As one of the premier national fitness chains with over 700 locations across the United States, LA Fitness holds an estimated 6.2% share of the entire health club industry membership base according to the latest International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) annual report.
With over 6 million members nationwide, LA Fitness demonstrates the clear appeal of its state-of-the-art gym facilities and professional training services for workout enthusiasts. However, even long-time gym members may eventually experience changes impacting their ability to consistently utilize these gym access privileges.
Why Over 5 Million fitness Memberships Are Cancelled Each Year
Per IHRSA statistics, over 34% of gym members fall into the category of "lapsed" member – defined as having not visited the club in over 30 days. Annually, more than 5.4 million U.S. gym members cancel their contracts altogether:
| Year | New Gym Memberships | Cancellations | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 17.2 million | 5.5 million | +1.7 million |
| 2019 | 18.1 million | 5.6 million | +2.5 million |
| 2020 | 16.2 million | 5.4 million | +1.8 million |
So whether an LA Fitness member or subscriber to any gym, you are far from alone if finding your current contract unworkable. Are alternatives available before outright cancelation?
Pausing Or Transferring Instead of Immediately Canceling
When faced with canceling, many members explore options to pause or transfer their gym access first:
As shown, 25% of members opt to transfer to another branch location rather than outright canceling when moving. Another 18% freeze accounts during gaps for minimal fees instead of terminating contracts fully.
So before you cancel, consider alternatives that retain your membership status for future flexibility:
LA Fitness Freeze vs Cancel Comparison
| Freeze | Cancel | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $10 | $0 |
| Access | Paused, Reactivate Anytime | Ended, Must Repurchase |
| Duration | Unlimited | Permanent |
| Ease of Reactivation | Online Unfreeze | Full Resignup Process |
Step-by-Step: How To Officially Cancel Your LA Fitness Contract
However, when ready to officially terminate your LA fitness commitment, precisely follow this by-the-book cancelation process to avoid being unfairly charged or sent to collections:
What Triggers Premature Gym Membership Cancellations?
While LA Fitness offers premier facilities and classes, analysts have identified key factors contributing to cancelled gym memberships more broadly:
As shown in nationwide surveys, the top reasons for canceling gym memberships include:
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Lack of Time – Hectic work, family and social schedules make consistent gym prioritization difficult.
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Loss of Motivation – Goals may feel out of reach or progress may stall, hurting confidence.
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Facility Crowds – Peak evening hours after work may pack gyms to overwhelming capacity.
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Financial Cost – Although rates are competitive for total amenities, monthly fees still add up.
Identifying and troubleshooting obstacles early can boost consistency and results. LA Fitness trainers can provide customized workout and nutrition planning.
Additionally, multi-year membership discounts or corporate partner savings may offset cost concerns to retain access longer-term.
Top Gym Chain Alternatives to LA Fitness
If still looking to cancel after considering flexible freeze options, examine gym chains matching your preferences:
| Gym | Locations | Avg. Monthly Cost | Amenities Score (/10) | Flexibility Score (/10)| Total Score |
|————-|—————-|———|—————|————–|—————-|—————|
| LA Fitness | Over 700 | $39.99 | 8 | 6 | 14 |
| 24 Hour Fitness | Over 300 | $40.00 | 8 | 10 | 18 |
| Gold‘s Gym | Over 700 | $34.99 | 7 | 5 | 12 |
| Equinox | Under 100 | $188.00 | 10 | 5 | 15 |
Among alternatives, 24 Hour Fitness may suit busier schedules with highest flexibility and competitive amenities for the average price point.
Expert Insights on Gym Membership Contracts
As licensed Athletic Trainers explain, gym contract language can be complex for the average consumer to interpret:
" buried in these lengthy documents, tricky termination conditions often get overlooked – but can come back to bite you with unexpected fees or collection agency damage".
So proper cancellation requires meticulously following termination policies – or retaining a lawyer well-versed in state fitness industry regulations for consumer protections.
Summarizing Key Takeaways
When managing an LA Fitness cancellation or exploring alternatives, keep these tips and statistics top of mind:
- Understand contract term requirements avoiding premature termination penalties
- Consider flexible freeze ($10/month) or transfer options before permanent cancelation
- Follow proper step-by-step termination procedures to prevent collections disputes
- Compare amenity offerings, costs and flexibility across rival national gym chains
- Seek expert guidance navigating contract language and cancellation processes
With proper planning utilizing available gym membership retention options, consistent fitness routine access can be retained. But upon formal cancellation, adhering clearly to membership agreement terms avoids undue legal or financial harm.
