Warning: Zone Fitness Traps Clients with Lies and **** Contracts

I had a misleading and dishonest experience at Zone Fitness Sancardia branch on 17 March 2025. While shopping at the Sancardia Mall, I was approached by a Zone Fitness representative named James, who informed me about a promotion being offered that day. According to him, the promotion allowed new members to purchase a gym card for R45, instead of the regular price. When I asked if the promotion app**** to all types of subscriptions (monthly, annual, etc.), he clearly responded that yes, it app**** to all.

Since I have a sister who is already a member at Zone Fitness and had previously benefited from a promotion for annual subscriptions, I specifically inquired whether that annual promotion was still ongoing. James confirmed that the annual promotion had ended and that only the regular annual pricing now app****.

I told him I was not interested in the annual plan but would like to take the monthly subscription. I then asked him, “With this monthly subscription, will I be required to pay any cancellation fees?” and he assured me clearly and repeatedly that there would be no cancellation fees, and I could cancel anytime I wanted. Based on this verbal agreement, I agreed to proceed with the monthly option.

James proceeded to prepare the documents. I handed him a R100 note, but he said he had no change at the moment. While he went to look for change, he gave me the initial forms to fill out. When he returned, he brought additional banking forms. At that point, I did not have access to my FNB, so I told him I needed to call my sister to get the account number. While I was waiting for her response, James asked me to sign the forms. Trusting him, I signed.

Once I had the account number, I completed the banking form. Before leaving, I noticed that he had written “12” on the form. When I asked what it meant, he said: “That’s just the validity of the gym card – it’s valid for 12 months.” He did not explain that I was being signed up for a 12-month contract, and at no point did I consent to or request an annual subscription.

On 24 April 2025, I returned to Zone Fitness Sancardia to cancel my membership as I am relocating to another city. To my shock, I was informed that I needed to pay a cancellation fee of approximately R3,400 because I had supposedly subscribed to a 12-month contract. I explained to the staff that I had only signed up for a monthly subscription and was promised no cancellation penalties, but I was told that their system reflected otherwise.

I was referred to James’ supervisor. I explained the situation again, and she contacted James. To my disbelief, he denied all of it and even called me a ****.

I am extremely hurt by this experience and feel cheated and disrespected. This is not only a clear case of misrepresentation, but also a deeply unprofessional and ********* behavior by your staff. I am extremely disappointed with how Zone Fitness has treated me. I was misled by your staff, and despite all my efforts to get help, you have done nothing. You continue to deduct money from my account even after I asked to cancel. I no longer trust your service. Please cancel my membership and refund what was taken.