Would rate 0 if I could.
My wife and I signed up for the "Free" 6 week challenge and had to put down a deposit with the hopes of successfully completing the challenge in order to get out deposit back, thus making it "free".
We were told during our consultation that this challenge and the accompanied meal plan would help build muscle, lose fat, and we'd have a dedicated trainer personally meeting with us to go over our goals, keep us accountable, and answer any questions we have throughout the 6 weeks.
We were also told that in order to successfully complete the challenge and get our $1,00 back ($599 for me, $499 for my wife) there were a few requirements which were explained to us by the employee leading the consultation:
- Attend at least 3 classes a week and check in with our key cards to keep record of our visits (due to traveling plans we had already made 1.5 months out we even joined a 6 week schedule that had already started instead of waiting for the next program start date just so we'd be able to do all 6 weeks of at least 3 visits before going on our trip without missing out on the last week or so of the challenge and disqualifying ourselves)
- lose either 25lbs or 6% body fat (we chose body fat)
- Do our weekly weigh ins on their fancy scanner machine to keep track of our progress
Okay fine, we could use that as motivation to hit our goal. Because why wouldn't we do everything possible and required to get our refund back?
Now during the 6 weeks we had questions about who our trainer was, because no one ever reached out to introduce themselves and see if we had any questions or guide us like they were supposed to. We also had questions about the meal plan and when we asked the employees at the front desk they seemed more confused by the meal plan than we were.
Finally after 6 weeks of sticking RELIGIOUSLY to the meal plan, coming to 5 classes a week, buying the gloves and heart rate monitor they recommend to help you to reach your goal, I was able to lose more than 6% body fat, unfortunately my wife was just below 6% so she didn't successfully meet the requirement.
Which is a bummer because I know how hard she worked but hey at least we get my refund back right?
Apparently not.
After weeks of trying to get a response from them, of me sending the multiple emails, text messages, and phone calls, I finally get a response that they won't give me my refund because I didn't complete ALL the requirements.
Seems in the fine print where they had us initial there is a line that requires Facebook check ins for each visit.
Now i know for a fact that was never discussed in our consultation. We were told of the 3 requirements I listed earlier. Which I successfully completed. And yet they say "well you didn't actually complete all the requirements because you didn't check in on Facebook"
WHY WOULD I DO ALL THE DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE CHALLENGE BUT REFUSE TO DO THE EASIEST PART IF THAT HAD BEEN DISCUSSED AND EXPLAINED TO ME??
Considering how long it took to even get that response from them and how difficult it's been to get any kind of communication from this company this seems more like a Money Grab Scam rather than a legitimate Fitness Challenge.
First they bring you in with "Free 6 week Fitness Challenge", then blindside you by asking for the deposit, only to leave out VITAL pieces of information about the challenge.
Seems like they're hoping you won't actually pass the challenge and they get to keep your deposit.
Oh but hey they offered to roll our deposit into a membership, where they can apply it to give you a discounted rate for a 12 month term. So in order for me to feel like money wasn't wasted I have to spend MORE money with the company for membership?
After I've had to work so hard to just get a decent response from them? Why would anyone be willing to do that?
TLDR: the program isn't free, even if you pass the challenge it'll be like pulling teeth to get your deposit back, and that's assuming they don't find some way to keep your deposit.
Save your money, or find a gym with actual honest programs. read more