View Full Version : Avoid Urban Active Gym
PM Thor
01-14-2010, 03:49 PM
Avoid this scum sucking, mouth breathing, manipulative, bastardized rip off of a gym. They suck so bad I equate them to my level of hatred with dayton.
Here is why.
I quit the gym back on November 6, 5 days after my one year membership ended. Since they said I didn't give them 30 days notice of quitting, I had to pay for December. Nice scam there. So paid that $45 on December 5. They then said that there is a $10 "Filing" fee for quitting back on Nov. 6. Ok fine, suck on that $10 too. I turned in my pass at that time.
But then the topper. I got charged another $45 on Jan 5 for the "last months" fee, and a $20 late fee. So I'm out $120 to a gym that I haven't set foot in since October.
I called the gym, with no resolution. They said I had access to the gym that entire time, but why would I have had turned in my pass at cancellation then? I have left 4 messages for the customer service manager to call me back, no call now in 3 full days. He apparently did say I could have a free month at the gym though, as told to me by the bimbo I talked to on the phone. Why in the Hell would I want to step back in that gym after this BS?
I could choke a bitch right now I'm so livid. I'm furious. I wish I had the guts to firebomb a place, but I don't, and won't.
Avoid Urban Active at all costs. I cannot express how much I despise that place. There is a reason why they are being sued for not dealing with customer complaints.
I HATE dayton.
bobbiemcgee
01-14-2010, 04:07 PM
If you used a cc, just dispute and they'll take it off.
PM Thor
01-14-2010, 04:10 PM
If you used a cc, just dispute and they'll take it off.
Oh nice, I forgot about that....it was a debit card though, not sure it works the same way.
I HATE dayton.
danaandvictory
01-14-2010, 04:11 PM
If you used a cc, just dispute and they'll take it off.
Yeah. I've been a member there forever, always on a prepayment basis, but a couple friends have experienced similar BS trying to terminate their membership. You've got to challenge the charge with your CC and get a hold of a manager and bitch to get anything done with them.
PM Thor
01-14-2010, 04:16 PM
I really don't like yelling at customer service reps, I did that job for awhile during a summer back in school, so I empathized with how they got blasted day in, day out.
But the way they treat their customers, and potential customers is beyond bad. And now there is another day without a call back from that manager. I have dealt with csrs for well over two decades now as an adult, and this is the first time where I am actually angry not only at the company as a whole, but at actual people who work there. I can say honestly that this company is the worst company I have ever dealt with, bar none.
I HATE dayton.
Kahns Krazy
01-14-2010, 04:22 PM
I agree that it's shady, but come on... you have to have heard horror stories about membership gyms enough to know better, right? That's like buying a watch on the street then getting outraged that it's not a real Rolex.
Are all of those fees spelled out in your contract? If not, take them to court. Especially the late fee - that sounds sh***y if they have your billing info.
And finally, debit cards are great - especially for anyone that needs help sticking to a budget, but they don't offer nearly the same protections that credit cards to. Many issuers will assist cardholders in disputes, but they are not required to do so in the same way credit card issuers are. I would never put any kind of recurring billing situation on a Debit card, or anything that isn't a complete transaction when you pay for it (airline ticket comes to mind).
Kahns Krazy
01-14-2010, 04:23 PM
I really don't like yelling at customer service reps, I did that job for awhile during a summer back in school, so I empathized with how they got blasted day in, day out.
But the way they treat their customers, and potential customers is beyond bad. And now there is another day without a call back from that manager. I have dealt with csrs for well over two decades now as an adult, and this is the first time where I am actually angry not only at the company as a whole, but at actual people who work there. I can say honestly that this company is the worst company I have ever dealt with, bar none.
I HATE dayton.
I have no doubt that they are trained to be that way. It's not just random.
Juice
01-14-2010, 04:24 PM
I can say honestly that this company is the worst company I have ever dealt with, bar none.
I HATE dayton.
Do you deal with Time Warner Cable often? Because they will give anyone a run for their money in the most frustrating companies in the world contest.
Pablo's Brother
01-14-2010, 04:27 PM
Call the I-Team! Firefighter screwed by UD loving corporation = ratings! Just make sure you tell everyone "this is not about me, its about the children" and "I wanted to quit to give the extra money to the less fortunate."
Kahns Krazy
01-14-2010, 04:32 PM
Do you deal with Time Warner Cable often? Because they will give anyone a run for their money in the most frustrating companies in the world contest.
True dat, but in a different way. My experience with TWC employees has generally been they they would truly like to help, but that the company limits their ways to do so, and they are notorious for reissuing "refurbished" equipment that wasn't even furbished once, much less re-.
PM Thor
01-14-2010, 04:38 PM
Do you deal with Time Warner Cable often? Because they will give anyone a run for their money in the most frustrating companies in the world contest.
I used to deal with TW when I had them, and I can easily say Urban Active makes them look like the best customer service in the world. Really.
As for the contract, it's not listed in the paperwork about any "filing" fee for cancellation, no "last months payment" at cancellation, and no "late charge" anywhere in there. I have been a member at 4 different gyms now, all with contracts, with not a single problem, except for these idiots.
They actually had the gall to say that the cancellation department determines when the cancellation takes effect. I kid you not.
I think they believe that the amount involved isn't large enough for anyone to follow up through a lawsuit, but there is a class action lawsuit just being filed down in Florence against them.
The reason I used my debit card is for this reason precisely. My bank is pretty spot on for me whenever I have an issue come up, and they have helped me with no questions asked (my identity got stolen about 10 years ago). It's a small bank and I prefer to use them over the faceless megabanks.
I HATE dayton.
pickledpigsfeet
01-14-2010, 04:41 PM
I saw a car today on 71S with a sign on the driver's door that said "I Hate Urban Active".
I go to Fitness 19 or whatever it is and only pay $12/month and its on a month to month basis. It isn't as nice at UA but its got the basics and everything that I need and I can quit whenever I want.
PM Thor
01-14-2010, 04:42 PM
Call the I-Team! Firefighter screwed by UD loving corporation = ratings! Just make sure you tell everyone "this is not about me, its about the children" and "I wanted to quit to give the extra money to the less fortunate."
I really thought about it, but considering that I'm pretty outta shape, quitting a gym and bitching about their service wouldn't really work.
Plus if I ever met John Matarese I think I would punch him square in the face.
I HATE dayton.
Kahns Krazy
01-14-2010, 05:21 PM
Plus if I ever met John Matarese I think I would punch him square in the face.
I HATE dayton.
That guy sucks. I would like to watch. I could go for hours on the stories he's done over the years that were misleading, wrong or even dangerous.
I actually e-mailed him one time on a story he did about gas prices or mileage or something. We went back and forth a couple of times, and eventually he did actually admit that he hadn't done his research, he just picked a number out of thin air. How that guy has a job is beyond me.
drudy23
01-14-2010, 05:52 PM
Avoid "chains" (Golds, Urban Active, etc) when it comes to gym memberships. They're only concern is $$$, and not health.
From my experience, your best best from a gym perspective is to pick one that is affiliated with a hospital or health care organization (TrHealth, Mercy, etc). Although of course they like to make money, you can also tell they want you to be healthy...so their offerings are very nice, affordable, and they keep their facilities clean and spacious.
It doesn't hurt that they are full of old people who complain ALOT so you don't have to.
They're probably a little more expensive, but worth it if it avoids the hassles of the chains.
PM Thor
01-14-2010, 06:01 PM
I can one up that drudy, a religiously based community center. Full of old people, and isn't "too" much into making money.
Like the Jewish Community Center over on ridge. Facility is 2 years old and is a great gym with 5 pools. Only problem is they don't carry pepperoni for their pizzas at their deli.
I HATE dayton.
XU2424
01-14-2010, 06:23 PM
Hey Thor check out Mercy Healthplex. They are giving a discount to us, just saying. I would, but I already committed 2 years to Urban Active here in Kenwood. I signed up in April, so I knew nothing of the Mercy deal. I must say the UA in Kenwood is mighty nice, new equipment and scenery to boot. GO X!
blobfan
01-14-2010, 10:49 PM
I feel for your Thor. Fitworks bent me over the same barrel a couple years ago. Problem is the best gym for most people is the one that's the most convenient. It's hard to match location-cost-hours in some areas of town.
MuskieCinci
01-15-2010, 01:39 AM
I use Averae Joe's because I can't afford Globo Gym.
wkrq59
01-15-2010, 02:40 AM
Do you deal with Time Warner Cable often? Because they will give anyone a run for their money in the most frustrating companies in the world contest.
]Juice, that's why I switched to Dish Network 10 years ago and never regretted it. I only recently took the picture of Virgil I read off the back rim of my toilet seat. That sumbitch and his minions ripped me off for a month for films I didn't order and their service department and customer relations staff sucks. Every gym I've ever been to has been shady and I'd never enter the place again. Thor, start sending emails to their site complaining and get into their chat room They might be narccisistic enough to pay back.
Jumpy
01-15-2010, 08:27 AM
I've heard that LA Fitness also employs the same underhanded tactics in screwing over their customers.
The last time I tried to cancel a gym membership I ended up cancelling the credit card because that was the only way I could get them to stop charging me. My advice to anyone joining a gym is to get a new credit just for the gym and when you cancel, also cancel the credit card.
Kahns Krazy
01-15-2010, 11:14 AM
The last time I tried to cancel a gym membership I ended up cancelling the credit card because that was the only way I could get them to stop charging me. My advice to anyone joining a gym is to get a new credit just for the gym and when you cancel, also cancel the credit card.
Don't assume it's over because you cancel the credit card. I know at least two people that tried this. It works until you go to buy a house and there's an unpaid gym membership on your credit report.
I think Thor's learning is the best - your local community center is probably a safe bet. Or the YMCA if you are near a good one. The quality varies immensely from location to location. Or move to Blue Ash. Their community center kicks ass.
boozehound
01-15-2010, 11:16 AM
Anyone remember the Friends episode where Chandler quits the gym?
blobfan
01-15-2010, 11:51 AM
Maybe Thor needs to take a poll of all the Urban Active users and PM us with his personal info. We can all call in to Urban active to get an update on our contract expiration date and review the cancellation terms, telling them we heard that Thor got screwed over and are concerned the same thing will happen to us. Those that go to the Hyde Park location can casually mention they might check out the new LA Fitness if their customer service is better. Or reference the ads to the $15 month-to-month offer that Fitworks is advertising.
A couple calls like that and I bet there'd be quick action on the issue.
Raoul Duke
01-15-2010, 11:58 AM
Anyone remember the Friends episode where Chandler quits the gym?
Totally. I openly admit I am a huge Friends junkie. Classic episode.
Lamont Sanford
01-15-2010, 11:59 AM
Plus if I ever met John Matarese I think I would punch him square in the face.
I HATE dayton.
Thor -
I once saw Matarese at a game at the Cintas Center. I'm pretty sure he brought in his own dinner in a brown bag to avoid the high priced concessions. He is a major tool.
Juice
01-15-2010, 12:47 PM
I would also like to point out that the only people I know who go to Urban Active are creepy dudes who are trying to hit on every chick and bang them there on the bench.
Thor, you seem pretty normal but I have heard that Urban Active might be Cincinnati's little piece of Jersey Shore.
mr. zimpher
01-15-2010, 01:05 PM
Thor, i saw some guy in a green 4-runner with a sign that read "I hate Urban Active" in Pleasant Ridge today. Was that you or is Urban Active in the business of pissing off a whole lot of people?
PM Thor
01-15-2010, 02:19 PM
I would also like to point out that the only people I know who go to Urban Active are creepy dudes who are trying to hit on every chick and bang them there on the bench.
Thor, you seem pretty normal but I have heard that Urban Active might be Cincinnati's little piece of Jersey Shore.
Thats part of why I quit, too many dudes and not really a good facility. When I walked into the JCC I was very impressed with the place, and lots of hot Jewish ladies.
And I wish I had that I hate Urban Active sticker. I just googled reviews on them and it looks like quite a few people think they suck too.
I HATE dayton
LadyMuskie
01-15-2010, 09:32 PM
I am fairly certain that what they did to you Thor is illegal. I'm sure one of the lawyers on here would know for sure, but we handled a case similar to this for one of our clients about five years ago. Its illegal, or it was, to charge someone to "quit" a membership. They also cannot continue to charge your credit card once you have given notice of termination. (Rumor had it, that this is why Gold's had to become Urban Active because they got in so much trouble with the Attorney General the last time around.) You should keep notes of all the people you have spoken to, what time, etc. Keep any and all peices of paper you've received from them. I would fight this until I got all of my money back, and I'd be contacting the BBB and anyone else I could think of. But then, I worked for lawyers for 11 years, and I can find a worthwhile fight just about anywhere ;)
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