Balmain Fitness

**avoid This Gym** – Do not sign a contract I signed up with Balmain Fitness and honestly, loved their staff and classes. Unfortunately, due to COVID 19 I had to suddenly and unexpectedly relocate 350 kms away. I felt really bittersweet about cancelling my membership. It's common practice for gyms to have cancellation policies that cover exceptional circumstances (like illness, injury and relocation) so I called to try and speak to someone. I knew I would have to pay my notice period and was prepared to have to cover that financially. I called twice to ask for cancellation forms and had to follow up with an email before I was sent one.

At first I was just told no, I had to pay for 12 months. Then after detailing my circumstances further I was told they could offer to pretend my membership was different, as long as I back paid them (which was DOUBLE my current rate) and pay a dishonour fee of $99. I left two messages but could only get emails back from a manager who wouldn't sign his name to them. I asked to see my cancellation policy, which under early termination states -"This Contract may be terminated at any time with the agreement of the Facility."

I emailed to reference this clause and asked again if someone would call me back. The manager called me on a Saturday so say that he had to read the policy and consider the circumstances and would call on Monday. I got an email on Monday, they could only off to change my membership, I had to back pay them and pay a dishonour fee. I called to discuss it, I felt surely if I could have a reasonable conversation with someone and they would understand that I have no choice in relocation and could never have seen this coming. I got the manager and asked if I understood the clause correctly, that we could come to an agreement. I explained the nature of my circumstances again and asked that they accept the cancellation. He refused, said that they were trying to help me by offering to change my contract and when I told them I wasn't interested in changing that i wanted to discuss early termination, he told me he was busy and had to go. I asked if I could call back at another time, he told me he would rather an email and actually hung up on me.

I'm so disappointed. The facility is wonderful and the staff are really great, but if you want to be treated like a person, not a contract, this is not the gym for you. The policy clearly states that they can terminate early, but it is at the discretion of management who give you the run around, hang up on you and are happy to call your behaviour 'dishonourable' should any unforeseen circumstance impact you. They have no policy for illness, injury or relocation (regardless of your circumstances) and you will be at the mercy of [name removed] the manager.

It got me to explore other forms of fitness activities eg: Body Attack - Les mills – The 6.05 am classes are a hit with me and loads of other regulars, there would be about 25 or so, early birds 5 days a week. Come along and be part of a gym that is NOT into glamour or too high tech, just right for the average person that's interested in keeping fit. No hassle parking a bonus. The trainers and class instructors are regular and friendly. Worth coming for a freebie class to see for yourself. R

Excellent – good atmosphere and plenty of equipment. There is no aircon which could be an issue for some, but I loved it! Highly recommend them and there is plenty of parking as well. awesome weights area and lots of space. I worked out in the early afternoon and had it mostly to myself. Nice atmosphere and welcoming staff too. I don't live close enough to be there regularly.

Balmain – Balmain Fitness is an excellent place to workout and be your self. Everyone is really friendly and supportive. I highly recommend it. Great Service and prices!