I paid for a full year membership up front in cash 18 months ago. The membership expired on 3/6/2014. I went into the facility on 3/6/14 to discuss renewal options. After finding that the "discount rate" was actually a 50% increase from the 18 months prior rate, I decided to join the other gym and not renew with Fitworks.
I spoke with Jaime Taylor in person and asked if I could settle up the past due fees. Jaime indicated that I would have to settle up the past due annual maintenance fee from my wife's account ($41.64) directly with their billing company.
Three weeks later on 3/24/14, I received a bill from ASF (the billing company) indicating that my membership automatically renewed and I received a bill for the $79 including the current year's maintenance fees, March 2014 and April 2014 dues. My wife received the same bill but included the past due amounts. I subsequently called the front reception at the gym and they indicated that a cancellation was required for a membership that I paid in full 18 months prior. When I came into the gym on 3/6/14, there was no mention of this requirement even when directly asked if we were settled up on debts.
I feel that the practice was deceptive and aimed to incur additional fees on a departing member.