Curves Reviews

The club was then purchased, and the transition made in early March of this year. The new owner is a male who is never actually in the club nor does he have his hand in anything but paying the bills. He's left that responsibility to his estranged wife and wife's friend whom he made the new manager with the sale. Also quite involved is his 24-year-old daughter. From the very beginning, it was made clear to all 3 employees who "came with the club" that they were doing us a very big favor by keeping us employed because there were at least a dozen people who would love to come to work for us. It was a difficult transition to say the least. The new manager and owner's estranged wife had little to no professional business background or experience in running a fitness facility at all.

After a couple of months, problems started to occur. The three of us were treated much differently than the owner's daughter who has the same title/responsibilities. Actually, that was not a surprise. The surprise was that 2 of us were obviously targeted to either submit our notice of resignation or a plan was set in motion for termination. The first to go was forced to quit. One of the employees got sick and she feared that she had caught the illness. She also was allergic to the disinfectant that is sprayed in the club. She asked that we try only to use what was necessary to keep the club clean and to help her allergies. The manager made it very clear to rest of us that she did not care for this employee and that she would rather her not be there anymore. The employee had some health issues just about the same time as the first employee, but she was asked to bring in a doctor's note before she would be placed back on the schedule. The other employee was not. Consequently, that employee realized that her presence was not wanted as an employee at the club any longer, so she resigned.

I, on the other hand, was set up for termination. It took only 9 months for this to happen. I received my last check along with the "Notice of Termination" on Monday, December 7th, as soon as I walked in to work. The notice listed 5 reasons for termination. The first two are blatant lies. I have the proof to dispute. The third is an issue that has never been discussed or even brought up with me. The fourth is for missing 1 mandatory staff meeting because I was in the hospital. Another employee missed that same meeting and nothing was ever said to her about it. The owner's daughter has missed more than 1, and again, nothing was ever said or done about her absence. Last is an exaggerated version of hearsay that involved a discussion between my self and another employee and overheard by a member. I was spoken to about this "incident," but the other employee involved never was. Two of these accusations are clearly discriminatory, and two are bordering on slander or defamation of character as a copy of these written accusations were sent to "Correspondence." It is clear that the reason I was no longer welcome was that I posed a threat or was intimidating to the new manager. I knew the daily operations of the club and did not need to call her all the time for decision making. Also, I had a rapport with 95% of the members, and she did not like that either. I was not someone whom she could play the dominance game with.

So she hired a 21-year-old with no experience or job skills to replace me. She is paying her $1.50 less per hour that she was paying me and she has someone that will stroke her unprofessional and inflated ego. There is now only 1 pre-club sale employee that remains there, and the only reason she does is that she too strokes the manager's ego and has no opinion about anything.

Existing and new member advice: There is always a 50% discount on the s/u fee. Never let the staff member push you to sign up the day you check out the club. If you plan to cancel your contract once the 12 months have been satisfied, you need to do it in writing. I have seen owners continue to charge members' accounts for literally years when they know fully well that the member thought they had fulfilled their contract. I was told "never to call these members" for any reason (they constantly show up on various reports) because they would be made aware they were still being charged and get upset.

I would not recommend Curves Carlsbad North as a place to seek employment nor a place to join. Find another Curves location in that area - La Costa, Oceanside, San Marcos, Encinitas, Vista.

I have not been to Curves since March 2008. Since I was not at home or handling finances, I did not notice that monthly fee charges had been started up again. I just found that I have paid for membership for the last year! Curves International said they have nothing to do with the problem. Suzie sold the franchise, and the new owner can't repay my money. The new owner looked at my records, saw my letter, and offered free membership. But I have moved and still can't use half the machines. My friend who is still a member at that franchise had talked to Suzie about my inability to continue membership a long time ago. I believe that Suzie should have ended my membership and took my money, knowing fully well I was not attending during the last year.

Portage, Wisconsin's Curves management needs to be taught how to deal with all types of individuals. Even if they do not want to act professional towards certain ones, they need to show everyone that everyone is important and not just a chosen few. Anyone can see that this management team is out for the almighty dollar and nothing more. Granted that this is a big part of business, but when it shows up in how one treats people, it becomes extremely unprofessional and simply is not acceptable in any part of the business world. The Portage, Wisconsin's Curves and their so-called professionalism truly needs to be looked over by your corporate Curves. Maybe consider look into having training done before putting them in charge of dealing with the general public.

It seems to me that Portage, Wisconsin's Curves managements' professional tactics (if they had any) fly out the window when it comes to personally dealing with the people that they need to deal with on a daily basis. Portage, Wisconsin's Curves management tends to have a big consistency issue which, again, should have an ongoing training program set up for all Curves staff. I do not want to be contacted by your present Portage, Wisconsin's Curves management team until it's under a new management. I thank you for your time. Sincerely, a sad ex-customer.

I was always told that if you have a travel pass, you could work out at any Curves location. Apparently, this is not true since they are all privately owned/operated. The owners can make up any rules they want. I called my Curves and ask about it, and was told it really is up to the owners. I know Curves have district managers. There should be some type of guidelines for operation that everyone follows. If you think you are going to work out when you travel or just taking time off work, you better call ahead and see if they will let you.

We got the new stretch machine and they put the little mats in the closet and said we couldn't use them anymore. I loved the machine and use it but also still like to do extra stretches on the floor. They did eventually put the mats back out. Good for them.

I have gone to this Curves since it opened and love it, when they went to the smart machines card system, they wanted me to pay $15 more per month for it. I asked to be grandfathered into the new system and even said I'd pay a one time up front cost but keep my monthly rates as it is. I was rudely turned down and treated badly over my asking.

Since I have been going to Curves since it opened, I was shown how to do an advanced workout. I liked doing the advanced workout, but now they tell me I can't do it that way anymore. I never hold up anyone behind me. I am always sure of that. They tell me its not safe to do it, but it was for years, and now because of the smart card system, they say its not safe? They want me to pay the extra $15 per month. So, now I don't do the advanced regular workout. I feel like I am being mistreated and I don't feel appreciated as a long time member. I don't feel Curves cares about its members health at all. I sometimes think of quitting curves more and more often.

1.5 years ago, the original owner sold the membership and the new owner says she's not responsible and it's my fault for not keeping up on my bank account. I went over to the club that I originally joined and asked the women who was working there to show me my paper file. In it, they had my doctor's note but no copy of the letter I'd sent to them cancelling my membership. I then asked to see the electronic file on me and it showed me as cancelled membership but next to it there was a date of June 2009. It also showed that I had not been to the club since February 2004. Curves never made any attempt to contact me over the years, only kept taking my money.

In addition, I have driven to their site several times and spoke with representatives who apologized to me for not being treated fairly and professionally. The debits stopped for a few months and then out of nowhere, another debit to my checking account was made by Curves of La Plata in May 2009. I would advise anyone interested in possibly obtaining a membership from that organization not to do so. Five payments of $29.99 each debit.

I recently found a woman's purse in a Walmart parking lot. It had a lot of money in it. I found the woman and returned her purse, money intact. Curves got my purse and said, "Too bad, it's our money now!" Unethical cheats! I wish someone could file a class action to make them pay. I asked the BBB and they were willing to go to arbitration but it's going to cost me $70 to do this! Ridiculous! It's like throwing good money after bad to pay them to arbitrate what should have already happened if the owners of Curves had any sense of ethics.

I am unable to reach the franchise manager although I have left my number with one of the many staff members on duty as requested. I am afraid, based on the other complaints shown on your site, that they will continue to bill my credit card. As I am living on Social Security, it is a hardship to pay $49.00 each month for something I cannot use.

Come August 2 I got another debit by Curves in the amount of $29. I called once again and was told by Gail that she would get in charge with the lady once again to see what happened. She called me back and stated that I would have my money within a week.

Called once again on 8/8 and Gail called me back and said for me to check with my bank on 8/9 and the money should be there. I check and no money credited back to my account. Called Gail on 8/11 and she stated that I should have the money at end of next week. To this date I have no money.

Have spent a large amount of my time tracking down my money that should have never been taken out. When the second amount was taken out on 8/2 it cause my account to go into over draft which I got charged $32.. Now Curves owes me $91.00 and I can't get anyone to give me my money back. I have gone two months without this money and they have been getting interest on money that is not theirs. It was taken twice without my permission.

These are people who have prayer lists on their wallls, scriptures posted throughout and often play contemporary Christian music for their workouts. They know who I am, where I work, and how to get in touch with me easily. They did not call to say/remind me that my contract was expiring OR to say Hey! We've missed you these last 2 months. They have just taken $39.00 from my account and informed me it was my responsibility to tend to those things.

Apparently their Bible reads differently from mine.. Doesn't it say Thou shall not steal? I feel as if I have been robbed.

I called Curves and talked with Michelle Dunbar 6/2/08 to inform them they were overcharging me. Michelle indicated my contract was automatically renewed and I was on a month to month basis. The contract states after the initial 12 (or 24) month period, the membership may automatically continue on a month to month basis. However, a month to month renewal option must be exercised by the buyer in writing, or by payment of the first month's renewal fee. I never indicated I wanted to renew - they took the 1st month fee unauthorized.

I was not contacted by this facility at all concerning renewing the membership. I have not been there. I have not been to Curves in at least 11 months. I went a couple months then quit going. I have satisfied my contractual obligation. I had filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. over charged $136

I paid over $400. for services I did not recieve.

Well, I wrote two (2) letters immediately, asking for my money back. I took one letter to the Coal Valley Curves & mailed the other to the Milan Curves. I also e-mailed Madonna Reda twice, later on, when I heard nothing from her-nor did I get any money back. Ofcourse she had to stop the withdrawal of funds from the women's accounts who paid their membership dues this way-if she hadn't, she would have been charged with theft or embezzlement. She knew it would be easier to keep the money from the women who paid by check-after all, for many people the money they pay to an Attorney may be more than the money they have coming back. I'm sure Ms. Reda just figured that this matter, as far as reimbursing the monies paid by check, would 'just go away', that women would become tired of asking for their money back & just forget about it. Well, I'm NOT forgetting about it!

I also contacted the Curves Corporate Office by e-mail, explaining the circumstances. They were nice, but also informed me that this was a franchise & there was not much they could do. BUT, they did assure me that they would contact Ms. Reda. Well, I never heard from either one of them again. I do have legal coverage through John Deere & this case would be covered-I informed Ms. Reda of this. I also stated I did not wish to have to go to an Attorney-it would be easier and better for her to jusy simply return the money. Right now I am considering taking this matter to '8 ON YOUR SIDE'- many people have suggested that I do this. It is a TV Station in Moline, IL., who will do their best at helping a person when they have been scammed or are having a problem such as this. The thing is, if I do this, it will be made public to everyone. I STILL do not wish to hurt her business, but I also know that there has to be other women who are out there WAITING FOR THEIR MONEY. Is there anything you can do to help?

The only damage I can think of here is that I will NEVER join a Curves Exercise Club again! I absolutely loved it, but the facility we went to was closed down due to no fault of the members-so none of us should have been forced to pay for a membership that was not returned to us, as was promised. I will admit that I am not being cheated out of a huge amount of money (I would have approx. $145.32 coming back to me-four months membership that I had left), but how many others are waiting for their money? You have to consider the total amount owed to other women, not just me. After all, Ms. Reda was the one who said all members who wanted their money back SHOULD WRITE LETTERS, REQUESTING IT BE RETURNED. WHY DID SHE NOT DO THIS FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WROTE CHECKS? It's a shame that people are allowed to get away with this kind of treatment. Not only is it sad, but also illegal. Thank you for listening.

I called ahead on the second one just to ask and make sure it wasn't as shadey as the first and it seemed nice enough when the lady on the phone said if I came in she would give me a free week pass. I asked if there was a good time and she just said they were closed from 1-3 and then I asked when they were closed and she said 8. So I showed up at seven and told the girl at the counter (apparently a different person) that my friend was running late but I could go ahead and she started in with talking about how I needed a certain amount of time to do everything (45 min...I had an hour, by the way) and throwing various other excuses my way as to why I couldn't do it then (this had happened in pretty much the same way at the first club as well).

She apparently wasn't interested in keeping my business. Is this common with your clubs? My friend and I really were looking forward to this kind of workout as we liked the first time we tried it and just wanted a period of time to see if it worked for us in our schedules. However, it seems like none of your clubs have a work - or even business - ethic. I don't want to waste my time on bad employees or shabby business and I generally report directly to consumers' unions when meeting with bad business practices, as I don't want other people to have to endure stupidity either, but I wanted to check with the corporation first to see if these were simply uncompliant clubs (they are franchises). Please feel free to write at your leisure, as I will wait a few days before reporting to my normal consumer agencies. Thank you. Honestly what's up? These people act so strange like they're selling drugs behind the scenes or something...why discourage people from paying for your business?

It has been 6 weeks since closing and I still have not received a refund.

i call and spoke with the franchise ower , i explain to her that they should of a least gave me a couresty call to me and explain that a payment would be taking out. She apologize i did ask for a refund, she gave me this story that the people who does her billing/account with made a mistake. So i took her another letter to terminate my account from curves for good.

5pm in the afternoon.

I showed up a little bit early to talk to Casey about
the missing days. Casey greeted me very nicely and I asked her if she
could explain the 21 Day Fitness Program to me and why I was only
signed up for 18 total days with only 9 workouts. She was not sure so we went up to the front
counter to ask another person. I met with Tina Bailey who is the owner of the local
franchise. So, I proceeded to ask Tina why I was shorted a few days on my
program. I was very polite. It is not in my nature to be rude towards
anyone. I was still going to finish the program with or without the extra
days, I was just curious on how it works. Tina proceeded to tell me,Well, If you will shut up, I will tell you! and then turned to Casey

and said, And you shut up too!

I just turned and said that's
fine. and went to work out. I was so upset that the owner would treat a
paying customer like that let alone an employee that was just wanting to get

In July, a deduction showed up on my bank statement from Curves. The owner claims that one of her staff members contacted me telling me they needed a cancellation letter. I faxed one in but they refused to refund my July deduction. I reminded her of the agreement and was basically told she could NOT reverse the transaction.

I have quite Curves permanently...and find their way of doing business deplorable.

At no time did I ask for my money back or to stop payment. I took her at her word, that when better, I could return. After 2 years of treatment, I was ready and obtained a medical release to return to exercise class. Because of the change in managers, the new manager would not honor the agreement. She first told me I had to have proof. When I brought the bank statements to her, she said she had no record of me attending or not attending and would not honor the agreement.

The money I invested into the program has not been returned nor have I been provided the services that were agreed upon when signing the contract.

I have now resigned from the club but they still have not refunded $117.

In September 2005, my doctor send a note asking for a medical leave indefinitely because of surgery, arthritis and other medical problems. The leave was granted and dues were no longer taken out.

In January of 2006, without my prior authorization or notification of any kind, Curves resumed withdrawing dues from my account. They did this for 3 months. When I called them, they acknowledged the mistake and promised a refund--which was never issued.

When I called again in May of 2006, the owner claimed that they never issued refunds, that the dues would be applied when I returned, that they did not grant indefinite leave, that I should have let them know my status, and other excuses. This information was never given to me at any time. The refund has never been issued.