Mumsnet Talk

hi,
At the end of August I took out a gym membership at my local LA fitness and did it over the phone.
I didnt actually sign anything and they have reminded me to sign when i come in next, however we have run into financial difficulty and Im wondering how I can cancel it? If i cancel my DD what can they do?

Will call the manager later but have a feeling they will only say "your loss of income is not our problem, take out a loan and continue to pay us"

Really stuck. Any advice appreciated
thankyou

forgot to add that they dont allow you to freeze it. They continue to take money from your account and you use the gym later

Hi Vannah. Have you ever actually used the gym since taking out your membership such that they have proof of you acting as if you have a contract with the gym?

I'd suggest raising your question on www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk. They have a whole topic devoted to disputes over gym membership and some really active and experienced boarders.

Hi, thanks for the link- going to look it up now. Yes I have used the gym probably about 6 times since august...

That's unfortunate as a contract does not have to be in writing and that kind of proves that you have one but no signature should mean that at least you are not signed up to a credit agreement (which gym memberships often are) as I think these have to be in writing. Someone on the boards will be able to help, I'm sure - there's a lot of love for the gyms - so people are eager to help!

i cancelled my gym membership ages ago with no problem as i had not been for months. don't see why it would be problematic

Lulu - most gym contracts are for initial periods and you are not permitted to cancel before that period has expired. The minimum period term is one which is deemed to go to the essence of the contract and so cannot be set aside as an unfair contract term. Many of the gyms (or their DCA's) are incredibly aggressive about pursuing people for arrears of payments when trying to cancel in such circumstances.