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FTC says LA Fitness made quitting the gym a workout of its own

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FTC Accuses LA Fitness of Turning “Quit” into a Workout of Its Own

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a formal complaint against LA Fitness, the nation’s second‑largest chain of health clubs, accusing the company of employing deceptive advertising and billing practices that “made quitting the gym a workout of its own.” The allegations center on LA Fitness’s so‑called “free trial” offers, which the FTC argues conceal a hidden membership fee that is automatically applied after the trial period ends unless consumers are specifically notified and take action to cancel.

The Core Complaint

According to the FTC’s press release and the complaint document filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, LA Fitness promoted a 30‑day “free trial” membership to attract new customers. The trial, however, came with a catch: the customer was required to sign a contract that contained a clause stating that if the member did not cancel the membership within the free‑trial window, a recurring monthly fee would begin immediately. The complaint contends that LA Fitness failed to adequately disclose the terms of that clause, and that the company’s marketing materials did not make clear that a substantial fee—typically $39 per month—would be charged automatically.

The FTC’s analysis emphasizes that LA Fitness’s marketing was “misleading” because the free‑trial promise was coupled with an “automatic, undisclosed fee.” The agency claims that the company’s presentation of the free trial as a “no‑risk” option “created the impression that there was no cost at all,” while in reality, members would be saddled with a recurring payment once the trial period lapsed. In effect, the FTC says LA Fitness made it difficult for consumers to simply walk away; instead, members had to “battle” their way through cancellation procedures—hence, “quitting the gym became a workout in itself.”

Why the FTC Called This a “Workout of Its Own”

In its complaint, the FTC noted that members attempting to cancel their memberships after the free‑trial period were met with a maze of bureaucratic hurdles. Members reportedly had to call toll‑free numbers that routed to multiple layers of automated responses, navigate complicated online forms, and sometimes even write a formal letter to the club’s corporate office. This “cancellation labyrinth” created a situation in which the consumer’s effort to terminate a service was as strenuous as a high‑intensity fitness routine.

The agency also highlighted that LA Fitness’s cancellation policy did not mirror the ease of their marketing promise. Instead of a simple, free‑of‑charge opt‑out, the company’s policy required a “notice of intent to cancel” sent at least 30 days before the renewal date, a stipulation that was not emphasized in their advertising or on their website. The FTC characterizes this as a “deceptive practice” that places the burden of proof on the consumer rather than on the company.

LA Fitness’s Response

In a statement released the same day the FTC’s complaint was publicized, LA Fitness said it was “unwilling to agree with the FTC’s allegations.” The company defended its free‑trial offers as “clearly disclosed” on its website and in its contracts, stating that all members receive a written notice of the upcoming fee when they sign up. The statement further added that LA Fitness “offers a hassle‑free cancellation process” and that the club “will continue to work with the FTC to resolve any issues.”

LA Fitness’s policy page—accessible through a link in the original KRTV article—shows a clause that states: “You may cancel your membership at any time with a 30‑day written notice. No cancellation fee will be applied.” The company also cites an FAQ section that explains the “30‑day free trial” is not a truly free membership but rather a promotional period during which the club will automatically charge the monthly fee unless the member cancels prior to the renewal date.

The Broader Context of FTC Enforcement

This complaint is part of a broader wave of FTC actions against fitness and health‑related businesses that have come under scrutiny for misleading advertising. For instance, the FTC has previously taken action against Equinox, a high‑end boutique gym chain, for undisclosed service fees and overcharging. In 2023, the FTC fined 24 Hour Fitness for deceptive “no‑risk” offers that concealed mandatory service fees. LA Fitness is now the latest chain to face federal enforcement after a decade of complaints about hidden costs and complicated cancellation processes.

The FTC’s legal strategy in these cases often focuses on the “FTC Act’s prohibition on deceptive acts or practices” in the marketplace. By publicly filing the complaint, the agency signals its intent to impose civil penalties and require remedial action that includes transparent billing and clearer marketing disclosures.

Potential Outcomes and What Consumers Should Do

If the FTC’s case proceeds, the court may require LA Fitness to pay restitution to affected consumers and impose a civil penalty. The agency may also order the gym to revise its marketing materials, improve the transparency of its pricing, and simplify the cancellation process to ensure that consumers can opt out without undue burden.

Consumers who signed up for a free trial with LA Fitness—and who find themselves locked into an automatic monthly fee—should review the terms of their contract and keep a copy of any cancellation notices. The FTC’s complaint outlines that LA Fitness’s cancellation policy is contingent on a 30‑day notice; therefore, customers should send written notice well in advance of the renewal date. If they face obstacles in cancelling, they can file a complaint with the FTC at www.ftc.gov/complaint and may also seek assistance from a consumer‑rights attorney.

Conclusion

The FTC’s latest action underscores a growing concern over the fitness industry’s “free‑trial” models, which often mask substantial ongoing fees. By labeling LA Fitness’s practices as a “workout of its own,” the agency draws attention to how the company’s marketing misleads customers into thinking they can simply walk away from a service, when in reality, the process to terminate membership is intentionally complicated. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome will not only affect LA Fitness’s business practices but may also set a new standard for transparency and fairness in the broader health‑club sector.


Read the Full krtv Article at:
[ https://www.krtv.com/business/company-news/ftc-says-la-fitness-made-quitting-the-gym-a-workout-of-its-own ]