I wanted to share my experience so that others may be careful about signing any contracts.

I received a card in the mail last June (2006) about a new club that would be opening in my area. The card read, "Join for as low as 14.95 per month". I called, made my appointment and went in to find out what they had to offer.

The 14.95 option was for a higher registration fee (299) and one could only go three days a week. I opted for the "middle option" which was 29.99 per month with 149 down. Nothing was mentioned about the length of the membership. The recruiter was trying to rush me out because she had other appointments waiting for her. She told me that I could "read it at home" later. Well, when I got home and read it, I found out that I had just committed myself to a 36-month term!

My company moved locations a few months later... making the distance to the club at least a one hour drive to get there. In January, the club called me to come in and get measured (this is done to track your progress). I mentioned that I was having a great deal of difficulty getting there after work and that I was interested in changing my membership to the 14.95 one. I was told to call ABC Financial, which is the collection agency that Lady of America uses. I called and found that the gentleman on the other line was rude and told me that LOA should have NOT given me this number. He mentioned that the only way that I could cancel was to move 25 miles away from the nearest club.

Last Thursday (April 4), LOA asked me if I had any problems (since I had not been back). I mentioned that it took me an hour to get there after work. They told me to call ABC Financial. I just got off the phone with "Meagan" and she told me that I would either have to 1) Move or 2) be declared disabled by my doctor and having the doctor write a letter stating that fact. Both of those would be lies.

I cannot continue to pay for a membership that I cannot use. I cannot afford to join another club. I cannot afford to purchase additional exercise equipment until this issue can be resolved.

I just filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. They have three complaints against the facility. Mine will make it four.

Do not sign any contract without reading it first!!!

I hope that someone will learn from my mistake. Thank you for listening.