New York Sports Clubs (NYSC) Customer Service Issues

I noticed that my membership fee increased without prior notification for the fourth time in two years. My credit card was charged a higher amount without my consent. As of Dec 1, [redacted], the monthly fee at the East Brunswick NJ location rose to $39.99. Initially, I paid $19, then it increased to $25, $30, $35, and now $40, plus an annual fee. The regular month-to-month price for this location is advertised as $24.99 online. My fee has doubled within two years. Kindly reconsider reducing or reverting my membership fee, or I will have to cancel and report these practices. Members should be informed in advance of any fee increases, allowing them to cancel before the higher rate is charged. Thank you. -J.S.

I recently signed up for a ten-day trial at the Bayonne NYSC. I was supposed to receive a call from the manager on the last day of the trial, but I did not. When I tried to cancel, the manager was unavailable for two consecutive days, and I was later wrongly charged $35. The manager had informed me I would be charged $19.99 if I did not cancel. After being charged, the manager said he couldn't refund me unless I stayed as a member. Subsequently, I was charged $75 for annual fees even though I did not wish to continue the membership after the trial. Despite assurances of a refund, I never received one. I feel deceived by the manager, Matthew Rivera, and am requesting a refund. If not resolved, I may have to escalate this issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. -M.G.

I have a monthly passport NYSC membership that costs $60.61, which was raised in January [redacted]. However, this month I noticed I was charged $71.27 without any prior notification. I did not receive any emails about this increase. According to my contract, any increase should not exceed $3 per year within a calendar year. NYSC tried to raise it by over $10 in January [redacted], but I had it reversed. Now, 11 months later they have increased it again. I will cancel my membership if they raise it even by a dollar. I demand a credit of $10.66 promptly as this charge is wrongful and unauthorized. I am willing to contact my credit card company to report this issue.

Hello, I used to be a member at Tapout Fitness on 32nd Street and 7th Ave. I canceled my membership before they switched to NYSC. Despite that, I was charged the $40 membership fee. After calling multiple times and visiting twice, I finally received a refund by providing proof of my cancellation. However, I was recently charged $[redacted].95 on my card at the end of November, even though I asked for my card information to be removed from the system. This situation has caused me significant inconvenience. I need a prompt resolution to this issue as I cannot wait long to speak to a manager or for a refund. Despite numerous attempts to contact a manager at the location, I have been unsuccessful.

I have contacted my local club's management several times before the rates were increased. I pay for myself, my boyfriend, and my daughter. Nicole Pepe assured me she would maintain our rates and refund the difference. Subsequently, I attempted to contact Nicole and Nicholas Tardibuono via email to cancel my daughter's and Billy's memberships, effective October 15th, as they do not utilize the club. Despite using the same email addresses as before, my emails are consistently returned undeliverable. I have verified the email addresses at the desk, copied them from prior successful correspondences, yet they still bounce back. In addition, I have been charged for three extra months and the annual fees for two members I am trying to cancel without any adjustments or refunds. Rachel R. and Billy B. have not visited the club in over six months. I request their memberships to be terminated on October 15th, with prorated annual fees. Thank you, Sharyn R. [redacted]

Hello, my wife is employed at NYSC, and I had a membership previously with the 32nd Street club location in New York. Formerly a Bally Total Fitness, the club is now a NYSC. I contacted them to cancel my membership upon learning of the transition, as I am able to access the club with my spouse. Despite being assured by Angel that my membership was canceled in November [redacted], I noticed a charge in December. Upon raising the issue, I was informed that my membership wasn't canceled due to an error on their end. Unfortunately, they refused to refund me. I visited the club in person, dealt with Angel and Israel, but they were unhelpful. I was even asked to provide my marriage certificate to prove my relationship, a request that made me feel uneasy and harassed. In contrast, other NYSC locations allowed me entry without any hassle. Having previously worked as a fitness instructor for both Bally's and NYSC without incident, this treatment is disappointing. I believe I should be treated with more consideration. I am hopeful that someone from corporate can address this matter and refund the charged amount for the month the membership should have been canceled. Thank you.

I enrolled in personal training with a trainer named Ryan at the Ardsley, NY club. I finished paying for training sessions in July [redacted] and notified Ryan that I wanted to stop the training and not charge my credit card. Despite this, my card was still charged $[redacted].00. I spoke to another trainer, also named Ryan, at the club, but he said he could not help. I requested Ryan to resolve this and ensure no further charges. I also emailed him about this month's bill, which has another charge. I have texts from Ryan suggesting he won't get paid if I stop training and mentioned feeding his family. He called me multiple times, which I found harassing and made me uncomfortable at the club. I am contacting you due to unauthorized charges on my credit card. I demand a refund for these charges as I followed the rules by informing the trainer about discontinuing sessions. The ongoing charges are unjust. I hope to resolve this matter amicably. Please contact my wife at [redacted] promptly. - Anthony Chiodo

I have been a member of the Syosset NYSC for over 15 years, practically since the day it opened. I must inform you that the management at this club is subpar. The sanitary wipe dispenser is frequently empty or broken, there are no tissues in any classroom or near the water fountain, the exercise room floor is lifting, which is hazardous, and lacking finish. The ceiling tiles are broken, and the bikes in the spin class keep malfunctioning, often the same ones, and are not repaired correctly. It seems that the individuals fixing the bikes do not actually ride them, as the same issues persist. The maintenance of this gym is truly disappointing. I have addressed some of these concerns with Gloria, the manager, but no action has been taken, and I am hesitant to upset her further. She mentioned that having tissues in the spin room is not necessary, which I find unreasonable. If these matters are not resolved, I am contemplating switching to another gym. I look forward to your response. Many regular gym attendees share my sentiments.

I contacted Lucille Roberts to cancel my membership once it ended. They insisted it could only be done in person, but I had moved away. The contract did not mention an in-person cancellation requirement. Consequently, they kept trying to charge my inactive card and calling me to explain the situation repeatedly. They even threatened to charge me $[redacted] every month, which they later raised to $[redacted], despite my absence from the gym long before my membership finished. Their records will confirm I have not used the gym post-membership. I should not be charged for not canceling in person as this was never stipulated in the contract.

I recently enrolled in a membership at NYSC in Hoboken. Following a car accident, I was unable to utilize my membership. When I approached the customer service manager, Ala, regarding freezing my account she indicated that only the freeze fee was required. However, despite this, I continued to be billed. After addressing the situation, Ala mentioned refunding my $75 annual fee, but during my visit to the gym when discussing it further, she denied ever saying that. Feeling deceived, I am considering leaving the gym, although I intend to complete my personal training first. It's disheartening that my focus on healing from my injury through exercise was overshadowed by the manager's apparent disregard for my well-being in favor of financial matters.

I have been dealing with issues for over two months now. My account was supposed to be canceled in June, yet I am still being charged monthly and annually. After unhelpful interactions with Mathew from Bayonne NYSC, I contacted Alejandra, who connected me with another representative for a refund. Despite being promised a $[redacted] refund by Alejandra, I have been waiting for over two months without any resolution. Even reaching out to member services has been fruitless. It is frustrating that Alejandra is now avoiding my calls, which is unprofessional. If I had checked reviews beforehand, I would have avoided this trouble. The lack of assistance from various representatives is disappointing. Despite being instructed to contact Alejandra, I am unable to reach her by phone or email. The lack of communication is concerning, and I am unsure how to escalate this issue further.

I signed up for the club on November 27, [redacted]. I paid an enrollment fee of $5 and $[redacted].07 ($74.63 for the annual fee and $39.44 for the monthly fee) on the same day. I informed the front desk that I would be traveling most of the time in [redacted] and did not want to be automatically charged monthly. The gentleman at the front desk assured me that I could simply ask to be charged when I visited each month. However, when I checked my credit card statement on 1/2/[redacted], I saw the monthly fee of $39.44 was charged. When I discussed this with the gentleman at the front desk, he denied our previous conversation and said I would need to pay $15 each month to freeze my account if I did not use the club but wanted to keep my membership. This miscommunication upset me, and despite canceling my membership on 1/2/[redacted] at NYSC Livingston, I still had to pay an additional one and a half months of fees without using the facilities as cancellation required a 45-day notice. It's disappointing that despite some positive feedback, others warned about such practices at the club.

I joined the club on November 27, [redacted], paying an enrollment fee of $5 and $[redacted].07 in total fees for the year. I informed the front desk staff of my intention to avoid automatic monthly payments due to extensive travel plans in [redacted]. Initially, I was assured I could pay monthly fees upon visiting. Unfortunately, I fell ill for most of December and early January. Despite being charged the monthly fee on January 2, [redacted], the front desk attendant denied the earlier agreement. Instead, I was informed a $15 monthly fee was required to freeze the account. This miscommunication was frustrating, leading me to cancel my membership on the same day. The policy of needing to give 45 days' notice for cancellation, in addition to the request for an extra fee to freeze the account, was perplexing. I hope to receive a refund for the annual fee or to freeze the account without additional charges until I return from my travels.

I am a member of the Brooklyn Heights NYSC and have a personal trainer I see twice a week for $[redacted] a month. As my December [redacted] session package was ending, I asked my trainer to freeze sessions for January due to travel plans. Despite this, I was charged $[redacted] by NYSC on January 3rd, [redacted]. I spoke with the general manager, Melissa Dobles, who mentioned paperwork needing completion with a supervisor's signature to freeze sessions. My trainer later attributed the charge to a system error. Miss Dobles' suggestion of documenting the incident involving my trainer felt unprofessional. I simply want the charge refunded promptly to overcome the inconvenience caused to my travel plans.

I joined NYSC in October [redacted] and agreed to a $10 monthly fee transaction. The payment was successfully deducted for October. However, in November, it was taken out on the 14th. Due to insufficient funds in December, the fee was not withdrawn while I was overseas, receiving no alert about this. Recently, on January 5th, when I tried to access the gym, I was informed of a $65 fee needed for entry. I acknowledge owing for December and January; I plan to deposit money soon. Concerning the $45 in late fees for November, December, and January, I believe a misunderstanding has occurred as the payment for November was made on the 14th. I am unsure why I am being charged for two late fees. Additionally, I wish to inquire about waiving the late fees for the months mentioned, as I am a new member since October. I seek assistance in resolving this matter to continue as a satisfied member. Thank you.

I am a member at the NYSC in Croton on Hudson, New York, and we have been experiencing ongoing heating issues at the gym for several months. The situation has led to disruptions in childcare services with little notice provided, causing inconvenience for me and my young twins on multiple occasions. Additionally, the cold temperature has affected class schedules, moving activities like yoga to alternative locations like the hallway. Despite attempting to reach the manager at the gym and corporate office for a resolution, I have faced communication challenges. This recurring problem has been frustrating, especially as yoga and childcare were significant factors in my decision to join. I hope this matter can be addressed promptly.

Dear [Gym], I have been a member at your gym for three years, and I have noticed that my membership fees have doubled during this time. While I understand that periodic increases may be necessary, the significant hike in fees is unacceptable. I have already reached the maximum monthly fee that I can afford, and further increases will not be sustainable for me. I wonder if NYSC is truly interested in retaining its members or if they are content with losing us to more budget-friendly gyms. I am disappointed that despite reaching out to my gym twice via email, I have not received a response. This lack of communication is concerning. Thank you.

Hello, (member #[redacted]), I have been a member of your gym for three years, and I have noticed that my membership fees have doubled during this time. I understand that periodic increases are necessary, but the current rate of increase is unacceptable. I have reached my limit in terms of what I can afford to pay for my monthly membership fee. Any further increases would not be sustainable for me. I am starting to wonder if NYSC is truly interested in retaining its members or if they are content with us leaving for more affordable gyms. I am disappointed that I have not received a response from my gym after reaching out to them twice via email. It is disappointing, to say the least.

Hello, my name is Christopher Desilva, and I am a member at the Forest Hills location on Austin Street. On January 6th, I submitted a request to cancel my membership. Today, on January 9th, I received a call informing me of a $10 cancellation fee on top of the 45-day grace period. Jeff Cajasl, the sales manager, mentioned that my card couldn't be processed, which added to the issue. Originally, my membership fee was $39.99, and it now stands at $44.99. I understand the 45-day grace period, but I am puzzled about the need for an extra $10 to process my cancellation. As I'm moving out of the neighborhood, I no longer wish to continue with NYSC. I respectfully request my membership cancelation without the $10 fee. For a prompt resolution, please reach me at +[redacted]6. I appreciate a quick response. I also believe Jeff's phone manner needs improvement, a matter I'm willing to discuss further when contacted.

I recently canceled my membership at the Garnerville, NY location with the help of the manager, John. He informed me about a $10 cancellation fee and assured me there would be no further charges. However, I was shocked to discover a $[redacted] charge on my card from the club. When I contacted the club, the front desk refused to let me speak to a manager, claiming there was nothing they could do. They mentioned that John no longer worked there, making it difficult to resolve the issue. Despite my persistence in calling four times, I was unsuccessful in reaching a manager, with excuses given each time. The lack of professionalism and customer service is disheartening. I am disappointed and frustrated with this experience and request a refund promptly.