Complaint Review: Pro-Results - Body Of Change @ LA Fitness - Bala Cynwd Pennsylvania

I've been a member of LA Fitness for the last 5 years. In early July I stopped by the Pro Results/Body of Change desk to inquire about sessions with a personal trainer. What a mistake!

During the meeting with the salesperson (Evan) I explained that I was uneasy with the high price of the 6-month and 12-month plans and that I may just wait till a later date to join. The salesperson walked away and returned shortly with the general manager (Mark). Mark stated that he would throw in 36 additional sessions for me. I asked whether the additional sessions would cost me anything extra and Mark stated No, and went on so say that LA Fitness was celebrating a few new grand openings and that his gesture was a courtesy. "Ok, Great...How nice of him," I thought at the time.

At the conclusion of my meeting with the salesperson it was crystal clear to me that I had signed on for 3 months of personal training (1-3 sessions per week); and that my Visa would be debited the $149 enrollment fee + $240 for 3 months of personal training. I reiterated to the salesperson that I would only be charged the total of $389 no matter how I decided to schedule the sessions and he stated Yes.

The salesperson, first, asked for my Visa card and, second, asked for my signature authorizing the transaction. Next, he told me that I'm "all set and good to go!" I asked whether I needed to sign anything else [in regards to a contract] and he stated "no," and that I would be provided with a copy of the contract at my first session with my trainer. Call me NAIVE...I know!

My first workout with my trainer was approx. three days later. I was so "gung h*o" to get my work-out on, I had no thoughts about the elusive contract. Low and behold, two weeks later I received correspondence from the Corporate Office in Irvine, CA stating that I had enrolled in personal training for 12 months, at a rate of $240 per month. WHAT!!! I hit the roof!

I went into the Bala Cynwd site and expressed my anger with the GM Mark. I explained to him that $240 per month, just wasn't in my budget, and that I would have never agreed to such a contract. Basically, he shrugged his shoulders and callously stated that there was nothing he could do for me; and furthermore, nothing I could do to get myself out of the contract. Do you believe this jerk! I told him "that's what you think...ya'll got the wrong sista today!"

Apparently, what they do is tell you that your signature (which you enter via an electronic pen-pad) is being used to authorize the credit card transaction, when in all actuality, those unethical morons input your signature onto the contract.

To date, I am still disputing this matter. I have spoken with an attorney; however, I would prefer a more simpler method to settle things. Since July, I've been on the phone with so many rude and uncaring employees at the LA Fitness gym(s) and corporate office that I'm just plain sick of ALL of them. My once highly regarded opinion of the company has dwindled to non-existent. It is clear to me that they could care less about my overall well-being and that they are unethical predators looking for their next victim. None-the-less, I intend to stay on top of this, and won't sleep, until this matter is rectified in my favor.

I would definitely be interested in joining in on any class action law suit against Pro Results/Body of Change.

Lori

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

U.S.A.