Signing up for a gym membership takes minutes. Canceling one can take days, weeks, or longer, especially when policies vary by gym brand, membership type, and even location. While many gyms have modern sign-up processes through websites and apps, cancellation is often an outdated, frustrating experience.
Even with the Federal Trade Commission’s new “click-to-cancel” rule pushing businesses to offer online cancellation methods, many gyms still require in-person visits, certified letters, or long phone calls. Whether you are switching gyms, managing your budget, or simply done with your contract, understanding the correct cancellation process for your gym is critical to avoid unwanted fees or continued billing.
This guide breaks down how to cancel your membership online at three of the most popular gyms: Planet Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, and Crunch.
Can You Cancel Online? Quick Comparison by Gym
Not all gyms offer the same level of online cancellation support. Here’s a summary of what to expect from each:
Planet Fitness:
- Online Cancellation: Limited – depends on your home club
- Notice Period: At least 7 business days before the billing date
- Cancellation Fee: $58 buyout fee if canceling a contract early
- Confirmation: None unless you follow up
- [Visit official website → Planet Fitness]
Orangetheory Fitness:
- Online Cancellation: Available through form submission
- Notice Period: 30 days before the desired cancellation date
- Cancellation Fee: None
- Confirmation: Required via studio or email follow-up
- [Visit official website → Orangetheory Fitness]
Crunch Fitness:
- Online Cancellation: Available via the Manage Current Membership portal
- Notice Period: Varies by club and contract
- Cancellation Fee: Depends on plan; none for most month-to-month plans
- Confirmation: Typically provided by email after request
- [Visit official website → CrunchFitness]
How to Cancel Planet Fitness Membership Online
Planet Fitness offers multiple cancellation options, but online access depends entirely on your home club’s policy. Many members still need to cancel in person or by certified mail. Here's how to navigate your options:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log in to Your Planet Fitness Account
- Visit the Planet Fitness website and sign in.
- Go to your membership section and look for a cancellation option.
- If your home club does not support online cancellation, this option will not appear.
- Switch Home Club (If Online Option Is Missing)
- Some users successfully cancel online after switching their home club to one that supports it.
- You can change your home club in your online account.
- In-Person Cancellation
- Visit your home club and request cancellation paperwork at the front desk.
- Complete the form with your details and keep a copy.
- Mail-In Cancellation
- Send a written cancellation notice with your name, address, membership ID, and last 4 digits of your payment method.
- Use certified mail to track delivery to your home club.
- Use a Third-Party App (When Allowed)
- Services like Rocket Money can initiate cancellations, but only if your home club allows online termination.
Important Considerations:
- You must cancel at least 7 business days before your billing date to avoid the next charge.
- A $58 buyout fee applies if you cancel before the end of a minimum-term contract.
- Planet Fitness does not allow cancellations via email or phone.
- Always check your billing statements after canceling to confirm the charges have stopped.
How to Cancel Orangetheory Membership Online
Orangetheory Fitness offers more flexibility than many gyms, including several ways to cancel online, in-person, by email, by mail, or over the phone. However, a 30-day notice is always required.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Submit the Online Cancellation Form
- Visit Orangetheory’s official cancellation page.
- Indicate how you signed up (in-person or online), then complete the form with your name, studio, and payment details.
- Submit the form and wait for confirmation from your home studio.
- Follow Up by Email, Mail, or Phone
- If no confirmation is received within a week, call or email your home studio.
- Ask for written confirmation of your cancellation.
- Cancel In Person (Optional)
- Visit the location where you originally signed up.
- Request and fill out a cancellation form at the front desk.
- Ask for a copy of the completed form for your records.
Special Cases
- Moved 18+ miles from a studio? You may be eligible to cancel immediately. Submit proof of your new address.
- Medical or financial hardship? You can cancel early with a doctor’s note or financial documentation.
Key Policies
- Orangetheory requires 30 days’ notice from the cancellation request to your final billing.
- There is no cancellation fee, but you must pay for one final month.
- Memberships can be paused up to 60 days, twice per year, by contacting your studio.
How to Cancel Crunch Fitness Membership Online
Crunch Fitness has a more centralized cancellation process, but your options can still depend on the club you joined. Most users can cancel through Crunch’s online portal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Visit Crunch’s Website
- Go to Crunch.com and scroll to the bottom.
- Click on “Contact,” then choose “Contact a Crunch Gym.”
- Manage Your Current Membership
- Select “Manage Your Current Membership” and click “Continue.”
- Enter your home club’s name and click “Start.”
- Select Cancellation and Complete the Form
- Choose “Cancellation” from the options.
- Provide your membership details and submit the form.
- Wait for Confirmation
- You should receive an email confirming that your request was received.
- If you do not, contact your home club directly.
Key Points to Know
- If you’re still in a free trial period, cancel before the end to avoid billing.
- Month-to-month plans typically do not have cancellation fees.
- Contract-based plans may involve additional steps or penalties.
- Not all clubs offer a pause or freeze option. Check with your specific location.
Common Gym Cancellation Issues and How to Avoid Them
Canceling a gym membership is not always as straightforward as it should be. Many users run into problems even after submitting a cancellation request. Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them.
Continued Billing After Cancellation
One of the most frequent complaints is being charged after submitting a cancellation. This usually happens due to:
- Incomplete or unconfirmed cancellation requests
- Delays in processing by the home club
- Automatic renewals are triggered before the notice is processed
Solution: Always request a written or emailed confirmation. If you cancel in person, ask for a signed and dated receipt. Monitor your billing account for at least two months after cancellation and contact your gym immediately if you see any unexpected charges.
Are There Cancellation Fees?
The possibility of a cancellation fee depends on your membership terms and the gym brand. Here’s a breakdown:
- Planet Fitness: A $58 buyout fee applies if you cancel a membership with a minimum term before the end of that term.
- Orangetheory: No cancellation fee, but one additional month of billing is required after you give your 30-day notice.
- Crunch Fitness: Cancellation fees vary. Month-to-month memberships usually have no fees, while contract-based memberships may involve penalties or early termination fees.
Tip: Always check your original membership agreement for cancellation clauses, minimum terms, and buyout conditions.
Alternatives to Canceling Your Membership
In some cases, you may not want to cancel completely. Here are other options that might better suit your situation.
Freezing or Pausing Your Membership
- Planet Fitness: May allow freezes for medical reasons, but this is not standard across all clubs.
- Orangetheory: Allows you to pause your membership for up to 60 days twice per year. You must contact your studio to activate this option.
- Crunch Fitness: Some locations may offer freezes, but policies vary by club.
Downgrading to a Lower Tier
If you are paying for premium access but rarely use the features, consider downgrading:
- Planet Fitness allows members to switch from the PF Black Card to the Classic Membership to save on monthly fees.
- Orangetheory may allow members to move from unlimited to class packs.
- Crunch may offer tiered plans depending on your location.
Email and Mail Templates for Gym Cancellation
Having the right language in your cancellation message can help ensure your request is processed smoothly. Here is a sample email template:
Subject: Membership Cancellation Request
Body:
Dear [Gym Name],
I am writing to request the cancellation of my gym membership effective [Desired Date].
Name: [Your Full Name]
Membership ID: [Your ID]
Home Club: [Your Club Location]
Last 4 digits of payment card: [XXXX]
Please confirm this request in writing and provide the date my membership will officially end.
Thank you,
[Your Full Name]
Tip: Always keep a copy of any correspondence and follow up if you do not receive confirmation within a few days.
How to Confirm Your Membership Is Canceled
Do not assume your membership has been canceled just because you submitted a form. Here's how to be sure:
- Check Your Email: Look for a confirmation message from the gym or studio.
- Contact the Club: If you haven’t received confirmation, call or visit in person to verify the cancellation status.
- Review Your Bank Statements: Watch for any charges from the gym. If charges continue after cancellation, escalate the issue immediately.
What to Do If You Are Still Being Charged
If you are billed after canceling:
- Contact your gym immediately and request an explanation.
- Provide proof of your cancellation request and any confirmation you received.
- If the issue is unresolved, contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge.
- Consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer protection office.
Third-party services like Rocket Money or ScribeUp can help monitor and cancel unwanted subscriptions, but they depend on the gym's system allowing digital cancellation.
Take Control of Your Membership and Stop Unwanted Charges
If you are no longer using your gym membership, delaying cancellation can lead to hundreds of dollars in charges over time. Whether your goal is to cut costs, switch gyms, or take a break from fitness routines, following the correct cancellation process is key.
Take the time to review your gym’s policies, use the correct cancellation method, and always confirm your request was received. When in doubt, contact your home club directly and keep detailed records of every step.
If your gym makes cancellation difficult, report the issue. Consumer rights are evolving, and businesses are expected to make subscription management simple and transparent. Taking action now helps you protect your time, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel Planet Fitness through the mobile app?
No. You must cancel through your home club or via mail, unless your club supports the online portal.
How much notice do I need to give Orangetheory to cancel?
You must provide 30 days’ notice before your cancellation becomes effective.
Will I be refunded for unused classes or months?
Generally, no. Most gyms do not offer refunds for unused time unless stated in your membership terms.
Can I cancel by email or phone?
Some gyms like Orangetheory and Crunch may accept email cancellations. Planet Fitness requires in-person or written notice by mail.
What if I moved or have a medical condition?
Gyms may allow early cancellation in cases of relocation or medical issues. Documentation will be required.
Can I cancel a free trial without being charged?
Yes, but make sure to cancel before the trial ends. Otherwise, you will be charged for the next billing period.
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