24 hour fitness crapness
I’ve been trying to sign up for 24 hour fitness these past couple days and it sure feels like I’m at Shady Joe’s Used Car Dealership.
If you read nothing else in this entire post, read this: if you are in the Mountain View area and you are looking to sign up at the 24 in the San Antonio shopping center, avoid a sales guy named Michael Parker like the plague. Let me tell you a little about my experience…
A few people I’ve met have told me about the deals they’ve gotten from 24 hour fitness. One guy I know pays $20/month (no contract, no enrollment fee, etc.), other people I know paid $600 / 3 years and $49 / year after that. Still, others paid $750 / 3 years, $99 / year. Well, I figured that I could get a similar deal. Nope, not with Mr. Parker.
He’s well trained and he tried to use a high-pressure sales tactic on me. He threw out gems like “clearly, you need to get back into a gym routine” and “you didn’t come in tonight looking for a deal, you came in looking to join a gym. Let’s get you started right now.” Um… ok, not exactly the angle I would’ve chosen, but I guess he’s the sales guy, and I’m the unwitting customer right?
He was closing the whole time; I’m sure he was doing whoever trained him proud. On an average day, I’m sure he gets at least 10 people to join and he probably makes a tidy commission off of it…
Except, here’s the problem: now that there’s this thing called the Internet, information is everywhere. Including what people pay for gym memberships.
I told this to Michael and he proceeded to tell me how the Internet was full of lies. He said: “obviously, people on the internet don’t know what they are talking about. Do those people work at 24 hour fitness? No, they don’t. I actually work here, why would you trust those people you don’t know over me?”
Actually, the logical question is: why would I trust you, Mr. Parker, a sales guy who is obviously trying to make a healthy commission off of me?
Being the oblivious, hard-driving sales guy he is, he completely dismisses that when I bring it up, claiming that he’s a man of “integrity”. I don’t really see how that proves the internet is full of lies, nor how it proves that he isn’t lying to me, but I guess I can’t really stop him from making wild accusations.
Anyways, in a moment of weakness, I bought a membership last night. Then I found out I had been ripped off so I canceled it under a “3-day buyer’s remorse period”. The fact that they even have that in their contract should make potential buyer’s weary. Now, I’m shopping around and looking for a decent deal. $840 for 3 years and then $99 / year after that? I don’t think so. Not when people are getting $550 / 3 years and $20 yearly renewals.
Sound like trying to buy a used car from Shady Joe? Yep, thought so.
Anyone out there a member of 24 hour fitness? E-mail me with your experience or leave me a comment with the deal you got. 
May 12th, 2005 at 1:08 am
Don’t buy anything that doesn’t have an advertised price.
May 12th, 2005 at 3:02 am
I paid $750 for three years, then $8.25/month thereafter.
About a year ago, I saw an advertisement for $750/3 years, then $20/year. I was told that I could get in on it, but only after paying — you guessed it — $750 for three years, even though I was already in my 4th year with 24 Hour Fitness.
What a bunch of jerks. Why are gyms (yes, most gyms) so much like used car dealerships when it comes to memberships? Hmm… I guess that’s rhetorical. I suppose there are enough folks who bend under pressure…
May 12th, 2005 at 5:41 am
Thanks for using the internet to show these kinds of tactics that happen behind close doors. So many of the big Gyms (Ballys and others) have this tactic of sending you behind a closed door to ‘work out a deal’. This is the WORST kind of practice imaginable. Hopefuly others will post as you did and we can all get a better idea of what happens. Then those that are getting ripped off will a - realize they are, and b - know that they are not alone.
Here in the Midwest we have an EXCELLENT chain called World Gym. They are all smaller and more focused on the person working out. They also ADVERTISE their prices and are completely open and honest.
Also, note that almost every business contract in the US has that same three day clause. It’s mandated by most state laws. … and now you see why
May 12th, 2005 at 5:43 am
sorry about the triplicate post … I got an error that stated:
No Truetypefont available for the CaptchaClass.
and of course assumed it was not posting.
Regrets,
-Joe
May 12th, 2005 at 9:15 am
If you don’t have a pressing need for a gym membership then try waiting until they start getting desperate. Two weeks after my initial visit the sales guy dropped the 3 year cost by $200 and the annual renewal by $50/year. Got the $600/3yr and $50/year renewal deal.
May 12th, 2005 at 9:33 am
Joe - Sorry about the Captchaclass error. I guess it’s not installed correctly on this server. I’ve disabled it for now, thanks for the heads up!
May 12th, 2005 at 11:22 am
I like Express Fitness better. I use them in Pleasanton, and I know they have a location in Sunnyvale. They are a no frills gym that has great pricing, and is good quality. Unless you want all the frills (towels, pools, etc.)
May 12th, 2005 at 11:28 am
Hmm, my suggestion is to find a local community and social engineer your way into their gym. As a poor college student- I had done that plenty. Good read, lol.
May 12th, 2005 at 12:10 pm
While not guaranteeing the best deal, you can get a decent deal through 24 hour fitness through some corporate deals. I was able to get $550/3 years, $20/year through my roommate’s company. They will also offer family deals for people who live at the same address if you have roomates. But the best deal hands down is if you find someone who works at 24 hour fitness. They offer great month to month deals then.
May 12th, 2005 at 1:35 pm
Who has time for a gym with all that computing that still needs to get done?
May 12th, 2005 at 1:51 pm
I have membership $100 down and $18 a month, no contracts no commitments and I can use any 24 hour fitness center in the country. I have had an excellent experience with them. I believe their quality varies from facility to facility, based on their average customer.
May 13th, 2005 at 8:21 am
What an asshat! I work for a company that’s in talks with 24-hour fitness to provide them with ready to eat diet meals for their customers. Isn’t 24 hour fitness the one that provided financing for that show on Fox? The Biggest Loser or something like that…
May 13th, 2005 at 9:41 am
Mr. Parker is really (Agent)Mr. Smith!
No seriously, I live in denmark and I pay about $220/year (minus 15% students rebate) for as much training as I want and a personal program.
May 13th, 2005 at 3:27 pm
Just pay for the membership and stop cry’in.
May 13th, 2005 at 6:52 pm
Hmm, this is interesting. This last comment by “Mike” is from Mike@24fitness.com. I wonder if it’s Michael Parker from Mountain View. Sure sounds like him… I think I heard that same comment while I was canceling my membership and making sure he didn’t receive a cent of commission from me…
May 14th, 2005 at 1:40 pm
Mark,
Here’s the deal that 24hour Fitness gave our Utah employees:
24 Hour Fitness News
Apr 5, 2005
The MILLION DOLLAR GIVEAWAY is in full swing. There are numerous ways to enter this drawing, be sure to visit one of our clubs before the deadline (April 14) and find out how you can qualify for this extreme cash prize!
You will be hearing much more about 24 Hour Fitness in the coming months. Our television, radio, and print advertising is going to be everywhere. You already have a program in place for your employees, all of this attention will no doubt remind them that they need to use their membership in order to reap the rewards of better health and fitness.
24 Hour Fitness has recently conducted a market study to determine how we can better serve
you. We asked, and you told us:
You LOVE 24 Hour Fitness
24 Hour Fitness has the friendliest staff
24 Hour Fitness has the cleanest facilities
24 Hour Fitness is too expensive
Our response? You, as our corporate partner, already recognize the importance of your employees’ health and you’ve covered the biggest financial hurdle of their memberships….the start up costs. However, because you are a valuable part of our team, we want you to benefit from this campaign as well! In addition to the phenomenal rates you’ve already secured through your agreement with us, we’re going to offer your employees the following additional option for the next 5 months:
$0 Enrollment Fee, $49 Processing Fee, and $14.99/month on a One Club Membership
$0 Enrollment Fee, $49 Processing Fee, and $24.99/month on an All Club Membership
www.24hourfitness.com
It’s obvious from this that deals do exist. Maybe you should take it from the corporate angle and see if Plaxo is willing to negotiate a deal on behalf of it’s employees.
Cheers,
Duke
May 16th, 2005 at 7:58 pm
Check into a local YMCA. They are generally cheap and offer good services. I’ve been to a few in different states and have no complaints.
May 18th, 2005 at 2:33 pm
Duke Geren is accurate in the 24 Hour Corporate rates quoted. I keep an all club membership for 24 Hour Fitness for use only when I travel. You’d be surprised how much cleaner the 24 hours are ouside of California. In places like Salt Lake City, it is actually one of the better gyms in the downtown area. All I pay is $24/month. I had no initiation fee and I just go month to month. You should get Plaxo to get a corporate agreement with 24, however, the $24/month might only be a possiblity with larger companies.
Having said that, you don’t want to go to 24, anyways. Those gyms are only good for staring at hotchicks, not getting a workout in. If you really just want a good gym to use in the vicinity, I’d recommend Club One in Santa Clara. It is a very clean gym, newer and abundant choices in equipment, and never a line for anything.
Finally, if you take a look at how much money you would spend with 24, you’d probably be better off joining the Decathalon Club in Santa Clara. At least you get nice pools to use, good massages, and good food.
May 18th, 2005 at 2:34 pm
Ohh…nothing beats the ProClub in Redmond
May 18th, 2005 at 2:43 pm
Very true, nothing beats the ProClub.
The one thing that 24 has going for it is the number of gyms they have. It allows me to go to the gym whenever/wherever it’s convenient. IMO, it’s the best part about the chain.
May 20th, 2005 at 10:55 am
There will always be high pressure sales tactics because the gyms know that people won’t go back everyday to workout and that by tying you into long term contracts, they can take advantage of a moment of weakness (or strenght) when you are motivated to use their services. If what they offreed was really that compelling, they wouldn’t need to force long term contracts. Believe it or not, you can actually negotiate better contracts with the guy, but you need to make him sense that you won’t take a membership without a deal (half a commission is better then no commission at all.)
What’s troubling about these types of deals is that one customer can get pricing at one level and another customer gets a higher price. It leads to discrimination against non-internet saavy individuals and I imagine that it opens the door for abuse by discrimating against whoever the sales person has a bias against. They should offer uniform pricing regardless of where some lives, their sex or ability to negotiate. I like supporting the YMCA because it is more community based, but understand that some people want to pay a premium so that they don’t have look at poor people when they are working out.
June 1st, 2005 at 3:03 pm
my dad got a membership there (we live in denver, colorado) for only 149 start up, no “transaction, connection, whatever” bullshit fees, and only 37 a month, and a free year. its no contract as well. look around for coupons and get rid of that jackass, maybe talk to his manager a little.
July 27th, 2005 at 3:00 pm
3 years ago I bought a prepaid membership for $450 dollars that covered the first and second years. After the two years it is $99 dollars a year after that. I just tried to enroll my fiancee and to add her they want prepaid $799 dollars for 3 years to reach the same $99 dollars a year. I told the guy he was crazy. He told me inflation, but I said not 300% in 3 years. I heard the holidays offer the better deals, but I got my deal in April 3 years ago in San Diego.
November 29th, 2005 at 5:41 pm
i ended up at your site by googling up “how to get best price at 24 hour fitness.” i quit bally’s recently and want to join 24 hour fitness, assuming i can get a deal like $729/3yrs like a friend’f mine did. *sigh* how do i get a deal like that?
November 29th, 2005 at 6:10 pm
Hi Beno - I hear that you just have to wait until they run specials. Sometimes they have deals if you can find a friend and join together. After a few weeks of waiting, I finally got in on $699 / 3 yrs with a $99 annual renewal after that. Not the best deal, but a bit better than the standard $800+ rate.
Good luck!
Mark
April 10th, 2006 at 1:05 pm
I recently went through the sales pitch at the 24hour fitness on Ocean in San Francisco. They wanted to sell m at 899.00 for 3 years and 99.00 renewal thereafter. I think this is way too high and would be interested in finding a group of people interested in going in on a group deal. The incentives to get me to sign were 5 training sessions and a t-shirt. traning may be useful, but its laughable that i would parade around in an advertisment clearly to benefit them. No thanks.
hit me up if you want to join together and negotiate a good rate.
Cheers,
Dana
April 12th, 2006 at 11:33 pm
Can someone explain the group deal? I may be interested in LA.
May 1st, 2006 at 11:13 pm
Wow… you just captured the same experience I had at a local 24 Hour Fitness located in Sunnyvale (Fremont one). Except the guy’s name was Zack Jabron or Jabroni I forgot. Point is… 24 Hour Fitness don’t know anything about selling their products or services. I probably would have been sold by working out (the free trial) by itself, but the talk with a sales representative killed it. Simply put… 24 Hour staff is full of shit… and don’t know anything about customer service.
May 2nd, 2006 at 8:18 am
Hi Thomas, if you end up getting a 24 hour fitness membership, I go to the Sunnyvale one off Fremont road, maybe I’ll see you there some time.
After much negotiating at the Sutter-Montgomery location, I got 3 years for $699, with a $99 annual renewal. Still not a great price, but I couldn’t find anyone else to go in with me at the time (I think they were running a $550 or $599 3 year deal if you had 2 or more people). Good luck!
May 31st, 2006 at 6:39 am
Go join the YMCA or find one of those employee discount codes that are everywhere on-line for 24-hour fitness and sign up on line. They don’t check it out at their gyms as you just flash your new on-line membership and you’re in.
June 5th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
I paid $503.99 ($41.99) a year plus $79 processing fee so a total of $582.88 a year and get two years free. Let’s make it easier, I paid $582.88 for 3 years and $99 to renew yearly from then on.
I do found out someone paid $750 for 3 years and then $20 renewal for yearly and I am surprise they paid after me 2 months later. This was taken from february 5th, 2005. What can I do to get my renewal fee to go down from $99 to $20 a year? thanks
July 20th, 2006 at 1:34 pm
Wow, thought I might chime in after my first experience with 24hr. I just quit my high paying job so I don’t want to shell out a bunch of cash for an overpriced membership. BTW, I’m in Colorado. So, I notice the free “10 day trial” on the 24hr website and signed up for that. Well, I went in and filled out a form and was happy to listen to the sales rep tell me all about the facility and the services offered. She gave me a tour and then sat me down in the office. I started growing a little impatient after about 1hr of the initiation. She started to show me the various memberships and they were all way higher then what I was willing to pay. All the plans had a $79.99 processing fee and different monthly fees ranging from 42.99 a month to 26.99 a month. However the 26.99/months required an initial money down of $300!! This would have brought the total to $420 or something just to get started for 1 month!! At this point I became flustered because she brought her manager over after I wouldn’t break for the “deals” she showed me and he started pushing other plans. Well, I told them all I wanted to do was come into the facility and try it out for 10 days and see what I thought and make a decision then. I was so mentally exhausted after talking with them for over an hour I didn’t even feel like working out anymore. Man, talk about PUSHY.. Jesh..
July 23rd, 2006 at 5:06 pm
marchisi - did you join 24 yet in san francisco?
i just got a call from 24 and it sounds like a good deal.
does anyone in san francisco want to join? joining together can push down the cost even further.
e-mail me at baileysf@hotmail.com for more details.
August 19th, 2006 at 5:19 pm
I just signed at the new william cannon club in austin for $599 for 3 years and $49/year after that. I read the fine print, though and wonder if they are really going to give me the $49 after the 4 years.
October 18th, 2006 at 2:23 pm
Judy I was about to sign up at that same location if you can email me off list i would appreciate it! maddcovv AT gmail DOT com
November 20th, 2006 at 5:32 am
i got a great deal.. 26 a month for mine and my roomies membership… unil we cancelled… she cancelled in may i cancelled in june… here it is november and they are still charging me.. you have to have them directly take it out of your account if you want to be a month to month.. ive cancelled 3 times.. and nothing.. now im pissed.. customer service skills suck with this company..everytime ive called to cancel i hear the same gig.. “well im sorry ma’am we will go ahead and cancel your membership and just to let you know.. will we be taking out your last payment of 26 for each of the memberships..” you have to give a 30 day notice… im still fighting them to get my money back…i think im still being too nice.. but now im getting pissed.. we will see what happens
November 20th, 2006 at 5:33 am
and btw that was 26 each.. haha.. so 54 a month since june… 250 dollars so far.. lets see how high it can go..
November 25th, 2006 at 6:25 am
Cory - call your bank, give them the details about your calls to cancel your membership and then ask them to please reject any transactions with 24 hour fitness. Always best to get a credit card charge instead of a bank withdrawal if possible. Credit card companies are used to protecting their customers from folks who fraudulently charge for services after cancellation.
I was thinking about getting a family membership at 24 now, I’m going to shop around.
I loathe used car sales tactics. Wastes the most precious asset any of us has (time).
December 3rd, 2006 at 7:14 pm
hello all,
i got a pretty good deal just the other day in Dallas, Texas — I have access to all club up to sport clubs for $450.00/ 3 year membership…$49 per year thereafter
February 21st, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Hi All
just a wee quick one from here in Sunny Ireland!
came accross your blog whilst looking for something completly different (dont ask)
here in Cork…We pay approx 600euro ($790) a year for gym membership, every year. I would love some of those deals above, even from Michael!!
Have a good one..
February 22nd, 2007 at 11:37 am
I just got off the phone with 2 different 24 hour fitness centers. One offered me $576 for 3 years and $49/year after that and the other offered $516 for 3 years and $49/year after that. I’m taking 3 people with me though, so that’s probably why, but it comes out to $16/month for 3 years. Not to shabby.
March 2nd, 2007 at 1:56 am
Dallas, that’s a great deal to get a $450 3/year membership and $49/year thereafter. I’d love to get that deal but I’m in San Francisco. Anybody know of any deals here?
March 5th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
I want to join 24 hour fitness soon. again I don’t want to pay crazy rate when I know that some people get it as less at 450$/3 years. If you anybody is interested in joining together with me and get a deal. I know 1 or 2 people who might be interested if there is good deal. But I am hoping to team up with 5-6 people and get a deal like 450$/3 years. email me at gururaj_pare@yahoo.com
March 8th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
I just recently left 24 fitness in the south bay location, and i can honestly say that you shouldnt be blaming on the sales guy for him being ethusiastic about getting you started, it is true, the prices change all the time, every week there’s some sort of promotion for some type of deal, the thing is that we as sales counslors do not get the latest scoop on what the promotion would be til its on the day of (bi monthly closeout), so its not possible to tell you when the promo would be, or what it could be. Now the best deals are those ones that you need to buy 3 yrs in advance, 49-99 would be your annual renewal depends on the promotion, but i would consider anything under 100 for a year is worth it for a gym membership. By the way, I personally bought my membership as $999/3 yrs, and $49/yr thereafter.
you can use other channels such as family add on discount/promos to get better deal, but thats limited to 1 adult add on per policy, and you will have to see if those promos are avaliable at the time.
we, as sales rep, cannot just change rates unless the corporate office have such promo for us to put on there, its not like a car dealership that you can wheel and deal, it may just seems like it because of certain sales rep’s sales tactics.
Here’s probably what everyone’s interested to know, if you are still reading this, you deserve to know. A good 3 yr policy should be in the range of $454.81-$599 (no full training sessions), and if you want training packages a good deal would be about 100 bucks more. (5 sessions)
and for those of you commitment-phobe, cant do the 3 yrs, should just try to find someone to add on to their policy under no processing/initiation promo, also check if they have a match-dues promo, if the main policy holder is paying like 12-34/month, cuz then you can be paying the same rate as them.
also ask about VIP plans if you are really a cheap bastard, or you will always working out with a specific someone, at the particular club.
hope this helps everyone, I’m a sales guy, but i believe that if you dont want to spend the time do the research before you buy, dont be complaining when you get ripped off. I always do research before i buy, its just a rule of thumb. Sales is like making friends, its pointless if you are going to sell someone and never see them again, you will never be a good salesman.
P.S. I left the company because I didnt like the management at my branch and also it was just a part-time job for me to keep me active in the sales industry; I have a day-job that pays me pretty well.
March 21st, 2007 at 10:22 pm
I signed up in 2005 for $580 (total) for three years, with $70 a year after.
March 25th, 2007 at 10:36 am
DOes the $699/3 yr have to be paid in full on the spot or do they let you make 3 installments? and the $99/year renewal… is that $99 a year for membership?
March 26th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
depends on some 24 hour fitness locations I have had similar problems with Bally’s on Capitol expressway in San Jose, Ca
I had a dispute with my payments and how much interest they charged 120 a month in interest alone for 3 years plus 52 a month which was suppose to acutally be 28 a month….
As for 24 fitness, im going to find a membership there since some of them are 24 hours and bally was not Anybody know of any deals around the san jose area
March 31st, 2007 at 10:44 am
In LA - Hermosa Beach- I paid nothing down, $30 per month, month to month for all clubs including sport. I got that price offer from LA Fitness and 24 hr price matched it with some coupon the sales guy had. I think that price is fair. They are now doing 700/3 years but don’t want to get locked in for 3 years. Note that many 24 hr fitness clubs are old dumps with very little good stuff, pools, jacuzzis etc. The sports are usually more high end, and its much better deal to get all club so you have less excuses not to work out like its too far a drive. SHOP AROUND!
March 31st, 2007 at 10:49 am
I think 699/ 3 year is a monthly debit contract, like a loan. Thats how Ballys did a similar deal a few years back in LA which worked out fine. I will say this for 24 hr., I love being able to work out at midnight or 4 am any day of the week if I choose too. I hate being kicked out of ballys, la fitness etc at 8 on a saturday or 11 midweek or whatever. for night owls, 24 hr is the way to go. The only thing that 24 hr lacks is punching bags. And their san diego clubs have started using fingerprint scanners instead of id cards which is too intrusive for me.
April 2nd, 2007 at 9:25 pm
You guys complaining sound like morans! There are deals every now and then, prices are subject to change. Isn’t the real reason that you are there is to get in shape? It is hard to put a price on your health!
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Hey Jeff, how long you been working at 24 hour fitness?
April 4th, 2007 at 9:58 am
My turn.
Hey, Jeff, perhaps you should spell “moran” correctly when attempting to insult user’s intelligence.
Its moron, moron.
On a side note, 24 hour can be a great deal, but patience is key. There should be some coupons floating around come closer to summer time as most health clubs fight for new memberships when the weather is nice. People tend to work out outside when possible, so keep your eyes open for rock bottom pricing in the next month or so.
April 5th, 2007 at 9:50 am
I cant spell, but i am in shape. Keep eating donuts you fat fucks! by the way, have you ever got laid without paying for it?
April 16th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
jeff, you really need to consider going back to school. you sound like a genuine dumbass and probably fuck your own relatives because you’re so desperate. dude, i bet your body fat percentage is so high. personally, i can bench 275 10x’s and 225 3 sets of ten. plus, i can curl the barbell with 35’s on each side for about 2 sets of 10. i’m 5′9 and i weigh 200 pounds exactly. i’m all natural, but i do take weight gain. my body fat percentage was messured at 8.7%, with the normal being around the 20%’s. i hope i can meet you someday, so i can break your fat face. p.s. no offense, but guys who say they get girls, usually are so insecure that they have to keep telling people the lies. sometimes these guys end up being gay. are you a queer, jeff? you better watch for the gaybashers…they will beat bitches like you ’till you aren’t recognized anymore.
April 21st, 2007 at 11:15 am
dude calm the fuck down you are not that important so you dont get some little discount on your gym membership who cares.
April 24th, 2007 at 2:12 am
Hey…sorry that there are some shady salespeople out there.
I am actually a fitness (sales) counselor at 24 Hour Fitness here in Southern California. Its sad to see some of our employees out to make a buck instead of listening to the potential member and figuring out what is best for you in the cheapest way.
I hope that our company can find some way to help you out. We do have our prices online, but I would suggest going into the club and asking about any specials they have on pre-paid memberships. They are the best value….and yea…stay away from this Michael guy…ha ha.
If you have any questions let me know! Have a wonderful day.
Hearts
Carlyn
April 24th, 2007 at 8:09 am
Hey Carlyn, thanks for leaving a comment here. It’s great to see that there are good reps at 24 as well
Maybe people reading this blog in socal can come to you for 24 memberships? Which club are you at (and maybe you’d be willing to give people a group discount?
)
By the way, how did you find out about this blog?
April 26th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
No problem! I was actually on Google searching for images of 24 Hour Fitness’ around the area and I saw the 24 Hour logo with a huge unhappy face around it, and I never like seeing that, so I clicked on it and thought Id put my 2 cents in.
I work at the brand new club in Murrieta, California. It is one of our smaller gyms, but we JUST opened so we are offering some pretty sweet specials to anyone who is interested in coming to check us out.
If you have any questions, just click my Myspace link (just click my name up above) and I can answer whatever ya want!
We are actually sponsoring the Run For Humanity down here this weekend, so if you are able to come down this weekend would be ideal. It will get you at the best possible rate…discounted dues and discounted enrollment fees.
You should also ask about your company signing up for a corporate wellness program with us. Its little to no cost to your company and offers great group discounts.
But yea…I’ll stop writing a novel now…let me know how things go!
Have a wonderful day!
Hearts
Carlyn
April 28th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
24 hour fitness has the most rude, obnoxious staff I have ever encountered.
I am referring to the one in South Austin, TX. But it apears to be a recurrent theme across the country.
Why do they even bother with free passes? They have poor service. There are complaints about them everywhere on the internet.
Either they have poor training or select the most incompetent staff.
Do people really buy into this? I mean, has anyone with a free pass ever said “oh yeah!, this is the place for me.” I doubt it. If they simply ran a few basic statistics, using a few friendly approaches, maybe they would change their tune.
May 5th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
I am a professional who was looking to get in on what seemed like a good opportunity - growing company, new CEO, heath and fitness. It was quickly apparent they are the most unprofessional corporation. Huge employee turn over, horrible training (during the orientation class the woman said, oh this video is boring but you have to watch it). Have an IT system from the late ’90’s. Have a shotgun hiring approach; many young NON PROFESSIONALS in hopes maybe one or two will stick. Expect sales staff to be professionals but pay minimum wage against commissions leading to a dogfight. Having deep knowledge of the sport science I was amazed to hear the misinformation campaign promulgated. Rates fluctuate like oil prices. Too bad because they could be on to something, but their rapid expansion and poor infrastructure will most likely be their demise. Caution if you considering working there and you’re professional and over 25. The new CEO certainly has his work cut out for him.
May 5th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
I am a professional who was looking to get in on what seemed like a good opportunity - growing company, new CEO, heath and fitness. It was quickly apparent they are the most unprofessional corporation. Huge employee turn over, horrible training (during the orientation class the woman said, oh this video is boring but you have to watch it). Have an IT system from the late ’90’s. Have a shotgun hiring approach; many young NON PROFESSIONALS in hopes maybe one or two will stick. Expect sales staff to be professionals but pay minimum wage against commissions leading to a dogfight. Having deep knowledge of the sport science I was amazed to hear the misinformation campaign promulgated. Rates fluctuate like oil prices. Too bad because they could be on to something, but their rapid expansion and poor infrastructure will most likely be their demise. Caution if you considering working there and you’re professional and over 25. The new CEO certainly has his work cut out for him.
I am a professional who was looking to get in on what seemed like a good opportunity - growing company, new CEO, heath and fitness. It was quickly apparent they are one of the most unprofessional corporations I’ve seen. Huge employee turn over (100%+), horrible training (during the orientation class the woman said, oh this video is boring but you have to watch it), and poorly kept facilities – how do they expect a professional to sell their product when there’s no soap in the showers or equipment that doesn’t work?
Their computer network system is circa late ’90’s. They have a shotgun hiring approach; many young NON PROFESSIONALS in hopes maybe one or two will stick. Expect sales staff to be professionals but pay minimum wage against commissions leading to a dogfight. It appears a few make decent wages while the rotating sales force provides the foundation for tours. If they want to retain the best sales force they should have adequate base pay and good training. Also no centralized management structure in clubs – but instruct employees not to ‘pass off’ complaints. Communication amongst division managers is very poor.
Having deep knowledge of the sport science I was amazed to hear the misinformation campaign promulgated. Rates fluctuate like oil prices causing members to complain. Should adopt a Nordstrom like model - a few select sales, quality product, and outstanding customer service.
Unfortunate because they could be on to something, but their rapid expansion and poor infrastructure will most likely be their demise. Caution if you considering working there and you’re professional and over 25.
The new CEO certainly has his work cut out for him.
May 5th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Well first of all i’m sorry you had a bad experience in one of our clubs. The real truth is differnet markets have different prices(but similar). Each month 24 hour fitness offers different promotions so dont be shocked if people sometime pay different prices for the same memberships. Also when talking to different members be sure to educate yourself and find out if they are part of a friend or family membership(in which case thier rate will be lower). I have worked for 24 hour fitness since 1999 and will continue to do so as long as the company continues to make fitness a part of life for everyone and treat all people as equals. If you wish to contact me directly(562)225-7202. I will provide you with a contact person in your area that will you treat you as a person and not as a number.
May 8th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Yah, gym member sales people are car salesmen are very much a like. They use high pressure sales tactics to make more commission.
It’s not just 24 Hour Fitness, it’s also LA Fitness.
May 9th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Allow me to share my experience…I had a free 1 month membership thru Jamba Juice. I like the 24 Hour facility in a North Bay Area location but I’m having a bad experience with the used car salesperson approach.
When I started my free trial a month ago, the sales manager quoted me some very convincing prices (something like $30/month for all club access, no initiation, no contract). I asked him whether a similar promotion would be available at the end of the month when my free trial expires. He assured me that there will be good promotions. I specifically told him that if there would be worse promotions later on, then I rather sign up and not use my free trial. Surprise surprise, at the end of the free trial, I contacted him to enroll and now he’s telling me that the best he can do is $40 all club access, $50 initiation, first and last month down (meaning 30 days cancellation notice).
My complaint is this: the sales staff should be more upfront. Although I can understand that there are different promotions at different time and this is how 24 Hours makes money, this manager should have been honest and told me the truth about whether there will be better deals. This guy worked there for at least 5 years already.
I feel like I’m flea bargaining with him. I don’t want to be mean and yell at him, but I’m thoroughly disappointed that a simple enrollment is taking so much time. I agree with what Jerry said on May 5th. There is potential in 24 Hours…but these kind of erratic promotions and pressure type salesmanship make this company unprofessional.
24 Hours should build confidence among their clients. When members feel good that they joined at a good price then they won’t feel like they got cheated and in the long run, members will be more loyal and refer their friends and family. It is true that the smart consumer should be rewarded by price-shopping but 24 Hours shouldn’t hide the ball.
This blog could really use some tips from former or current 24 Hour sales staff. When do the best promotions USUALLY come out?
May 10th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
dude iam in sales at 24, anything they sell u is legit. if they get the price one cent over or one cent less they wont get paid on it.my advie is to sign up cuz prices are going up especially because we just baught ballys and ny yankee staduim.
May 11th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Amy,
I have a friend at 24 hour fitness, and have been following the rates very closely, as I have been looking to sign up.
Over the past few months, “the deals”(if you want to call them that) are:
3 year 599 w/ 99$ renewal
3 year 699 w/ 49$ renewal
3 year 799 w/ 29$ renewal
Keep in mind this is for a single member. Add ons are cheaper. So don’t let them try to charge you the same rate for the 2nd person if they put them on your account. Also, You should not have to pay anything else on top of that.
I have seen 3 year 649 w/ 49$ renewal, so I know this pricing isn’t in the last 8 months. The best promotions often happen when business is the slowest. I.E. Winter
I do not know if it varies or not, but I have heard of people getting better rates than this. Possibly grand opening promos, or it could vary by county–I’m not sure.
Hope this helps.
PS 24hrworker, my friend uses that pitch all the time. That one, the “inflation” argument. This deal ends today! blah blah blah, heard it all before. Good way to upsale, and push people…but it’s getting old.
May 11th, 2007 at 10:37 pm
By the way, the memberships I’m referring to allow access up to sport. Sometimes if you’re lucky, like with that 649 price, they included 5 free trainings; which could be a deal or a bad idea. Fitness trainers are hit and miss quality. I’ve seen a lot of them make excessively obese people do exercises that are painful on the knees and back. I have seen others that make working out fun. More likely to get the bad than good, but it can have extra value.
May 24th, 2007 at 10:53 am
You can read my story there. I have been a member for 9 years and this is how they treat me. BTW, I was grandfathered in and I pay $12/month, no 3 year crap-ola.
May 28th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Allsportsconnection.com is a good site for workouts, Health and Fitness. It is completely free.
May 29th, 2007 at 12:33 am
hey mark. sorry to hear about your unpleasant experience with 24. Yeah, a lot of them aren’t any good at sales to be honest. I got the deal, $550/3yrs & $20 for renewal thereafter. However, this was supposedly a one-time anniversary discount at the time. I do believe that they don’t have as many discounts as before, but it doesn’t mean its not coming back. I say research and look around some more for deals. Recently I believe I heard a deal for $499/3yrs and $50 thereafter on the PA system at the gym about 4 months ago.
If I get word of any deals, I’ll be sure to relay them to you. Take care.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:48 am
got my membership today:
799–> 3 years–> $29/year for myself
649–> 3 years–> $29/year for the wife
plus 5 PT sessions each at mountain view branch
June 6th, 2007 at 7:19 am
Well, We (my hubby and I) bought 4 years ago and we paid $750/3 with 100 a year after that for him and 50 a year after for me. We are both approaching 60 now. Last year we didnt use it due to health. Then we moved out of state. We called them and they put it on 6 months (no fees) hold. We are now back and are going again. We do not feel what we paid has been too much. There are 24 hr fitness across the USA and now we are traveling in a 5th wheel. We are greatful for the clean facilities and the easily accessable places across the states. If you want to work out any time day or night, the initial first time investment pays off. And no I do not have any connections with that business,lol. Join if you want exercise and stop complaining. If you are a cronic complainer - dont join.
June 7th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Do not join 24 fitness. That is my ultimate advice. I just canceled my membership there and they gave me lots of problems for canceling it. I cancelled it in April and my last month is June. Even since April, each time i went to the 24 fitness center in St. Charles, Missouri, the front desk agent told me I had no access anymore since i have canceled my membership, so since April, I had to explain the whole story each time i went in. And then a couple of days ago, 4 people from 24 fitness collection department called and said that i owed them money, i explained that I have already paid my last month due when i signed up the membership like everyone else. the reason they gave me why i owed them money is: i don’t show that you have canceled your membership.. See what I am experiencing here? So i had to call 24 fitness 1888 number at least 20 times to ask them if they could see that i canceled my membership in April and I can provide the confirmation number, what i was told was: next time they call you, tell them to look up the account of your,, ok, someone else from the collection department called again ( total harassment), so said: look up my account, i was told: i am , and i don’t see anything here other than you complimented a few night staff in your last call.. haha,, so, basically do not join 24 fitness, because once you want to leave them, they wont make it easy or smooth for you, they will create problems manually. they enjoy doing that….by the way, i have been often buying fitness clothes from 24 fitness st Charles, Missouri the local club, and i have experienced the worst customer service from Carol at the front desk. I just never want to go back there again.. hey, guys, we pay money to them to use their service and we have a choice. DO NOT JOIN 24 fitness, I guarantee they will screw you.
June 8th, 2007 at 5:58 am
Do NOT use 24 fitness!
June 8th, 2007 at 6:13 am
Hello, everyone. I feel I have to leave a message here for everyone to see what I have experienced or what I am experiencing in 24 fitness St Charles, Missouri. I signed up the membership last September and decided to cancel the membership this April due to fact that I am traveling out the country in June. So I called 24 fitness customer service number and canceled the membership in April and was given a confirmation number and the last date of my membership which is 24th of June. I called on the 9th of April. Even since that day, each time I go in the 24 fitness St Charles, Missouri, the front desk agent told me that their system shows that I have canceled my membership. so I have to explain it is because I called and canceled it. Imagine I have to do every day when I go in there. Last week, the front desk Agent Dache told me that it shows I owe 28$ and I need to call member service, so I called member service that very same day she told me about it. and was told that I do not owe them anything. that same day again, 3 people from 24 fitness billing department (later i called their number, i was only able to get a recording)called and told me I owed them 28$. I explained to them that it could not be because this is my last month and I have already paid my last month due when i first signed it up with them. so I asked why i owed them 28&, i was told: because your member ship is still active. So I had to call their member service again and was told again that I do not owe them anything. the agent i talked to on the phone, his name was Jimmy, he told me: I will make sure you will get a special treatment in 24 fitness St Charles, Missouri,, I do not want any special treatment, I just want them to fix their mistakes. So I went in today this morning, Dache at the front desk at 24 fitness center St Charles said: you have to call member service because it says your membership has been suspended and you owe 88$, you have to pay us 88$ now… I explained to her I called their member service, and was told they have fixed the problem, apparently, they haven’t. I told her that her manager needed to call and talk to their own people to make it right. She said all she could do was to leave a note. so, I called again this morning and decided to record the whole conversation and then play it in front of the agent who will check me in at 24 fitness center for the last 2 remaining weeks of my membership,, i just thought it was such a harassment that they called to my house and asked for money that i do not owe them at all and then they increased the amount to 88$ after I called and asked them to fix their mistake. so I am very disappointed with them and will never use them again. by the way,Carol who works at the front desk of 24 fitness center St Charles, Missouri, is such a racist, Do not go their when she is at work if you are not white, she normally works during the day..because i believe no one has to go through what i have..
June 9th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
i heard that the 799/3 years and 29/yr after is kinda tricky. you can’t prepay the 29. you have to pay on the day of the renewal date or it is invalid. is this true?
June 11th, 2007 at 10:07 am
I signed up in Jan 2007 as an addon to my parents plan for $550/3 years, $49 annual. The main account holder (Mom) had to pay $650/3 years, $49 annual, but she received food/nutrition bars and 5 sessions with a trainer.
Ask for nothing lower than $650/3 years, $49 annual. You could probably get better, but thats the maximum you should ever pay.
June 11th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Has anyone heard of someone paying for 3 years and then having their local club close? I know you can use other 24 Hour Fitness Clubs, but we really like having it close to our home.
June 12th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
I paid $700/3 years back in 2003. $20 a year after. I just recently renewed last December. I know this post is very old, I’m sure you’ve worked it out by now
June 12th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
I ended up joining today for $649 (w/tax)/3yr and $49/yr renewal. It worked out to about $18/mo, which I guess is okay… really only worth money if you use it. I sympathize though, I have no intention of using the training or the supplements through them. Why would I pay more there than I would at GNC or an online discounter?
The best gym membership I ever had was at FIT in Houston. Awesome people, great facilities, great … well… everything. It costed a lot more, but even now, back to gradschool, I’d have paid that in a heartbeat. I was happy and comfortable there, and in one year I was in the best shape I’ve ever been in.
June 14th, 2007 at 1:56 am
I heard that it was 24 bucks to sign up this month and then 49 a month after that… so i went in to get a membership and i asked the lady how much it was so i could pay her and she said… “go over there to that desk and somebody will be right with you” this guy starts asking me about school and my life.. he has me fill all these papers out keeps avoiding my ?s about the total amount.. just keeps telling me about the great deal im getting. so i finally finish up and go to the front to pay.. thinking it might be 100 with tax.. NO it was 207 bucks.. i asked why and they billed me for the initial fee, the first month, THE LAST MONTH.. (which makes no sense) and some other things that i dont remember… anyway i love the gym and they have some HOT personal trainers so im staying with it… just a horrible payment plan..
June 21st, 2007 at 11:29 am
hey, im interested in joining in sf if anyone wants to try to negotiate a group discount.
June 25th, 2007 at 9:04 am
Does anyone have a district managers e-mail to send concerns? The 800 number at corporate will not give me any information, nor will the local rep’s. I don’t understand why it’s so hard to find out an e-mail address for rep with this corporation.
June 28th, 2007 at 9:06 am
fyi: june ‘07 sale (expires today, 6/28/07) in southern california:
$699 pd up front for first 3 years, then $29/yr renewal after that. it includes 5 training sessions and some nutritional supplements.
if you bring in a family member, then it’s the same deal for each person, except it’s $649 for the first 3 years (same $29/yr per person, after that).
anyway, just fyi. sorry for the late notice. i went in two days ago, got this offer, and have been trying to decide, so i googled and found this blog, just today. i was trying to google to find out whether anyone who’s gotten one of these 3yr deals with the low annual after that has had their annual fee hiked up, later on down the line? because i’m currently with bally’s and they’ve almost quadrupled my annual fee since i joined them years ago.
June 28th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Today in Salt Lake I was offered $699 prepaid for 3 years, with $29 annual renewals thereafter. Includes 5 trainer visits, a health food package, and is good at all locations.
My buddy who is a monthly member already got the same offer plus an $80 credit since he is already a member.
Think were going to do it.
The Sugarhouse facility is nice and in the long run it’s a sweet deal. That is if they stay in business and honor the low renewals.
Time will tell!
Cheers, Scott
July 5th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
I ould like to personally apologize for the experience you had. I have been in sales at 24 hour fitness for 5 years. unfortunately there are shady folks out there but in defense we do not have control over pricing it does change based on corperate emails. just make sure to keep asking questions. You may not get the exact deal as your friend but most of the plans do break even after the first 12-18 months anyways and prices just like gas and everything else has gone up over the years. Throw in the possibilities that people may work for companies that pay fees to lower there employees costs it will vary from person to person.
July 6th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Hey,
First, these gyms that everyone is ragging on are in the business of guess???? - MAKING MONEY. Can you fault them for that? You like to make money right? Is that bad? They have to make money otherwise we won’t have any place but our crappy basement to work out in. That being said, you always have to watch out for any salesman that works off a commission. I would NEVER trust what they say without checking into it.
Here is my experience with 24 hour. When you want to join you need to start calling to see what deals they currently have. It’s ALL about timing. Do NOT sign up around December through February because that is when all the “new year’s resolutions” people sign up so there are likely to be few deals then. You may have to wait 6 months or more to get the right deal.
Here’s why:
My wife and I signed up for access to any club anywhere in the country BUT we signed up at different times.
My wife pays - $42/month
I pay - $16/month and this is for the exact same level of service.
I am NOT an expert in any of this but this is my experience.
July 8th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
I have been a member for over 6 yrs. In resent months there was a serious change at the club located at 9800 W. Atlantic Blvd, Coral Springs. The equipment would be down for repair for months. The steam room has been inoperable for over 3 moths. I am a police officer and I deal with a lot of exaggeration. I want to assure you that this is not the case. I have brought up these issued with the management and nothing was done. They advised me to contact the corporate office. I have referred several of my co-workers who ultimately became members. They complain constantly about the gym and equipment and blame me for misrepresentation of the services and the gym. I would appreciate if someone would contact me and let me know when these issue will be resolved. Thank you very much for your time.
July 9th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
I just cancelled my membership after incredible frustration. I was a member at a tired old bacteria breading center in Rancho Cordova, CA when 24hr built a new gym about 2 miles away. I had given them direct payment from my checking account $28 per month. I wish my customers gave me access to their money every month. Obviously this was not enough for them. They want me to pay an additional $35 initation fee and $7 more per month just to switch locations. They say I’m required to upgrade to all access just to switch locations. Ironically they sent me a letter in June waiving the initiation fee for the upgrade. I didn’t open my junk mail till after the expiration date and every one of their sales people refused to honor it. I was told on Saturday that I could go to my gym and pay the $35 and an additional $3 per month, when I got their I was told I was misinformed. While canceling this morning, “Sam”, in Thailand I believe, told me he could switch to $18 per month for every other day or transfer me to a membership rep. (sales person) but that was the extent of his customer retention offers. You would think they would protect their $28 monthly asset a little more than that.
July 12th, 2007 at 11:31 am
I have been having problems with fitness clubs for years because of their sales tactics. It is unfortunate that they have taken a used car sales approach to membership and after talking with friends and reading this blog it seems that it is just another example of poor corporate structure which places the premium on sales as opposed to identity. But that’s jiust the way of the world. I wanted to join the Glendale Ca super sport but was told that their buy in is $200 more than any of the other Sports Clubs and they are not opened 24 hours. Just trying to make money and are losing a potential customer base through their arcane sales tactics.
Gus
July 12th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Check allsportsconnection.com it is a cool fitness center and you can join for free and connect for Outdoor fitness. Good Workouts without the hasle of gym dues or sales people!
July 16th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
I can’t believe it. I prepaid 3 years about a year ago and my local gym closed, now the closest ones are an hour away and they’re both SPORTS that my plan doesn’t cover. What can I do? It’s ridiculous. Who do I call about this? Atleast extend my availability to sport so I can have a place to stop when I happen to be heading that way. LOL
July 27th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Joined 8 years ago $49 and $34 ea month (all days all gyms). Sacramento has loads of them, downtown being the best. The others including the newer ones are filthy and run by a bunch of unproffesional nuts! The swim pools have had health department called and the equipment has more hair and chaffed skin then our dog. Not to mention the shaving and skin peeling that goes on in the steam room. CLEAN THE DAMN GYMS!!!!! I will continue to go to K St. gym which is in a league of its own. Good luck!
August 5th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
I actually work for a 24 Hour Fitness gym in the Sacramento valley. As an employee, I get a free membership, but previously, I was paying monthly dues of $41.99 per month with access to all gyms.
Currently, you can purchase memberships on the internet - aka NOBODY trying to force you into a deal… the other option would be talking to the gym manager. Unlike the Membership Counselors, the gym manager has a main priority of keeping YOU happy.
And as always, let them know you found better deals in other places, and they’ll lower their prices as far as possible.
Best of luck.
August 5th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Ooh! Or! Check to see if the company you work with has a deal with the gym… a lot of companies SERIOUSLY lower monthly memberships… not sure about annual.
August 22nd, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Hi, Does anyone know where I can get a listing of all of the locations across the U.S. The search on the 24hr site list just zip code or city state.
August 30th, 2007 at 12:02 am
ok ok ok if any of you want to get a membership with 24 hour fitness at a perfect rate call this number 619-697-1212 they tell u everything that you need too know and sign u up over the phone
August 30th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Hi,
I just came from the Wm. Cannon location in Austin after attempting to join. The young man helping me was nice and understood my student status and desire to get the same rate as I have had at a competitors gym. However, I could not get them to budge on the $79 processing fee. I see a post here that shows some people getting a $49 processing fee so I know good and well that this is negotiable.
After touring the place, I asked to speak with the manager in hopes of negotiating the fee down. The nice salesperson had already asked and was told no. I did sense that he didn’t want me to talk with him and soon found out why.
I was given the option of signing up as a student (fee waved) or signing up at $19 per/mo, only at that location and limited days. Again, I tried to negotiate with reasonable knowledge. The manager, Jay Luna, became very rude and informed me that “you aren’t negotiating for a car here”. “It’s only $79″. (missing the point entirely) I told him to not insult me and then went on to say, “Hey. You don’t insult me trying by coming in here and trying to get a deal. We don’t need your business. There are plenty of other people who want to join here. You don’t really want to join this gym, you just came here today to get a deal and keep (sales guy) from going to lunch. You weren’t even going to use the gym.”
Wow. Reality check anyone? Can you say personal attack?
You know, I was right at the point of joining for $79 and month to month at $19 before this guy came into the picture. His behavior, attitude, disregard and outright disrespect for me completely ruined any possibility of me joining. Ever.
I told him so and he said, “don’t not join because of me, go ahead and join with (sales guy)”. Completely unapologetic and irresponsible. Young enough to be my son and made me wonder if he talks to his mother this way. How sad.
Just for information purposes, I’m a 45 year old female with rheumatoid arthritis and had already told the sales guy that I would be hiring a personal trainer with knowledge about R.A. through them so the gym WAS going to profit from that.
The poor sales guy was even so ashamed at Jay Luna’s attack on me that he said, “please don’t not join because of him. He’s not the gym.” Well, my response to that was, “I would have joined, you would have made the sale until that guy started talking. He IS the gym, he represents the corporation and there is NO WAY I’m going solicit ANY business after being treated like that. Period. Then I walked out.
He lost my business and that of people I would have brought with me from my previous gym.
I simply cannot believe that this corporation allows itself to be run in such a manner and worse to treat it’s customers (or potential customers) with such degradation and disregard. Boo on 24 Hour Fitness. Remember, for every 1 person unhappy with service, 50 people will know about it and believe me, I’m talking to ALL of my friends and coworkers.
September 2nd, 2007 at 8:23 pm
I’m in Kansas City at the 74th and Metcalf location and I’ve gotta say that after eight months of being at 24hr., I’m pleased with their services. There was a bit of (mutually respectable) gamesmanship with the rates I paid for my wife and I when we signed up, but over all I think we got a really fair deal.
One thing to know: PT Sessions are optional when you sign up for the 3-year package. They aren’t upfront with that, but one of the sales guys slipped up and showed me how they are added on when they are processing your membership. My wife and I both think they are worth the money, but if you are looking to save some money on your upfront costs, you can tell them you don’t want it.
It sounds like there are a few bad apples that are giving a good company a bad reputation.
September 5th, 2007 at 9:25 am
hey all - a lot of posts here…so mine will be lost in the shuffle i’m sure…but i used to work at 24 hour in the early 2000’s - after a couple yaers, i couldn’t handle it any more. the MAIN goal and purpose of us (trainers) being there was to sell as much as we could FIRST - and train second. this company pays very well to those who can sell well - and it’s a shark tank. reading the stories of people getting pushed into memberships - and some of the lines used to close - are not surprising to me. i recall one general manager using the line on a lady debating training sessions when she said she would like to ask her husband before purchasing…”did you ask your husband if it was ok to get fat?” — their first goal is to sell the big packages - and not take no for an answer. there is actually a lawsuit against them right now for former managers for being undercut on overtime wages. not surprising. and lastly, its humorous to know the people that run these places. they don’t require any educational minimums (at least not when i was there) - and notoroiously, if you’re looking to move up into management positions - you sell with no concience - and you wait until the person above you screws up…because more of my colleagues went to jail, got caught embezzling sessions, stealing equipment, etc. If i were a consumer - i’d do my research before heading into the tank.
September 5th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Very frustrating talking to the online reps! I called the 888-243-5002 from their website and spoke to a rep AND her supervisor and neither one could grasp the fact that I was offered better deals in the club earlier today: $750/3yrs + $29/year renew. I asked if they could do better and they continued to offer me $650/$99. What really pissed me off was when they both used the close phrase “so are you ready to join right now?”
I was a member for 12 years before I let the $99 renewal lapse about 9 months ago. Now I want to get back in, and I was HOPING that being a former long-term member might get me something a little better than any first timer. Guess not.
Any current salespeople wanna comment?
September 7th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Has anyone been able to find decent pricing for a prepaid membership recently? I was told that they would have new “specials” out in September. A few years back I bought mine $550/$24 but now I’m looking for one for my girlfriend.
Thanks
September 8th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
Told me prepaid 3 year for $799 including all initiation and processing fees. After that $29 a year forever
I told him to much asked if he had friends and family type deal, he said NO
Got up to walk and he let me have a $24 a month no contract. Had to do first and last month. Good at all clubs except ultra
I told him if I want to convert later I’ll keep him in mind, if he’s still there.
September 8th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
raid Says:
August 30th, 2007 at 12:02 am
ok ok ok if any of you want to get a membership with 24 hour fitness at a perfect rate call this number 619-697-1212 they tell u everything that you need too know and sign u up over the phone
Just called they said $649 for 3yr and $29 a year for life there after
September 11th, 2007 at 10:21 am
raid Says:
August 30th, 2007 at 12:02 am
ok ok ok if any of you want to get a membership with 24 hour fitness at a perfect rate call this number 619-697-1212 they tell u everything that you need too know and sign u up over the phone
Just called they said $649 for 3yr and $29 a year for life there after
Great price! But they said they couldn’t sign up over the phone.
September 11th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
24/month all sport membership, no processing fees, no contact…
look here:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=598262
September 14th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
We joined 24 Hr and found that the place was never cleaned, the broken machines took forever to get fixed and the manager was ALWAYS unavailable. So we cancelled our membership, told them in a letter and on the phone that we were cancelling…SO we get daily phone calls, night and day that we are behind in payment…SO now 24 is going to get VERY bad PR, have contacted local media who have had OTHER complaints, harass us 24 HR Fitness and you don’t know just WHO you might be harassing and don’t be surprised WHO will be INSPECTING your place with camera crew, News at 5 !!
September 15th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
try 24 hour fitness in glendora. they’re amazing.
September 16th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Hey Guys,
I’ve been reading the posts and I was interested in getting a membership thru 24 Hour Fitness, as well. Though, because money is an issue, I was only going to signup for the Value Plus/Pass option. They have 2 options: Option 1- Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. Option 2- Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun. You choose one of these options and you can only go on those days, any time for $25.99/month. After reading the last few posts, I saw the post by Jim (# 106) and decided to check it out. That specific ID didn’t work though, I played around with the last 2 numbers and eventually found one that worked. So, now I have an All Sports Club Access membership, which means I can visit any Sports Club or Active Club anywhere for the price of $24/month with NO initiation fee AND NO processing fee. There was no contract length that I saw and I have 5 business days to cancel if I need to. My only concern is what happens if they find out that I did this??
September 18th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Hi Vallejo center,
I wouldn’t worry about it. They’re still making plenty of money.
It’s a friends deal, and you can say you got this from a friend of a friend…they can’t prove anything at that point.
hope you enjoy your 24/month all club with no fees or contract.
jim
September 19th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
The “3 day buyer remorse” is required on all membership contracts. State Law
I own a gym myself
September 23rd, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Today, I went in to a 24hr in SF to sign up for this weekend’s promotion: $599 for 3 yrs then $29/yr thereafter. They insist that $29/yr after is perpetual. My salesman was pretty normal and nice.
When I got the contract, it said “The initial annual renewal amount stated below is for the first 12 month renewal term only immediately following expriation of your prepaid term stated above and does not include applicable taxes which shall be applied at the time of renewal.” …
“See Section 2 on page 2 of this agreement for more information on subsequent annual renewal amounts.”
I ask my salesman about the taxes and he said “there are no taxes - $29 to renew, forever”.
So I turn to page 2:
“If you have a prepaid membership, 24 Hour will not increase your Initial Annual Renewal Amount on page 1 of this agreement, but may increase all subsequent annual renewal amounts. 24 Hour will send you notice of your new annual renewal amount each year thereafter…”
I ask again, he repeats that it is $29/year forever. I say that’s not what the contract says. I ask for a copy of the advertisement, which did say “$29 renewal” but did not say how many times you can renew at that rate!
He says that he knows people who haven’t had their renewal rate raised in 20 years. I say that’s nice, but not a guarantee.
I tell him I’m not going to sign and walk out - he doesn’t really even protest.
Anyone else realize this scam?
September 26th, 2007 at 6:52 am
I just cancelled my 24 hour contract within 3 days over the phone…on the contract it said cancel by mailing in. A phone agent with poor English skills told me I was ok to cancel over the phone. Anyone with past experience who knows if this is true?
September 26th, 2007 at 10:29 am
Thanks for running this forum. I’m lookng at signing for a current “deal” $599. for 3 years then $29. per year after that. David Sept 23 is a good tip to watch for, read the fine print completely, these guys have an extreme rip off record about charges and billing. Any other current “deals” we should know about so we can choose wisely, if at all?? Any deals they’ve advertized or offered recently??
September 28th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
I signed up in 2005 for 3 Year 500+79 Paperwork fee (I mean 80 dollar bonus fee) + 80 renewal, which is acceptable to me.
I recently upgraded to Super Sport through my office’s corp account for $10 month to month.
So on a given month I am paying $6.67+$10. $16 dollars a month for the newest Super Sport is bank (In fact this super sport might be the nicest gym I have ever been to beats Canyon Ranch, and this location is always empty.)
Do I hate their sales tactics? YES! My Active is way over crowded and broken down most of the time. However my Super Sport was worth every time and makes the only Ultra ($65 a month for Ultra) down the street look like a dump.
October 7th, 2007 at 12:21 am
24 changes their pricing constantly because the company is pushing different things. even though the pre-paid deals seem like the one they want, the company accually makes much more money on the month to month if you stay for a year or 2. when the company opens new gyms they cant wait a couple years so they come out with “deals” that make the pre paids more afordable, so that more people will get them and the company makes money quick. its not like the salespeople make the deals up, they have pricing to follow, given they most likely have a drop down of some type, but its not what they choose to make it, its retail or the promotional price
just because your a little faggot ass bitch and cant take a little bit of hard closing doesnt mean the whole company is out to get you, you little softy you
October 8th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Yeah, it’s funny how insults and intimidation can be part of an effective selling technique. They’ll also isolate you and double-team you. Hey, but if you find that annoying, then you must be a wimp.
If you go at all, get your information and get out. Get their low bid after you turn them down. If it’s not low enough, ask them to call you if next month’s special is lower. They may or may not. Don’t stand for insults and fake anger. They’re trained to jerk you around.
October 9th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
I used to live in Pacific Beach (San Diego.) 24Hour advertised “opening soon!” on Garnet for literally years, then started selling advance memberships well before the gym was actually open, apparently expecting people to drive to the one on Balboa in the meantime, which I doubt anyone would. I waited til all the equipment was actually in the building and they were apparently themselves now on the hook for all the overhead. I don’t remember what the price was on my membership but if I recall it was actually much cheaper than the local competition; in body-beautiful party-beach PB there’s a World Gym, a Powerhouse, and an independent old-timey sweatbox gym all within walking or a two minutes’ drive’s distance. So 24Hour was truly desperate to build up the membership rolls and was giving away the store for a few weeks. Until of course they reached critical mass to justify the location’s existence, and then they started the usual sales crap with the newbies. It was actually a really nice gym though, and as I ordinarily work out in the middle of the night it was perfect for my needs. When I moved away and had to terminate my membership they did pull the extra month’s billing trick over which the class action suit was filed. I found out about the suit kind of late though so I don’t know if I can get in on it now. And though I personally did alright with 24Hour on that one deal, I have heard many stories similar to the ones recounted on this site and have watched the sales-droids weasel their asses off, laughing all the while.
Here’s some advice to those considering joining a gym: if you’re not already seriously into working out, just go to your local Y or even better a university rec center if you can qualify. Those are almost always the best deals and the staff is not there to sell. And you’ll find these places have lots of stuff other than just weights and cardio, like hoops and a pool and racquetball, etc. which most yuppie-haven “health clubs” do not. And if you’re really heavily into throwing around the iron, then you already know the places to go– like the old-time Gold’s (not the nice new pretty ones with the juice bars, but the old ones where they’ve welded their own special machines and they’ve still got posters of Lou Ferrigno on the walls.) Or the boxing club run by the guy who looks like Jack LaLanne. Jack’s place will be dirt-cheap and you’ll have it all to yourself. A good rule-of-thumb for sizing up gym sales staff? If he/she’s young and good-looking, they’ll be an annoyance. If he/she’s not-so-young and bored-looking, run away– they’re battle-scarred and cynical and will enjoy beating you up. But if it’s a guy who looks like he eats five meals of raw meat and egg whites a day– and I don’t mean beach-buff, I mean totally humongous and maybe even ‘roid-pimply– well ok, that guy really believes in what he’s selling and generally wants to give you a good deal so you’ll join and maybe get into that lifestyle he loves so much yourself. And the places where those guys hang are generally a little cheaper and far more earnest, and my guess is like most people who can dig that kind of environment you’ll get more out of it as well. Anyhow, just keep in mind whenever you’re shopping (and this applies to shopping for cars or houses, or whatever– I’m a real-estate broker and I’ve taught organizational behavior at the university level for many many years) the advantage in ANY negotiation lies with he who’s willing and able to walk away from the table. Remember that the salesman needs you more than you need him; if he doesn’t give you what you want you can and should walk away at any moment. There’s no rule that says you must sit down at his desk like a schoolkid in the principal’s office. Hover. Sit down ON the desk. Edge up next to him on his side of the desk and read what’s on the computer screen over his shoulder. If he answers the phone, get up and start wandering off. If he gets up to “talk to the sales manager,” go with him. If he discourages you from following, head off to the john and stay in there a while. All the while you’re talking with him, keep checking your watch and/or cell-phone to let him know how valuable your time is. Your job is to a) do the research so you know when he’s lying, (then do him a favor by pointing it out to him as a “mistake” rather than a “lie” when he does); 2) make him feel a little less confident (maybe conversationally ask about his education, or if it’s a woman ask about any visible physical imperfections she may display– and they all have them, whether it’s a stretch-mark or that spot above their ass-cleft where they need to apply a bit of Nair, or whatever– look, they’re just as insecure as anyone else, no matter how pretty they may be, and if you find the right button you can get what you want from a gym sales-slick just as easily as from anyone else); 3) close the deal IF AND ONLY IF it’s the deal you want. There are other gyms and there will be other promotions. You can work out at home if you want or you can start next week– it won’t make that much of a difference. And it goes without saying of course that you NEVER give out your real telephone number, right?
October 12th, 2007 at 10:36 am
I’ve been a member there for about a year now. Monthly contract, no up front fees, I pay 16 dollars and some change a month. I lucked into the deal when I went in last year on Halloween to sign up. The sales guy had this deal for a friend that was supposed to come in, but didn’t come, and it expired that day. So he gave it to me. It also includes all 24 hour fitnesses including Sport. Lucked out!
October 17th, 2007 at 7:44 am
great blog and comments! 2 questions about these deals such as the “$599 for 3 yrs then $29/yr thereafter”
1. is this for a particular location only, or all club locations?
2. is there any setup fee?
thanks,
bobby
October 17th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
if you live in the san francisco bay area, here’s the strategy to get a membership easily, with no pain of dealing with a very unpleasant, “glengary glen ross”-wanna-be sales guy.
i’ve been a 24 hour member for 10 years, and needed to get my wife a membership. i had forgot how painful it was to get that original membership setup, until i read these comments
i decided to go to a different club to the one i’d be working out at, just in case things went sideways, i could leave, and never have to see them again; avoid any awkward looks when i went back to work out.
i visited the 1650 industrial road, san carlos branch. i was very lucky to get assigned:
marvin navas, membership manager
(650) 595-3000
(650) 595-3830
he was *awesome*. i went in there, prepared to just walk out if this guy started acting like a jerk, and this guy got it from the get go — perhaps because he was the manager, so there was no “let me go talk to the manager” nonsense.
there were two deals he offered:
1. $599/3 years + $99/year renewal
2. $699/3 years + $29/year renewal + 5 free PT sessions
both were for all club locations, all days, and no moronic initiation fees, etc.
i went with #2.
bottom line — visit this branch (make sure this guy is there before you go), and just deal with him direct.
October 29th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
I just signed up in Portland, OR. My deal was no initiation or signup fees. $40 a month w/o contract to any super or under. He also offered a deal for 499.87 for 3 years with $29 per year after. I dont like signing up for that far in advance so I did the monthly. Hope this helps someone!
November 4th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Just signed up today in Santa Monica…..$599 for 3 yrs, no fees, $49 yr after that. Got my wife in for $499 for 3 yres, no fees and $29 yr after that as a “new member” special. She also gets 5 training sessions with a personal trainer, but I hear that those aren’t very good!! My advice is go to a couple of different centers and shop it around, these guys compete against their own centers and want to close the deal, I saved about $400 by going to 3 centers. Good luck, hope this helps.
November 5th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
just signed up today $649 for 3yrs all clubs, and $49yr renewal.
November 12th, 2007 at 7:34 am
I went in with my husband. We didn’t do the tour. We just wanted the prices. So the guy gave us $699 for three years for the first person and $599 with a $29 renewal for the next two years. We didn’t sign up and walk out because we were still shopping other gyms. He call us later with $599 for the first person and $499 for the second with $29 renewal for the next two years. I think I will join.
November 12th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
I know this post is really old, but I wanted to say a few things in defense of my company. I am not going to say there aren’t guys like Mr. Parker in our company because that is not true. There are many guys like that; however, a common misconception among members is that they too can get the exact same deal their friends and family did. This is true SOME of the time, NOT all the time. The reason is because it just depends on when you sign up. Sometimes people get really great deals, there was one recently where 3 people could be added on to your membership for $10 each a month. It all depends on when you sign up and what specials they are running at the time. You might not be able to get the $540 for three years and only $24 a year afterwards. Now, 24 is more member friendly. I do apologize for the bad experience you’ve had. Unfortunately, there are still sales guys like that. Don’t give up hope, there are some nice ones out there. I just wanted to clarify your pricing information. It boils down to when and what level of gym you sign up at. I hope you’ve found a place to workout. Again, I apologize on Mr. Parker’s behalf.
November 17th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
HaHA. I love this job its amazing. Honestly I do not think there should be specials. It should all be the same. I think that 800 for 3 years the 99 a year every year after is a fairly good deal. 42.99 A month aint bad. And we all go to the gym for one things. To get something.
November 17th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
HaHA. I love this job its amazing. Honestly I do not think there should be specials. It should all be the same. I think that 800 for 3 years the 99 a year every year after is a fairly good deal. 42.99 A month aint bad. And we all go to the gym for one things. To get something.
November 19th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
I paid $600 for 3 years and $20 a year after the frist 3 years. Don’t let them tell you those deals don’t exist anymore because I got my deal in Dec 2004 and a friend of mine got a similar deal this August.
November 23rd, 2007 at 1:34 pm
24-Hour Fitness is a joke!! Not to mention they are the dirtiest gyms, constantly have broken equipment, smell inside, and have no customer service. I don’t understand how they can charge so many different fees just to get the membership, when the value is the same to all its members. Therefore, everyone should pay the same price!
November 27th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Costco members can get a 12 month 24 H/F membership for $199.00 (that is $50.00 off normal Costco price). It works out to about $16.60 per month. This deal is available Costco On-line.
November 28th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
not a bad deal from costco. They also offer a 2nd membership @ $149. The fine print says “not valid for current members”. My wife currently pays $24/month for a single club only. Does anyone know if she can cancel her current membership so we can take advantage of this deal?
November 29th, 2007 at 10:47 am
I’m thinking of doing that myself or trying to make them counter offer it. You also get the sport membership too! I heard there is some time period that you have to wait before being considered a new member.
November 30th, 2007 at 2:34 am
Thanks for this forum - very informative.
I live in the Orange County, CA area and got offered today a $599 / 3 year deal and $29 renewal after that.
Havent taken it yet, thought the sales person states it ends tomorrow (technically today).
To 24 Hour Employee: when will be the best time to grab the best membership deals? And is the current deal I am being offered great?
Thanks guys!
December 7th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
I just checked with the local club and the first and only deal they would offer for an all club membership was $749/3 year +$29 yearly renewal. This includes the 5 training sessions. They also offered $649/3 year +$99 yearly with no training. Also they said there would be no discount if my wife joined at the same time.
I’ve still got 2 days to decide between this and the $199 1 year Costco deal.
December 9th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Oh well, Costco pulled their great 24 Hour Fitness offer a few days before it expired. They said it was “sold out”, but I wonder.