The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit Wednesday against LA Fitness operators, accusing them of erecting unnecessary barriers to prevent consumers from canceling gym memberships.
The suit claims the company violated federal laws by failing to provide a straightforward cancellation process, allegedly leaving some members trapped in unwanted recurring charges.
California-based Fitness International, LLC, and Fitness & Sports Clubs, LLC — which run LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club and Club Studio — operate over 600 locations nationwide with 3.7 million members, according to the FTC’s complaint.
Memberships range from $30 to $299 monthly, plus voluntary add-ons like towel service or personal training, according to the FTC. The agency alleges LA Fitness forces consumers to cancel either in person or via mail, creating a maze of obstacles. (RELATED: Gym Thots Being Put In Their Place Is Oddly Satisfying)
FTC sues LA Fitness for making it difficult for consumers to cancel gym memberships.
Agency alleges LA Fitness put roadblocks in cancellation and failed to provide a simple cancellation mechanism as required by law: https://t.co/uQrUEboSV5— FTC (@FTC) August 20, 2025
Consumers must log into a website to print a cancellation form, but forgotten credentials allegedly require details like a “key tag” number and partial credit card info, the FTC stated. In-person cancellations are limited to one specific employee — often only available during hours when members are at work, despite most gyms operating up to 19 hours daily, according to the agency. Mailed cancellations allegedly demand certified or registered mail, adding costs, according to the lawsuit.
LA Fitness allegedly does not “clearly inform” members how to cancel add-ons separately without ditching the full membership, the FTC stated. Staff are trained to reject phone or email requests, and those stopping payments via banks allegedly face rebilling under new accounts, the agency claimed. The FTC claims this violates the FTC Act and Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA).
“The FTC’s complaint describes a scenario that too many Americans have experienced – a gym membership that seems impossible to cancel,” Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection Christopher Mufarrige stated. “Tens of thousands of LA Fitness customers reported difficulties — cancellation was often restricted to specific times or required speaking to specific managers who were often not present or available.”
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the suit seeks refunds for affected consumers and a court order halting the alleged practices.
The Daily Caller reached out to LA Fitness for comment but has not heard back as of publication.