You may have to jump through several hoops to cancel your gym membership. (Getty Images)
Signing up for your gym membership was easy. You talked to an employee, did a walkthrough, signed a contract and suddenly had near-instant access to treadmills, ellipticals and tons of other gym perks. But now that you're ready to cancel the gym contract, things are a little more challenging. Whether you're moving or can't go enough to justify staying, the steps you'll have to take can be more difficult than upper body day — yikes.
Popular gyms, including LA Fitness and Planet Fitness, generally don't allow you to cancel your membership online, even though you can sign up on their websites. Instead, you have to make a phone call or go to the gym to close your account — likely so they can talk you into keeping your contract a bit longer.
We'll explain how to get out of a gym membership at five popular chains. If your gym isn't listed, we recommend calling your local club for its cancellation policy.
How to cancel a gym membership at Anytime Fitness
How to cancel a gym membership at Planet Fitness
How to cancel a gym membership at Gold's Gym
How to cancel a gym membership at LA Fitness
How to cancel a gym membership at 24 Hour Fitness
How to cancel a gym membership online
How to cancel a gym membership over the phone
Each Anytime Fitness location has its own cancellation policy since each club is independently owned. The membership agreement you signed when joining should have all the information you need on how to cancel, including any applicable cancellation fees. There's no way to cancel your membership online, so you'll need to either call the gym or visit in person.
A contract posted by a frustrated Reddit user who was a member of an Anytime Fitness gym said the account needs to be current before you can cancel. It also said a member "may cancel for any reason during the initial agreement term by paying a $250.00 early termination fee with a 30-day written notice hand delivered to a manager or team member at the club." However, the policy at your club might be different, so read your contract.
Much like with Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness cancellation policies vary by location. The chain recommends contacting your local gym to get the correct policy.
Planet Fitness notes that for most locations, you can visit your home club in person to cancel your membership or send a written notice by mail requesting to cancel. However, you may be eligible to cancel your membership online, depending on your membership type and the location of your home gym. We recommend calling your local gym to find out what exactly you need to do.
Also note that if your Planet Fitness membership has a minimum term (for instance, 12 months) and you cancel your membership before that term ends, you'll be required to pay a $58 buyout fee.
The process to cancel your Gold's Gym membership varies depending on your location. You'll have to either contact your gym via phone or email, or go in person to cancel. If you're a member of Gold's Gym Camas, Vancouver Mall, Vancouver Hazel Dell, Tigard, Kirkland or Woodinville (all in Washington state), you can cancel online.
Note that many of the gym's locations require a 30-day written notice to cancel. Also, if you cancel during the term you signed up for, you may have to pay an early cancellation fee unless you can provide proof that you're moving more than 25 miles away or have a doctor's note saying you're unable to work out.
If you're an LA Fitness member, there are multiple ways to cancel your month-to-month membership.
If you cancel by mail, you'll need to print out the cancellation form available in your online account (you can also send in a written cancellation notice). Then, mail the form to P.O. Box 54170, Irvine, CA 92619.
You can also cancel in person by bringing either the cancellation form or a written notice of cancellation to the operations manager at your nearest club. Request a receipt that will serve as proof of cancellation.
Depending on your state, you may be able to cancel by email or online through your account portal. Check your membership agreement or call the club to see whether this option is available.
If you signed up for a membership or personal training sessions with an initial term of three months or more and want to cancel before the end of that term, you may have to pay a termination fee.
There are a few ways to cancel your 24 Hour Fitness membership. You can dial 866-308-8179, call your local club or submit this online form to cancel. Note that if you have any add-on memberships, you'll also need to cancel those when you cancel your main account. Otherwise, you'll still accrue charges.
If you cancel before your commitment period is up, you may have to pay a cancellation fee. If your commitment period has ended, future monthly charges will stop.
Check your membership agreement for an explanation of your specific cancellation rights.
Unfortunately, canceling your gym membership online isn't always an option. But the Federal Trade Commission in October 2024 announced its final click-to-cancel rule that will make it easier for you to cancel your recurring memberships and subscriptions. For instance, if you're able to sign up for a gym membership online, you should also be able to cancel it online.
“Too often, businesses make people jump through endless hoops just to cancel a subscription,” Commission Chair Lina Khan said in a statement. “Nobody should be stuck paying for a service they no longer want.”
The new rule, originally intended to begin on May 14, is now expected to go into effect on July 14 to give companies more time to comply.
California has already been implementing this rule. So if you live in the Golden State, you may have the option to cancel your membership online if you signed up online.
Most gyms will allow you to cancel your membership over the phone, or at least give you instructions on how to cancel. If you're ready to end your contract but don't have time to visit the gym, simply call your local club.
Be prepared to say why you're leaving and whether you'd stay for a (likely temporary) lower rate. Have your debit or credit card handy in case you're required to pay a termination fee.
While you may be canceling your gym membership, it's important to stay active. Check out how exercise can impact your mental health and how working out impacts your life.
Now that you've canceled your membership, you may be looking for ways to get your exercise in. Here's how to start walking for exercise and how to start running. In addition, we've found the best rowing machines and the best workout bikes.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
It'll include connected bikes, rowers and treadmills.
Fitness
