How to Cancel a Gym Membership: Wall Street Journal in Massachusetts

How to Cancel a Gym Membership

Applied to Wall Street Journal (Phone only) in Massachusetts

1. 1

   Read your membership contract first

   Find your contract (check your email or the gym's member portal). Note: the contract term, any minimum commitment period, notice requirements (typically 30 days), and cancellation methods allowed.

   Massachusetts note: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93A requires Wall Street Journal to provide an easy cancellation mechanism.

2. 2

   Send written notice via certified mail

   For gyms like Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and LA Fitness, send a certified letter with return receipt to your home club. Include: full name, address, membership number, and explicit cancellation request.

3. 3

   Visit in-person as a backup

   Visit your home club during staffed hours and request cancellation in writing. Ask for a written receipt of your cancellation request with the date and representative's name.

4. 4

   Cite your state's Health Club Act

   Most states (CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, etc.) have Health Club Acts that override gym contracts. These laws often require gyms to allow cancellation by certified mail regardless of what the contract says.

5. 5

   Dispute charges after cancellation

   After your notice period ends, watch your statement. Any charges after the effective cancellation date are disputable. File a chargeback citing the Fair Credit Billing Act and your cancellation documentation.