Debited AFTER expired contract

For members who have a gym contract but do not (for whichever reason) or have not attended in a while, please read:

For several months after my contract had ended, Virgin Active had been debiting money from my account. After raising a complaint, I'd received feedback that unless cancellation is given in writing, one's contract is 'automatically renewed' which is apparently stated in the contract.

Upon perusing the contract, I'd shockingly realized that I had NEVER seen this contract before. The consultant who signed me up had completed the document himself and simply asked me to sign on the keypad, little knowing the terms and conditions I'd be agreeing to. The contract was not printed or emailed to me...until TODAY - 02 April 2019.

I've received little to no help from the head office. Instead I was asked, "Didnt you read the contract before you signed?" Uhm...No! Because I had never seen until now, two years after joining. Not once did I receive a single apology for the error on Virgin Active's side.

Let it be that one cannot afford to pay for one month of membership and the "attorney" word is thrown around like crazy. But to have money debited from your account AFTER your contract has ended, that's just okay?

To anyone wanting to join, please don't make the same mistake that I did. Request a printed copy of your contract to avoid losing thousands. Lastly, if you are not absolutely certain that you'll make good use of your membership, rather please do not sign a contract.

Please share.