Have you ever joined a gym on a high note—New Year’s motivation, summer goals, maybe a free trial—only to find yourself ghosting the facility and still paying the bill?
That’s not just you. It’s systemic.
⚖️ The LA Fitness Lawsuit: Why It’s So Hard to Cancel
Last week, the Federal Trade Commission sued LA Fitness and its parent companies for deliberately making cancellations nearly impossible. Highlights from the complaint:
- Members forced to print and mail forms, visit in person, or chase down elusive managers.
- Millions in recurring charges billed to people trying to quit.
- Over 3.7 million members affected, according to the FTC’s analysis.
Source – Washington Post
And this isn’t a one-off—this is the kind of fine-print trap the FTC calls a “dark pattern.”
🏋️♀️ My Take: Use the Trial, Honor the Commitment
I’ve done a one-week trial at LA Fitness. It’s not a bad gym—and if you’re on the fence, the trial might be the move. Just know this:
Once you join, you’re not just committing to a contract. You’re committing to yourself.
To your health. Your energy. Your time.
And that’s a commitment worth honoring.
(PS: Want to see what a higher-end, no-hassle membership looks like? Read my post on how great an Equinox membership has been:
🛠 Your Real Exit Strategy: Use the Damn Gym
Instead of obsessing over how to cancel, try this instead:
1. Use It for More Than Just Workouts
- Shower and get ready—their toiletries are probably better than your travel set.
- Take meetings on the treadmill or stretch during Zoom calls.
- Hit a quick class during lunch or after work—momentum builds with frequency.
2. Time Hack Like a Boss
Borrow from my “DAO of finding time to work out” strategy:
- Block your workouts on your calendar like business meetings.
- Use the fireman method: prep your gear the night before.
- Eliminate time-wasters (social, email) before your workout block.
- Combine activities—catch up with a friend while walking.
👉 Full post with all my hacks here: The DAO of finding time to work out
3. Make It Social
Group classes, friendly faces, even a gym buddy who checks in—these things create stickiness. Motivation is easier when you’re not doing it alone.
💡 Final Takeaway
This lawsuit isn’t just about gym policies—it’s about a wake-up call. If your gym membership is gathering dust, it’s time to reframe the problem. You don’t need an escape route—you need a reentry plan.
You don’t have to do everything. You just have to do something.
I’ll see you at the gym.
