A decietful minefield...

I walked past a FF gym and was invited to come inside and see their facilities. I wasn't ready to join the gym at that moment, but the Sales team wax-lyrical pitch enticed me with promises that I could leave at any time (I'm a freelancer and my work takes me to different locations), that I wouldn't be tied in to the contract and it would be easy to leave, just let them know and they would cancel my contract, no hassle. How wrong was I!

I proceeded with a delayed official start date of 4th August, but was told I would have a complimentary pass of 10 days to use the gym as I wished. I set up my direct debit to come out on the first of my start date being 4th of each month, and proceeded to use the gym.

I was then given an opportunity of 4 months work abroad, (I work in the Arts, so take work when it's available), I contacted Fitness First, being in the 14 day 'no hassle guaranteed' cancellation period, only to be told that I couldn't cancel, as they were using the date of when I first used the gym facilities (my 'complimentary' period) as the start date. I told them to clearly look at the contract, as it clearly states start date as 4th August 2014, but they were having none of it, trying to hold me to a 12 month contract when I'm within my 14 day cooling off period.

I have taken legal advice and they don't have a leg to stand on, but are still trying to make it difficult for me to leave! I would like to say to any persons seeking gym membership to STEER CLEAR FROM FITNESS FIRST, THEY WILL ENTICE YOU TO TAKE UP A GYM MEMBERSHIP, BUT IT IS A NIGHTMARE TO CANCEL IT. TAKE HEED AND STEER WELL CLEAR - OPT FOR A GYM WITH A ROLLING CONTRACT, NO HASSLE!