BUYER BEWARE. Read This Before Signing.
I had to edit this review because the Owner stated that if I did not remove my negative reviews, they would proceed with a defamation lawsuit. I will not be bullied into taking down a review based on my personal experience. I have edited the post to focus strictly on the contract terms and my opinions, which are protected by free speech. This threatening action demonstrates how management operates behind the scenes and that if you do not comply, they will attempt to scold you into submission.
This detailed and lengthy review alerts anyone considering a membership at CP Fort Lee, Englewood, Northvale, and other locations owned by Scott Untener and managed by Vianca Rinko. These are independently owned franchises. The owner oversees all operations and decisions. The contract in dispute is dated 11/05/2024 ($169/month for 4 sessions). My negative experience began at the eighth month, exposing a pattern of billing designed to penalize members who attempt to freeze or cancel.
The Freeze Policy is an unsound option. I requested a membership freeze on 7/29, and I was informed the standard freeze is for medical reasons only. The manager, Vianca, offered a "courtesy" freeze, but the Freeze Policy Clause offers no financial relief, stating "freezing your membership will extend the term of the Agreement and that you will still be obligated to pay your monthly dues." In my case, this meant I would have continued to pay the monthly dues ($169), plus the monthly freeze fee ($15 to $35). The studio operates on a "Use or Lose" policy. If I paused for 2 mos, I would then be required to use the 12 accumulated sessions within 30 days upon reactivation to avoid losing their value. In my view, this structure is an impossible and perversely counterintuitive condition designed to guarantee profit while making it nearly impossible for a working adult with time constraints to redeem the full value. The additional monthly freeze fee functions as an extra income stream during non-utilization. I then requested cancellation on 7/30, two days after my payment due date (7/28). The Termination clause requires 30 days' advance written notice. The 7/28 payment covered the service period of 8/1-8/31. Vianca stated that 30-days' notice meant one final payment. My notice on 7/30 missed the deadline by 1 day. This resulted in me being liable for the payment due on 8/28, turning my initial 9/1 cancellation request into a 10/1 cancellation. I initially refused to pay this 8/28 bill for ethical concerns, but I paid it in October. My cost to break free from this contract was $338, plus the $20 late fee. This is a highly punitive interpretation of the contract designed to maximize charges. Missing a deadline by 1 day results in a disproportionately large financial penalty. The club benefits from active, freezing, and canceling members alike, ensuring no financial loss to management, EVER. After 7/31, I faced what I deem harassment from their debt collector. When I tried to stop any bills passed 9/28, Vianca claimed on 10/4 that she would contact "Corporate" for a waiver. However, when pressed for Corporate's contact on 10/7, the response was "You can Google that information..." I view this as a lie intended to stall and to be petty. Due to their refusal to resolve the dispute amicably, I sought Counsel, and the issue ended 10/29/25. The current legal threat against this review only underscores that my critique is not baseless. In my opinion, management displayed confrontational behavior, acting like bullies who strong-arm members into compliance. Please follow the instructions on the Dispute Resolution Clause to retain your legal rights. Save yourself the stress of dealing with any CP operated by this Owner. I was a loyal, repeat member from 2022 until this incident. Penalizing a repeat member for missing the cancellation deadline by 1 day is not a client-focused business model, in my opinion. How quickly the tables turn when you want to depart, but to the business's favor, not for the member. read more