5 Top Fitness & Gyms Companies

How to compare gyms and fitness programs

This category covers two quite different things: physical gyms with memberships and contracts, and apps or online programs that sell workout and meal plans by subscription. Both can be good value, and both have terms worth reading before you pay.

• Gym contracts: ask about the minimum term, joining fee, any annual maintenance fee and what happens when the term ends.
• How to cancel: some gyms require cancellation in person or by letter with notice. Get the method in writing at sign-up.
• Freezing: find out if you can pause for travel, injury or a move, and what it costs.
• Access: check which locations, classes and hours are included at your price level.
• App plans: a short quiz followed by a "personalized plan" often leads to a trial that turns into a longer paid plan. Read the renewal price and period.
• Where you paid: if you subscribed through an app store, refunds and cancellations are usually handled there, not by the app maker.

Problems members report

The most common complaints are cancellation that takes weeks, an annual fee nobody mentioned, and app charges after a trial that was hard to find a way out of. Add a calendar reminder before any trial ends, keep emails confirming cancellations and check your statements for a month afterwards. On CandorRated you can see who runs each website, how long the domain has existed and the contact details found, and filter gyms by country or city.

Frequently asked questions

How do I cancel a gym membership?

Follow the method set out in your contract, give the notice it requires and ask for written confirmation.

Can I get a refund for a fitness app?

If you paid through an app store, request it there. If you paid on the website, contact the company and keep your receipt.