Great disappointment at Planet Fitness

I am greatly disappointed with how Planet Fitness treat their customers.

I had signed a contract with them in January 2019 and they were running a promotion of a fixed 2yr contract (according to the sales team/guy). Next thing, their monthly subscription increased, In October I called in to ask about the increase and I was told its a yearly increase (mind you I only singed for the membership for the FIXED amount). I then enquired about cancellation and outstanding balance. They gave me a high figure that is outstanding. I was shocked as I was the impression that my contract expires in January 2021 therefore the amount should be lower than R2000.

I was told that due to Covid 19, the contracts are extended to May 2021 to make up 24months. Now the problem with this extension is that it was NEVER communicated to US contract holder, unfortunately thats not how contracts work. Any changes made where there is a contract in place has to be communicated. I ended up NOT cancelling my contract. This morning I wake up to a bank notification that Planet Fitness debited R1096.60 that I was not aware of. I had no arrangement with these people but they saw it fitting that they debit money as they want.

At 9am I made a call to their customer centre to get answers about this debit. I was told that they cancelled my membership and debited the cancellation fee. Because I was not aware of this, I did not leave enough for them, now my bank charged me for not having the available funds for this debit. The lady that assisted me with this had no patience nor sympathy to this inconvenience they caused.

Now I wonder what is the point of contract at Planet Fitness if they will do as they wish, debit as they wish? Is training provided?