle a simple cancellation procedure. I attempted to locate a corporate head to whom I could go to directly but thought I would first start here. Please help.

approximately 1500 USD (or more) has been lost to NYSC due to their ineptitude and inability to cancel my membership when first requested and when it was first promised more than 1.5 years ago.

I called the Park Slope branch of New York Sports Club and was treated to outrageously rude behaviour by the person answering. She was unhelpful from the beginning, talked over me, cut off my questions and shouted me down when I tried to speak. Predictably, she hung up when I asked to speak to a supervisor. When I called back I was given the same treatment, and hung up on again when I insisted on speaking to a manager.

Apart my frustration, the main consequence is that I am cancelling my NYSC account immediately. I did not pay membership dues for 5 years to be treated like this.

I left NY in October 2007, put a freeze on my account. Was supposed to be charged $15.00 per month, rather than the full price. Discovered in May that the freeze was not in effect, and that I had been paying $90 full amount. I called and was reassured the money would be credited to my card, and the freeze put in effect. Later discovered that the freeze was NOT put in effect AGAIN, and have since run up another $400 in full membership payments. I have not even been in NYC in over a year and have effectively paid the full amount for this entire time, despite being assured TWICE that the account was frozen.

NYSC claims there's nothing they can do about it, that I don't have 'proof' that the account was to be frozen, and without a 'name' of the person I spoke to the money is simply theirs. I cancelled my membership. They said they will send an e-mail confirming the cancellation. So far I have not received it.

Almost $800 in unnecessary payments to NYSC. I am starting a business, am in debt and cannot afford this rip off.

I had gone into new york sports club about 8 months ago to sign up for a monthly membership. They had told me that I could not sign up for just a month, but I could sign up for a year, and cancel whenever I wanted, so that is what I did. Just a few days later I found out from friends and colleagues that they do offer a monthly plan, and I was decieved into signing a contract locking me in for a year. I went back to the nysc and tried to cancel but there were heavy fees now to cancel.

I only went to the gym in the duration of that original month, and have not gone back since. They have been charging me every month which I have paid in full. About two months ago I was forced to close my bank account after I lost my job. I have no money, and they are still trying to charge me and put me on collections. I was tricked into signing their contract, and have already paid them for about 6 months of non use. I just want them to do the right thing and let me out of this contract without any further charges.

about $600 and counting.

My daughter signed up for what she thought was a summer membership. She signed a contract and was told that she could cancel at the end of the summer. We were recently billed for another month even though she had requested to cancel at the end of August. She was now charged $200 to be released from the contract.

Additional cost of $79.99 plus an ovedraft charge to an account that was no longer active plus $200 to get out of the contract.

I am still waiting for a refund.

In August 2007 I switched my gym membership from NYSC in Brooklyn Heights to NYSC in Cobble Hill. The director there switched it but NEVER cancelled my old membership, thus resulting in me paying 2x for gym membership from August 2007 to August 2008 when I discovered the mistake. I was promised a full refund in approximately the amount of one thousand one hundred dollars. I have been waiting for a month for the refund and have been promised that it 'will be credited' to my account.

It is my fault for not noticing sooner - but the gym has admitted its error and has still not rectified the overcharges!!!

I signed up for a trial membership and they said I could cancel within 30 days by giving them notice in writing. I went to them with a letter to cancel - they said it had to be mailed to them and they gave me a mailing address. I mailed the letter to them via certified mail and it came back as undeliverable. I went back to them to verify the address - they gave me the same address again. I sent the letter again - again they never accepted it and it came back as undelivered. By then the 30 day period was over and they are now charging me $50 per month. Please advise.

Monetary loss as a result of these deceitful practices.

I signed up for what was a 2 year contract in the Brooklyn for me and my mother. This month, I tried to cancel my membership via the customer service number listed on their website.

I was told several different versions of my plan, no one had the correct information.

I was told that my 2 year contract was not up till August. Then after I asked when my contract was signed up for, they said August in Clifton, NJ. That was not true as I lived in Brooklyn, NY at the time.

After being frustrated, I called again and this time I was told that there was no 2 year contract, that I only had a 1 year contract, which was finished in July 2007. However, I kept being renewed every month with zero notification or notice.

I haven't been to NYSC in a year and still was being charged every month with no notice. The only reason I didn't complain is that i was i told I had a 2 year contract. HOwever, I later discovered that wasn't the case.

If that wasn't bad enough, I was able to cancel but had to pay for 14 days of service because I didn't cancel early enough.

$89 per month, for me and my mother for 1 full year that we did not use the gym for the false year contract.

a total of $2316

I have been a member of NYSC (Scarsdale location) since March '08. When I joined I also signed my baby up for the monthly day care program. The first day I went to work out I spoke with Tonya at the Scarsdale, NY location where I work out. Tonya ran my credit card and said the charges would go through each month. A few weeks later, I was told that since it took some time for me to appear in the computer with globalFit (the company through which I joined and receive my corporate, health Insurance discount) I needed to provide my CC again for the babysitting. So again, I provided the Scarsdale location with my CC.

Sometime in May I noticed a list of people signed up for monthly babysitting and my name was not on the list. I checked in with Tonya and mentioned I was not on the list of people paying for babysitting. I was told that the list was old. Tonya duble checked for me, said my CC was on file and not to wrry, I was all set for babysitting. Then, On Fri June 27, I received a call from a phone # 866. When I picked up the phone there was a recorded message telling me to call that number. I assumed it was a solicitor and ignored the (obnoxious, in my opinion) request to call.

On Saturday June 28th I received a call at 8 a.m. This time it was from a number that came up as 999. The person identified themselves as being from a collections agency. As someone who pays their bills regularly, I can tell you that I DO NOT get calls from collections Agencies. When I asked what was owed, they very confused person on the other end said I owed dues to NYSC. I explained that my dues are paid twice monthly and that as far as I knew that charges had been going through. She simply repeated herself. When I asked for more information such as dates the dues were from she said I don't know and put me on hold for at least 5 min. She came back and said the dues were for babysitting and was trying to get me to pay over the phone. When I said I would sort it out with the gym, she seemed somewhat defensive and she wanted me to pay her over the phone. The woman seemed very unprofessional and somewhat incoherent. She never identified herself or gave the name of the company she worked for. I certainly was not going to give some strange woman my cc info over the phone, especially when this was the first I was hearing about owing any money to the gym.

On Monday from phone #636. I received another call first at home, then on my mobile from yet another number and yet another unprofessional woman saying that I owed money to NYSC. The conversation was similar to the previous one. On Tuesday 7/1 I spoke to Tonya at the gym and told her about the calls i was getting. She and Jose looked into it for me and it appears that I did have a balance for babysitting. Jose said that since my dues are paid through Global Fit, the babysitting dues were not going through. I don't understand the connection, but I am just happy that it is sorted out. I paid the previous months where the charge did not go through and prepaid for July. I have receipts for both and was told I now have to pay each month which is a minor inconvenience when compared to having harassing phone calls.

On Wed 7/2 I received another call from 866 asking me to call back. this time I googled the # and saw that it was yet another call from the gym/collections agency. I spoke to yet another unprofessional woman who did not identify herself OR who she worked for. When i told her i had taken care of the payments with the gym she asked me for the receipt number, which I gave her. She was accusatory and stated that the receipt number had not come through on her computer yet and acted as if I was lying to her or trying to evade paying.

This is where I reached my breaking point. I asked her if she worked for a collections agency or diretly for the gym, she told me the gym. I tried explaining to her that the collections department could use a course on customer service and that I was very unhappy with the way I have been treated over the last several days. I enjoy working out at NYSC. All the employees at the Scarsdale Location are not just professional, but kind, friendly and extremely helpful. Tonya and Jose are beyond the best, but absolutely everyone from the employees in the day care center to the cleaning staff who work tirelessly are always wonderful people to be around.

So, you can imagine my surprise when having a completely opposite experience with the collections agency. From the first phone call to the last I was treated almost like a criminal who was trying to evade a debt. When from day 1 I have always made sure my CC was on file and that my daughters day care situation was taken care of responsibly. I don't understand why I have spent the last week being harassed when a simple friendly and professional phone call would have cleared things up asap.

I am still getting phone calls and even a letter saying I owe money, even though I have given a receipt number for the bill I have paid. This whole experience has been completely unprofessional and irritating. I am now researching other gyms to work out! I will certainly be checking my credit report to make sure that they have done nothing to adversely affect my credit rating.

For serveral years I was a member of New York Sports club on and off. Last year I put my membership on freeze and paid the $15.00 as agree and request that my membership be cancelled after my contract was up. Instead they went on the charge my despite me informing them one month before the due date. It was also difficult reaching anyone by phone so I sent three request via there website. Eventually they cancelled the memembership. One month later I was charge for the month. My bank reverse the charge after I explained what happened.

Recently I have been getting many harrassing phone calls from them and now from a collection agency call NARS stating I owe Town Sports International $74.86. I want the harrassing to stop and is prepared to take legal action because i do not owe them. The records will show I cancelled and it will also show I was not using the gym.

I recently moved so I need to cancel my membership. I've called several times and they are blatantly not returning my phone calls.

I gave NYSC a debit card to use for a membership. I agreed to have a automatic deductions taken from my account monthly and this went on for about two and half years. Every year membership dues increased, eventually the debit card I gave them expired and at that point I decided that I wanted to negotiate a membership rate after the steady increase. I told managers at the club and also tried contacting the corporate office by phone and in person but was unable meet with anyone at the corporate offices. I told managers at the clubs I did not want anymore deductions taken from my account.

NYSC continued to take money from my account even after they no longer had a valid debit card the card as the original was expired. This caused my account to become overdrawn and me to fall behind in other areas of life.

New York sports club located at 153-37 cross island parkway white stone NY 11357 number 718 747 4653 lies on their advertisements that you can join the gym for 20.00, when actually it's 20 dollars plus 850 for the years fees. I believe other gyms are hurt by this competition cause I don't see other gyms lying about the cost to join to get customers to come in, then chang the price. They also lie that you can pay monthly if you choose not to enter into a 1 year contract for more money when actually your locked into it even if you just decide to join for 1 month, they pretend that you can quit after a few months but you can't.

I joined NYSC with a 2 years contract 6 months ago and have gone once the entire time. I contacted them months ago and they no one got back to me. I mentioned about my busy schedule and would really want to cancel. I finally got someone on the phone and he tells me a 50 dollar fee which is what I was told when I signed up, and then they say I need to pay an additional 200 for termination fee which I was never informed. So they charged me for a few months though I tried to cancel and now I finally get someone on the phone they are charging me extra cancellation fee that was never mention.

I also noticed that when calling NYSC, they make it extra long to get to the cancellation area. This seems to be intentional and I would love to sue them and really teach them a lesson for being so dishonest. I am at a lost.

want my membership to be lowered back to the price I started with it isn't 1 year and they need to learn to follow the law

On September 27, 2007 I went to NY Sports Club and one of the personal trainers offered me a free session, its the 3rd free session I have had since joining the gym in June 2007. I hate going alone to the gym because thats the chance the personal trainers have to start up a conversation and convince you to join their personal training sessions. I told the lady that I was interested, but that at that time I didnt have the funds available in my account. She then stated lets put you in the system to get you started and I said, Ok this is like a reservation, because I cant be charge to this account?, and she assured me that it was. She printed a receipt, and no terms or conditions were explained to me.

I figured since it was just a reservation that I could just call and cancel the whole training session. I called, and the front desk informed me that there shouldnt be a problem. I continued going to the gym with no worries. Then I got a message a week later from Samantha the personal trainer stating that personal training sessions are non-refundable. I never agreed for them to charge that account so I was confused as to what she had indicated.

I called their gym explain the situation to several of their staff members and they would just refer me to member services. Ricardo, the General Manager would never return my calls and when I did get in touch he acted like I was a nuisance. Same situation when I went to the gym, no one from accounts was ever available.

On 10/02/07, I finally spoke to Ricardo who said that I will get a refund after the Division manager agrees to it. On 10/03/2007, was the day he was to meet with the Division Manager he said he would call to inform me, but he never did. When I went to the gym, I asked for him and upon his arrival, this time in person he treated me like I was a nuisance. He walked away and disappeared, I had to ask for him again. I had a meeting with the trainer, Samantha and Ricardo they pulled out the receipt told me that I signed off to it, but I actually did not signed. The copy just had the personal trainers name Samantha printed in ink. Ricardo also told me that the Division Manager did not agree to a refund.

I mentioned the fact that I was misinformed no terms or conditions were ever explained to me because I never thought I was actually making a final sale. He said that the printed receipt is an agreement. I was treated unfairly, and after voicing my complaint to member services and writing an email to NY Sports Club I received an a call from Evan Ghen the Division Manager stating that I will be getting a refund to my account.

It has been a month and I was told the refund would be posted the week of October 08, 2007. As of todays date, November 06, 2007, no refund has been posted and when I call Ricardo Valdez he states that I should just wait. They are so quick in withdrawing money, but they deliberate when it comes to refunds. I am disappointed with the services NY Sports Club as provided me with. Money from my account should have never been withdrawn, because I never agreed to it.

This has cost me $2500

NYSC has human excrement stains on about 1/8 of there towels. It's quite disgusting as well as too much dust on many of the machines and on the ceilings. There is also gum underneath the front desk that has been there for over 2 years. I also see many times the workers cleaning equipment with towels then throwing it into the towel bucket. They then give the members the towels to clean there faces with after they wash them. THe towels also have a foul order to them, they must not wash them very well.

I pay my monthly dues - but am not always able to work out.

On December 26, 2003, my locker at New York Sports Club was broken into. My Master Lock on Locker #51 was pryed open. The following was stolen:

1) Raymond Weir Gold Watch,

originally priced at $1300

2) $200 cash

The thieves left my wallet and my clothes.

In the past, there have been multiple thefts, and nothing was ever done to correct this problem. There are no video cameras at the entrace of the club or entrance of the locker room. There are no security measures in place to minimize such actions.

The manager was not in at the time, but I filed a club stolen items report, and filed a police report at Clarkstown Police Dept. (Police unable to come to gym due to busyness).

Club manager Patti (last name ?) could do nothing for me, but refer me to area manager, who I had to call and follow-up myself. Area manager Robert Cary refused to help, and I requested his manager's name, Chris Gurtchich (unsure of spelling), who also refused to do anything to compensate loss.

This club has a poor record to members' personal security, by it's lack of security cameras. They also refused to follow up on running reports of what members were there at the time and at other times thefts were reported (members scan their ID cards to get into club). May also be staff working there -- who knows??

Stolen gold watch valued at $1300 and $200 cash.