What was I thinking???

S

sonja5150

Cathlete
I am so upset that I let myself be scammed!!! I haven't used my Cathe videos in a few years. I had a baby 6 months ago and haven't been able to motivate myself to start working out so, I went to a gym. I hired personal training sessions and have been totally ripped off because the trainers only show up to ½ the scheduled sessions, they don't return calls to reschedule and are late for the sessions they make. $500 per month for a year and I'm more stressed than anything and all I wanted was to start feeling good again. I sent a letter to cancel, but my contract says I have to pay ½ the remaining contract fees which would be around $2,500! Now I am going to switch banks so they can't get my money and they can come after me if they want, I believe they breached the contract.

So, now I'm thinking, why would even think of paying some else when Cathe is basically my personal trainer at home. I thought I would get in touch with you all for motivation and maybe go on the Road Trip next summer to meet some of you and show off my new body that I will have Cathe to thank and not some rip off gym. I see that the Road Trip was sold out instantly, so I guess I'll have two years instead of one to get in shape for that. haha.

Sonja.
 
Those people are crooks and give gyms and pt's a bad rap. I am terribly sorry you've had this awful experience. I don't blame you one ioda for being livid but please don't think that every personal trainer and every gym is bad news. Sticking with Cathe is great if that's what works for you but some like the variety that the gym offers and the extra motivation and push that a trainer offers. :)
 
There is something in the contract about you having to pay if you break the contract but is there anything about the person trainer. How are you getting your money's worth if they aren't even doing their job. I would take it up with the gym and if they don't do something then I would tell them you will contact the Better Business Bureau for the way they run their business. Check the contract and see if there is anything about them not doing their job. Sorry you have had this happen to you. That's why I like to work out at home and not worry about that stuff. Good luck and keep us posted on what happens.
 
Well, I did some research on the internet also and this gym is notorious for ripping people off it seems. They basically do whatever they want, but I will take them to court if they mess with my credit or if they don't return the money for sessions I paid where the trainer didn't turn up. Also, I'm sure this is not how it is everywhere. Hopefully, someday I can find a place with a REAL trainer who cares about his client. But for now, I'm sticking with Cathe! I can't wait for the new series, but I guess that wont be out until at least next summer.

Sonja.
 
I would document the dates and appointments they missed and tell them you're an unsatisfied customer and that you want to cancel. Have you spoken with them about the matter? I don't blame you for not paying the contract fully. I never pay for stuff I don't actually get and they are ridiculous for expecting you to. I'm soooo sorry you went through this. I'd be ashamed to call myself a trainer and then stand customers up. They would certainly be upset if you stood THEM up!
 
This is what I would do personally..

Step One: Document
Step Two: Tell management they have breached their contract and you are unsatisfied and cancelling and if they don't cancel without fees you will go to the BBB and the news media. nothing like good old fashioned threat ( but not empty ones )
Step Three: Report to Better Business Bureau if they don't cancel
Step Four: Consult an attorney on your rights - $2500.00 is no laughing matter

Good Luck to you - my guess is threatening with better business bureau will be the best route if they refuse to cancel without fees. Also a report to your local radio and news station is a great way for you to get your point across, and have the news stations investigate them, and warn others
 
You also might think of finding out if there is a government agency that oversees business practices in your state. We had a situation with a company my husband worked for that we simply could not resolve--they'd taken money out of employees' paychecks for health insurance, didn't pay the insurance, basically stole the money for their own personal use and left their employees with piles of medical bills.

I believe it was the Bureau of Labor and Industries that we contacted, but I don't remember for sure and let me tell you, it was cleared up in no time. I was never so happy to deal with a government beaurocrat in all my life. Ask around.

Like someone else said, $2500 is no laughing matter.

I hope you get this resolved. Keep us posted.

Maggie:)
 
Hey, thanks for all the support. It helps. I'm a shy person who HATES confrontation, so this is a life lesson for me about standing up for myself. I thought about going to the media. I'm still waiting for a response from them, but if they try to scam me, I will go to the local news and maybe they'll send one of their undercover investigators in. HA!

I started the Dec. rotation tonight....and I feel great!

Sonja
 
Hi Sonja,

I work in a few gyms and the personal trainers, although considered "subcontractors", still have to report to the manager/owner, and pay for the space, equipment and time that they use in that gym to train you. If you go to the manager of the gym, they can certainly help.

Good luck!

Jill
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top