- Most traditional gyms require in-person or certified mail cancellation — no online option.
- Expect a 30-day notice period, meaning one more charge after you submit cancellation.
- Always get written confirmation of your cancellation and keep it.
- Relocation and medical conditions are common grounds for fee-free cancellation of contracts.
Why Gym Cancellations Are So Difficult
Gym memberships are intentionally designed to outlast your motivation. The business model relies on a large number of members paying monthly but rarely showing up — gyms would run out of equipment if everyone who paid actually attended.
This means cancellation processes are made as friction-filled as possible. Requiring an in-person visit during business hours, forcing certified mail, or making you speak to a retention specialist aren't bugs — they're features. Knowing this going in makes the process less frustrating.
Before You Cancel: Check These First
Before walking in or sending that letter, pull up your membership agreement and confirm:
- Contract vs. month-to-month — are you in a fixed-term contract or rolling month-to-month? Contracts may have an early termination fee.
- Notice period — most gyms require 30 days notice. Your next billing date may still be charged.
- Cancellation fee — contract memberships often charge $50–$100 to cancel early.
- Annual fee timing — some gyms charge an annual fee separately. If one is due soon, cancelling just before it could save you that charge.
How to Cancel Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness does not allow online cancellation. Your two options:
- In person — visit your home club (the location you signed up at), ask to speak with a staff member or manager, and request cancellation in writing. They'll have you fill out a cancellation form. Keep a copy.
- Certified mail — send a letter to your home club with your full name, address, date of birth, and a clear statement that you want to cancel. Send via USPS certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
Planet Fitness charges a $25 annual fee once per year. Standard memberships ($10/month) have no cancellation fee. Black Card memberships may have different terms depending on whether you're in a contract period.
How to Cancel LA Fitness
LA Fitness requires in-person cancellation at any LA Fitness location (not just your home club).
- Visit any LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, or Esporta Fitness location during staffed hours
- Ask for a cancellation form at the front desk
- Fill it out and have the staff member sign and date it
- Request a copy — photograph it with your phone if they won't provide one
Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. You may be charged one more full month depending on your billing cycle date.
How to Cancel Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness is a franchise, meaning policies vary slightly by location. The standard approach:
- Call or visit your home club first to ask about their specific cancellation process
- Most locations accept in-person cancellation at the front desk
- Some require certified mail to the club address
- If you're in a contract, there may be an early termination fee — ask for the exact amount before signing anything
Cancelling App-Based Fitness Subscriptions
App-based fitness services are much simpler to cancel than traditional gyms — they work like any other subscription.
- Apple Fitness+ — Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions → Apple Fitness+ → Cancel
- Peloton App — account.onepeloton.com → Membership → Cancel Membership
- Nike Training Club Premium — account settings in the app or through your app store subscriptions
- Strava — strava.com/account → Manage Subscription → Cancel
If you subscribed to any of these through the App Store or Google Play, cancel through your device's subscription manager rather than the app itself.
If the Gym Won't Cancel
If you've followed the correct process and the gym still charges you after your stated cancellation date:
- Locate your written cancellation confirmation (the form or certified mail receipt)
- Contact the gym directly with the documentation, requesting an immediate stop and refund of charges after the cancellation date
- If no response within 7 days, file a dispute with your bank — providing the cancellation documentation as evidence
- File a complaint with your state attorney general's consumer protection office — gyms are well-known targets of these complaints and usually respond quickly once a complaint is filed
Track what you kept — and catch the next renewal early
SubPlus tracks every subscription you pay for and alerts you before each renewal. No bank access needed — just add your subscriptions manually and never be surprised again.