Fitness First

Extremely disappointing experience with Fitness First. This experience made it clear that customer satisfaction is not a priority at Fitness First. After permanently relocating to an area with no nearby Fitness First clubs, I requested to cancel my membership due to lack of reasonable access. Despite this, there was no attempt to offer a fair or… Read more

reasonable solution. Every interaction felt transactional, scripted, and focused solely on enforcing fees, rather than understanding real-life circumstances. There was no empathy, no flexibility, and no genuine effort to help — only a rigid insistence on payment, regardless of the situation. A company that prioritises contracts and fees over people may protect its revenue, but it loses trust. Based on my experience, I would not recommend Fitness First to anyone who values fairness, transparency, or customer care.

Manager [Name Removed] is incredibly rude. I have been an existing member for years, wanted to bring my partner in for a one day free trial to see how he would feel about signing up and coming with me, which is something I saw the gym offers. We went in, filled out the form, no dramas. My partner opted out of texts because he doesn't like to be… Read more

spammed, nothing wrong with that.

[Name Removed] turned around and out of nowhere, rudely told my partner that opting out means he must only be trying to get a freebie and have no real interest in signing up, so he can pay a casual entry of $25 (which is more than my weekly membership) or leave. The way he went about it and phrased it was really abrupt, out of place and uncalled for, my partner had never been there before, we had been nothing but quiet, patient and polite as we waited for him to serve other customers before he attended us, the 2 other staff members at the desk could attest for that, and seemed incredibly embarrassed and apologetic for [Name Removed]'s outburst during and after the fact. Records would also show this was my partners first time signing up for their one day free trial. Sure if we'd had multiple free trials I can see an issue, but coming in and asking for the first time to utilise a free trial that they advertise and offer? And to be treated like that? So uncalled for. My partner has been genuinely interested in checking out the gym and signing up to come with me, but after this experience he no longer feels welcome signing up at this gym.

I have been a member for years, had also convinced another friend of mine to sign up in the new year, but after that experienced I am embarrassed to have even recommended this gym to anyone, and i am now looking to cancel my membership, they will have lost potentially 2 new signups and an existing member due to [Name Removed]'s judgemental attitude, and inability to create a welcoming space for new people who walk in that door.

TLDR: If you try to utilise their free trial for one session before committing to signing up, but don't want to be spammed with texts and chose to opt out during the form (which you're allowed to do, it's an option for a reason), [Name Removed] (Manager) will decide you're not worth their time, will tell you that you're just trying to gain free access (literally the point of their one session free trial? To trial the gym once for free before you sign up), and that you have to pay $25 casual fee or p*ss off. Incredibly freaking rude

The following review is for Fitness First Deakin and Fitness First Canberra. Both gyms are basic. Deakin is very old, leaking ceilings (which is troubling, given there is asbestos in the ceiling) and a mouldy stench in the group fitness room. Free weights area is constantly blowing freezing air summer and winter, so bring your hat and jacket.… Read more

There are sanitising wipes which always appear to be empty. Canberra City is more up to date but very small and cramped. The change rooms are damp and again the mouldy odour is unpleasant.

Equipment in both gyms is often broken for months as are the lockers.

Staff in both gyms are disinterested and bored apart from Adam, Aerin and Chloe who are exceptional human beings. These three individuals have meaningful passions outside the gym and are intelligent, curious and genuine. They understand the meaning of the words "customer service". Their care and kindness to all members is outstanding. If only the other staff were open and interested in learning people skills from these staff members Fitness First would be a far richer community.

I would not recommend this gym franchise as the current basic rate is $25 a week. There are plenty of other gyms in Canberra which have better facilities and use membership fees to invest in their Club because they value and respect their members.

Fitness First in Sydney just spent thousands and thousands of dollars on a Christmas Party for some of their staff. Surely the money could have been better spent repairing broken equipment, repairing dangerous ceilings, etc. rather than one event for senior staff members. This demonstrates FF CEO's complete lack of understanding regarding the importance of building a strong gym community.

Choose another gym, Fitness First values profit not people.

I’ve had such a great experience at Fitness First. The reception staff are always welcoming — they greet you with a smile every time you walk in, which instantly lifts your mood. It’s clear they genuinely care about creating a friendly and positive atmosphere. The Reformer Pilates team is just as amazing. They’re incredibly friendly, supportive,… Read more

and always willing to help you get the most out of each session. Their guidance makes the classes enjoyable and effective, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced. Overall, the warm and helpful staff make Fitness First a place I truly look forward to visiting. Highly recommend!

My friend recommended Carlingford Fitness First, when I came to find out more, the staff Romisa, made my day and convinced me to commit. I have found; she was very helpful, friendly, professional and very supportive and pleasant. I will recommend my friends to her of course.

I would like to add more benefits that Fitness First offers. It has many experienced and professional Personal Trainers. One of them is Sogand Oskooei who has been helping me for the last two years, to achieve my goal, both physically and mentally. Since I started training twice a week with her, I am now stronger, healthy, look fit and great. … Read more

Working with Sogand has been a total game changer. Sogand is incredibly knowledgeable about fitness, strength training and nutrition. She also knows how to motivate without being pushy. Every session is well planned, challenging and tailored specifically to my goal. What really sets Sogand apart is the attention to form, injury prevention and creating a sustainable fitness routine. Many people and my friends can not believe my age. They always say I am much younger and always look good. I will continue to train with her twice a week to keep me healthy, fit, strong and maintain my youth. If you are looking for someone who genuinely cares about your progress, holds you and your family accountable, pushes you to be your best, Sogand is it. I have referred my friends and family to Sogand and they are happy and look good as well. Thank you very much Sogand for being compassionate, patient, calm, nice, friendly and looking after me. I have got the body and health I dreamed of. This has been confirmed by the medical reports that I received from the Doctor and Specialists. I feel so grateful and blessed to know you. I truly mean this from the depths of my heart.

King CrossFITNES FIRST Is VERY BAD .. DONT go there Yesterday I talk with [Name Removed] HE SAID 3 Days are 59 Dollar’s and today on the 27.10. the girl on the reception did not accept that Very in friendly for me From SWITZERLAND VISITING Y COUNTRY!!!!!!! No style not polite very aggressive!!!!!!! Don’t go there

This review is in relation to Hornsby Fitness First (again). While the facility did see some recent improvements over the last year, and has recent upgrades, much of the equipment continues to be in a state of disrepair, with weeks, or even over a month, to fix. Currently, only half of their cable machines are functional. The result is that… Read more

getting access to a machine - even at less busy times - is difficult. Members are surly and staff are struggling to do their best, but definately not supported. While Fitness First Hornsby did introduce new elliptical and running machines, the number of units has been reduced.

Today was the last straw for me. In the past, when I had to travel for business, I would pause my membership at the reception. Now, the fitness first team members have been banned from supporting people in pausing their memberships. The only reason for this is to make things more difficult, as I *know* it is possible. Staff have been told to force people to the FF app. However, the app is not functional. I tried to get support for the app, but the reception staff cannot help. There is no support phone number. So the only way forward is to cancel the entire membership. And as you will read from many reviews, Fitness First make that very hard.

In short, avoid. There are other independent 24 hour fitness centres in the area. Try them.

I’m still a member at castle hill fitness first, but my whole family have witnessed how bad it’s become. Despite renovations the place is still dirty, the equipment is old and broken, and there’s no proper ventilation. One of the female PTs her name Sogand Oskooei is Unprofessional — poor skills, rude attitude, and seems more interested in… Read more

personal relationships with male members than actually training people. If you’re not part of that group, you get pushed out or treated badly. Every time I go, my family and I have to put up with the bullying and harassment from her and her group.

Other members have complained too, but management ignores it and keeps protecting her. This gym feels toxic, unsafe, and not worth the money.

I’m disappointed with my recent experience at Fitness First. The gym is not as clean as expected, and the customer service could be more helpful and responsive. The swimming pool availability is limited, and it’s concerning that many members are not using head caps, which affects hygiene. I hope the management takes these issues seriously and improves the overall standards.

This gym is honestly one of the worst I’ve been to. Dirty floors, broken lockers and no AC— it feels neglected and unsafe. One of the female pt Sogand Oskooei has more attitude than technique, with poor skills and zero professionalism. She’s rude to her own clients and to people around her, which makes the whole atmosphere toxic. Come here if you… Read more

enjoy eye rolls instead of guidance, bad vibes instead of motivation, and dust instead of equipment . Management ignores complaints, so don’t expect support if you speak up. Total waste of time.

Come here to castle hill fitness first if you like dirty gym, broken equipment, no ventilation, and a PT more Interested in hooking up with members than doing her job. Management will ignore you if you complain. Perfect place if you enjoy being harassed.

I’ve been a member of fitness first Hornsby for 10/15 years and I have never seen such bad equipment maintenance as the last several months. 4 out of 8 ellipticals out of order, and a mix of many other pieces of equipment all showing out of order signs, many for 2/3 months. Staff are very nice, not their fault as they have reported these issues… Read more

several times. I emailed fitness first on their own email form 10 days ago and haven’t received a courtesy response. Poor!

Chatswood fitness first it’s the worst gym I have ever been to. The club manager Rebekah was an absolute nightmare to deal with. as a new mum, I thought a good idea to have a persona trainer. crazy expensive and time limiting. went for 3 days, now I have to pay $300 to cancel my membership. trust me, I should’ve gone with anyone else. after almost 14 years going to this gym on and off, I can tell you I would never want to see this place again

I initially received an offer from Anytime Fitness, but Fitness First countered with a better price. After several phone discussions with their St Leonards location, they offered me $24.70 per week for what was supposed to be a one-year membership. However, when I later reviewed the contract, I realised it was actually for 18 months. I called… Read more

them to clarify, explaining it was meant to be a 12-month deal. They responded by saying that at that price, it had always been for 18 months. The salesperson even claimed, “I remember I said $24 is for 18 months, and we give 4 weeks free.”

When I asked about switching to a 12-month contract, they told me it wasn’t possible without paying a $295 cancellation fee.

The whole experience felt misleading and frustrating. They promised one thing during negotiations but delivered something else in writing — then made it costly and difficult to resolve. I wouldn’t recommend Fitness First based on this experience.

Hi, This is complaint against Fitness first Manager at Top Ryde,not only did she not allow me in gym swimming pool despite I had paid separately for United swimming .United swimming had told I can take classes despite not being a member with fitness first. first if all I had to cancel me membership with fitness first due to her as she had not… Read more

allowed me and behaved pathetically and poorly with customer. Post my gym cancellation I went for swimming class which I was denied so I am never going to fitness first again and I want my United swimming three class refund of 90 aud. Very poor service at fitness first Top Ryde.

Anshu

If I could give 0 out 5 stars I would definitely give to them. The absolutely worse to deal with I was on the phone to them for the past 2 weeks trying to cancel my membership and finally got through to them the amount you pay for cancelling your gym membership is grossly outrageous especially during this cost of living crisis hopefully I don’t… Read more

have any further issues down the track after reading some of the reviews when others tried to cancel their gym membership! Don’t get caught like others that I’ve seen reviews about fitness first.

The service at Rockdale Fitness First has gone down hill over the last 2 years. Th manager has not concept of customer service, never returns calls or responds to the email messages, the gym is filthy, toilets leak and over flow sometime for days before it is fixed, gym gear is dirty n dusty, tired complaining to head office but had no response.… Read more

The management team are totally useless and have been running down this gym and other gyms. I am surprised the health department have not investigated into their gyms, would I refer anyone absolutely not.

This gym really does suck. The lockers are always broken, the equipment is falling apart, there is always a smell in the gym/sauna and I had a really bad experience with an abusive person at the gym which wasn’t addressed by staff nor management after a serious complaint was lodged. Need to cancel my membership. *edited for additional response*… Read more

you can’t find me on your system? Shows how terrible your systems are! I’ve been a member for years, and I’m so disappointed at how bad your Newtown gym is and the terrible systems and corporate management of that site. I’ve filed several written complaints about the state of that gym in person at the counter and NONE have been addressed. Why should I think you are any better through social media? You are a shocking company that provides terrible service. AVOID.

As a trained PE teacher, sports coach and business owner I would like to warn anyone thinking of joining Fitness First for the following reasons. Unhygienic, dirty, poorly managed, don't pay tax in Australia, owned by a Middle East dodge 'LANDMARK' , a deviously structured contract that has inordinate penalties, the contract is designed as an… Read more

entrapment for fee paying. The FF payment system uses your banking details requesting your Bank ID and Account No. All Australian Banks advise against permitting a client giving Bank details to a third party. In fact its a fourth Party named Windcave out of NZ. The payment system accesses you Bank or credit card so without cancelling the card FF will continue to redraw on your accounts. There is no facility for an aggrieved customer to solve issues. Even if you have to pay a few extra dollars go with an Australian Company not an OS tax dodging Middle Eastern poorly serviced Gym. CANCEL YOU ff MEMBERSHIP TODAY.

Lack of maintenance – Over a week has passed since the water dispenser ran out of water. I spoke to a staff member and was told it’s broken. How long will it take to fix? FF Kings Cross

The worst gym chain on earth – Fitness first has really gone downhill. Never replace broken equipment. Green/Black Mould in every single Fitness First bathroom I've been in. Broken lockers. Disgusting smells and equipment is never cleaned properly. I just don't know how they are even still in business anymore.

⚠️⚠️⚠️ POTENTIAL MEMBERS: READ BEFORE YOU'RE TRAPPED!!! ⚠️⚠️⚠️ – ⚠️⚠️⚠️ POTENTIAL MEMBERS: READ BEFORE YOU'RE TRAPPED!!! ⚠️⚠️⚠️ I feel compelled to share my experience at Fitness First Macquarie Park to help others avoid the FRUSTRATION and DISAPPOINTMENT my partner and I encountered. What started as an exciting fitness journey quickly turned into a lesson about hidden fees and questionable business practices. … Read more

During signup in December 2024, we explicitly discussed our UPCOMING TRAVEL PLANS with staff. Despite specifically mentioning our need to freeze our memberships during this period, we were never informed of the $5 WEEKLY FREEZE FEE. This crucial information was only revealed after we had already committed to a contract with a lock-in period.

Let me be crystal clear - this isn't about the $5 or $10. We all spend money on extras in life. This is about the ABSOLUTE DISGRACE of a business that has zero ethics and treats people like disposable ATMs. The sheer audacity to hide fees and then act like WE'RE the unreasonable ones is mind-boggling!

⁉️⁉️⁉️ Anyway, furthermore, the deceptive practices run even deeper. During signup, they enticed us with a "special discount" - claiming we'd pay just $34 per week if we joined right away. Sounds great, right? Well, imagine our shock when checking our bank statements weeks later to discover an additional $5 weekly "account holding fee" being quietly charged. SINCE WHEN DID A GYM BECOME A BANK that charges account holding fees? While we initially tried to overlook this sneaky charge since we planned to be long-term members, our patience completely evaporated when they blindsided us with yet another fee - the membership freeze charge that was never once mentioned during our lengthy signup discussion. ⁉️⁉️⁉️

The most infuriating part? When we tried to address these issues, we hit a wall of indifference. Their solution? Pay up or pay even more to cancel - because apparently, we're "breaking the contract" by not accepting their hidden fees. They conveniently hide behind an "agreement" that was supposedly sent within 48 hours of joining, after we had already signed up. Their entire business model seems built on TRAPPING MEMBERS WITH UNDISCLOSED FEES and then holding them hostage with hefty cancellation penalties.

‼️‼️‼️ We ultimately had to pay a $195 cancellation fee to end this frustrating experience. If you're considering joining this gym, I strongly urge you to: • Get EVERYTHING in writing before signing • Ask specifically about ALL possible fees and charges. • Read EVERY LINE OF THE CONTRACT, as verbal assurances seem to mean nothing here. ‼️‼️‼️

Don't make the same mistake we did of trusting verbal communications. Save yourself the headache and consider the many other gyms in the area that practice transparent business.

⛔️⛔️⛔️ I'm taking the time to write this detailed review of our recent experience because I genuinely don't want others to face the same frustration and disrespect we endured. When a business treats its members like walking wallets rather than human beings, they deserve to be called out. Every word here reflects our real, recent experience - and I sincerely hope it helps you make a more informed decision than we were able to. Your time, money, and dignity deserve better than this. ⛔️⛔️⛔️

Rude and unhelpful employees who gets angry at you for raising issues and concersn – This gym is trash and the employees are trash! I have an issue where they keep charging me $10 late fees and I tried to get some help to fix the issue and they were just plain dismissive and rude telling me I have insufficient funds on my account even though Ive sent them a bank statement that I clearly have funds. They just make you run around in… Read more

circles and are completely incompetent. Scammy behaviours where I signed up and they force you to pay for admin fee of $150 just to lock you in a 36 month contract you cant get out of. DONT SIGN UP AT QV FF, GO TO FLINDERS OR MC.