Jul 17, 2008 4:36 pm US/Pacific
Gym Members End Up Thinner - In The Wallet
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) ―
"In order to go to the new gym, I'm going to have to pay three times what my membership is now, which makes me very angry," said Dean Jackson.
Jackson works out at 24 Hour Fitness in Moraga. His contract says he only has to pay $50 a year, but that may change. The company is closing Dean's gym and opening a "Super Sport Club" near by, it costs an extra $10 a month.
Some members are mad because they locked in a lower rate. "I paid extra money so down the road we could have a yearly fee at a much reduced cost," said Fawn Jackson, Dean's wife.
Now they're over a barrel -- 24 Hour Fitness club members get contracts that say the company can charge more for Super Sport club memberships.
"What makes this a Super Club? It doesn't have a pool, it doesn't have a sauna room, it doesn't have a tanning facility," said Fawn.
And another thing, according to the company's own website it lacks many Super Sport Club amenities. These members think 24 Hour Fitness is calling it a "Super Sport Club" just so it can raise rates.
"So what am I paying for? I'm really peeved. It's just a way to get more money from me," said Fawn.
In a statement, 24 Hour Fitness said members who joined in the last year "will have full access without any increase in their monthly dues. Members who signed up prior...can enjoy our new facility for an additional $9.99 per month or no more than $39.99 per month."
Dean Jackson thinks any extra fee is too much and he's thinking of quitting. "Instead of a $120 extra, they'll be getting nothing," said Dean.
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