How to Cancel Any Gym Membership in 2026: Scripts, Letters & Legal Rights

Why Gyms Make Cancellation So Hard

Let's be honest: gyms profit from people who don't show up. The industry term is "ghost members"—people paying $30-50/month for memberships they never use. Studies suggest 67% of gym memberships go unused, generating billions in revenue for gym chains.

That's why they make cancellation frustrating. But you have rights, and this guide will help you exercise them.

Know Your Legal Rights

State Consumer Protection Laws

Many states have laws protecting gym members:

California: Gyms must accept cancellations by mail. They cannot require you to visit in person. New York: You can cancel within 3 business days of signing. If you move 25+ miles from a gym location, you can cancel with proof of address. Illinois: Contracts automatically void if you move 25+ miles away or become disabled. Florida: Right to cancel within 3 days. Must provide written cancellation procedures. Most states: Require gyms to honor written cancellation requests, regardless of what the contract says about "in-person only."

The FTC and Deceptive Practices

The Federal Trade Commission has taken action against gyms for:

• Making cancellation unreasonably difficult
• Continuing to charge after cancellation
• Hiding cancellation procedures
• Requiring in-person cancellation when not disclosed at signup

Bottom line: If a gym is making cancellation unreasonably difficult, they may be violating federal law.

The General Cancellation Process

Step 1: Read Your Contract

Find these details:

• Cancellation notice period (usually 30 days)
• Required cancellation method (letter, in-person, online)
• Any cancellation fees
• Billing cycle dates

Step 2: Choose Your Cancellation Method

In order of effectiveness:

Certified mail - Creates legal proof of delivery

Email + certified mail - Belt and suspenders approach

In-person - Only if you can get written confirmation

Online/App - If available, screenshot everything

Step 3: Document Everything

• Date and time of all communications
• Names of employees you spoke with
• Confirmation numbers
• Screenshots of online cancellations
• Certified mail tracking numbers

Step 4: Follow Up

• Verify cancellation in writing
• Monitor bank statements for 60 days
• Dispute unauthorized charges immediately

Cancellation Letter Template

Send this via certified mail with return receipt requested:

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[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Your Email] [Your Phone]

[Date]

[Gym Name] Attn: Membership Cancellation Department [Gym Address]

RE: Membership Cancellation Request Member Name: [Your Name] Member ID: [If you have one] Billing Address: [Address on file]

Dear [Gym Name] Membership Services,

I am writing to formally request the cancellation of my gym membership, effective immediately or at the end of my current billing period, whichever is earlier per my membership agreement.

Please confirm this cancellation in writing to my email address above within 10 business days.

I am requesting:

Written confirmation of cancellation and effective date

Confirmation that no further charges will be made to my payment method

Any refund owed for prepaid membership periods

If this request is not processed, I will file complaints with:

• The Better Business Bureau
• The [State] Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division
• The Federal Trade Commission

Please note that I am sending this letter via certified mail, and I have retained a copy for my records.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]

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Gym-Specific Cancellation Guides

Planet Fitness

Official method: Written letter to your home club OR certified mail to corporate. What they don't tell you: You can send a certified letter to Planet Fitness headquarters:

Planet Fitness Headquarters

4 Liberty Lane West

Hampton, NH 03842

Phone script:

"Hi, I need to cancel my membership. My member ID is [number]. I'd like to cancel effective [date]. Can you process this over the phone and email me confirmation? If not, please provide the exact mailing address and any specific requirements for a cancellation letter."

LA Fitness

Official method: In-person at your home club with 5 days written notice. Workaround: Send a certified letter requesting cancellation. If they refuse, mention:

"I understand you prefer in-person, but I'm unable to visit the gym due to [work schedule/moved away/health issue]. Please process this written request or provide the specific legal basis for refusing a written cancellation."

Equinox / Luxury Gyms

Official method: Usually 45-day written notice. The key: These high-end gyms care about reputation. A polite but firm email mentioning you'll share your experience publicly often works:

"I've been a loyal member, but my circumstances have changed. I'd appreciate your help processing this cancellation smoothly. I'd hate for this to become a negative experience I'd need to share."

CrossFit Gyms / Local Boxes

Usually easier: Most independent gyms are more reasonable. A simple email or conversation often works. If not, fall back to the certified letter approach.

24 Hour Fitness

Official method: Online through member portal OR in-person at club. Tip: If online isn't working, try calling: 1-800-432-6348. Document the call and request email confirmation.

Phone Script for Any Gym

Use this adaptable script:

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Opening:

"Hi, I'm calling to cancel my membership. My name is [name] and my member ID is [number]."

If they try to save you:

"I appreciate the offer, but I've made my decision. Please proceed with the cancellation."

If they ask why:

"I'd prefer not to discuss my reasons. Please just process the cancellation."

If they say you must come in person:

"I'm unable to come in person due to [work/moved/health]. Your contract didn't clearly state cancellation requires in-person visit at signup. Please process my written request or provide the legal basis for refusing."

If they mention cancellation fees:

"Please explain exactly what the fee is for and point me to where this is stated in my contract."

Getting confirmation:

"Please email me confirmation of this cancellation including: the effective date, confirmation no further charges will be made, and a reference number for this call. What is your name and employee ID?"

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What If They Keep Charging You?

Step 1: Contact Your Bank

Request a "stop payment" on the gym's charges. Explain:

"I cancelled my membership on [date] via [method]. They are continuing to charge without authorization."

Step 2: Dispute the Charges

File a chargeback for unauthorized charges. Provide:

• Copy of cancellation letter/email
• Certified mail tracking showing delivery
• Any confirmation you received

Step 3: File Complaints

Better Business Bureau: File at bbb.org. Gyms often respond to BBB complaints to protect their rating. State Attorney General: Most states have a consumer protection division. File online at your state AG's website. FTC: Report at ftc.gov/complaint. While the FTC doesn't resolve individual complaints, they track patterns and take action against repeat offenders. Google/Yelp Reviews: Honest reviews mentioning cancellation difficulties often get attention from gym management.

Common Obstacles & Responses

"You have to come in person"

"I'm sending this request via certified mail, which creates a legal record of my cancellation request. If you refuse to process a written cancellation, please provide that in writing, and I will forward it to my state's consumer protection office."

"There's a 60-day notice period"

"I'm providing notice now. Please confirm the exact date my membership will end and that no charges will occur after that date."

"You have a 12-month commitment"

"I understand. Please calculate any early termination fee per the contract and provide that in writing. I'll pay any legitimately owed fees, but I want the membership cancelled."

"Our system is down"

"I understand. I'm sending a certified letter as backup. Please ensure my call today is documented as my initial cancellation request, and provide your name for my records."

"We need 30 days AND you to come in"

"This letter constitutes my 30-day notice. If you require additional action, please confirm that in writing with specific instructions. Otherwise, I expect cancellation in 30 days."

The Nuclear Option: Credit Card

If all else fails and they won't stop charging:

Cancel the card on file - Request a new card number from your bank

Report as fraud - If charges continue to a cancelled card

Consider small claims court - For persistent unauthorized charges

New Year's Resolution: Don't Get Trapped Again

If you're signing up for a new gym in 2026:

Ask about cancellation upfront - Get it in writing

Read the contract - Especially the cancellation clause

Pay monthly if possible - Avoid annual commitments

Use a credit card - Easier to dispute than debit

Set a calendar reminder - Review before any commitment period ends

Get Your Custom Cancellation Script

Every gym situation is different. For personalized cancellation scripts, letters, and escalation strategies tailored to your specific gym and situation:

Generate Your Gym Cancellation Package →

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This guide is for informational purposes. Laws vary by state and situation. For legal advice, consult an attorney in your jurisdiction.