UNDATED (WKZO-AM/FM) — Attorney General Bill Schuette has slapped a cease and desist order on a chain of west Michigan-based gyms which they claim have been intimidating former clients into making payments if they quit before their memberships expire.
Family Fitness, which has outlets in Portage, Plainwell, Holland and 11 other locations in Michigan, is accused of using threats of enormous penalties as a way of keeping customers locked into membership agreements. Schuette then threatened to open a formal investigation or file suit against the chain, depending on what actions the chain takes now that the order has been issued.
They say they will continue to interview affected customers to make sure.
The AG’s office has received 48 complaints citing Family Fitness this year alone, and have 55 older complaints on file.
Family Fitness has issued a statement saying they stand by their contracts. “We encourage any member who wishes to discuss their current agreement to reach out to our corporate office directly,” it said.
Phil Catlett at the Better Business Bureau said they have received even more complaints.
It’s not just Family Fitness. Catlett said, when anyone heads for the gym, he recommends they exercise some caution, read the contract, make sure it aligns with any verbal promises that were made before signing.
