A would-be gym member trying to get back into the swing of things ran into a roadblock when the gym they were considering included a $100 processing fee in the application process.
They took to Reddit's r/MildlyInfuriating community to ask if they were overreacting or if this combination of fees and dues was normal.
Here's what to know
In the Reddit thread, the original poster shared the signup breakdown that included a $100 processing charge, prorated dues, payment for the final month in advance, and a club enhancement fee.
The OP said the gym was one of the closest nearby choices with ratings above three stars, yet the fee list made them hesitate. As OP put it, "Not sure if I'm just not reading it right but it seems like some highly questionable charges," adding that "$100 for a processing fee feels like a massive cash grab."
For several commenters, the cost wasn't the only red flag. Many also wondered how easy it would be to end the membership at a gym like this.
The top comment read, "Looks like a place that would be impossible to cancel its membership as well.." A second user agreed, writing, "Really. Do not sign up for all that nonsense. Once you're in, YOU'RE IN!"
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Questions about the charges kept coming, with commenters asking what, if anything, the extra fees were supposed to cover. As another commenter added, "'Processing Fee' is the biggest scam. What are they processing? I bet there is another one when you cancel."
"$99 processing fee? That sounds dubious. Do they have an explanation for it? And, what is the Club Enhancement Fee for?" one commenter wrote. Another added, "Why you gotta pay last month's dues if you just started?? What a scam!"
Others contrasted that pricing with less expensive gyms. One commenter mentioned Planet Fitness, and another said their own 24-hour gym ran about $35 a month with a $25 yearly maintenance fee.
Several commenters suggested checking insurance benefits for partner programs that bundle access to multiple gyms with fewer added charges.
As one commenter wrote, "Look at your insurance and see if they offer Fitness My Way or Tivity Health or Silver Sneakers or whatever. Gives you access to a bunch of local gyms to just get the job done. You don't need to go to a fancy expensive gym to get in shape."
Another commenter backed that up with a more specific example, writing, "Yep! I use Active & Fit through my insurance. No extra fees, month to month, cancel anytime"
Where can I learn more?
Complaints about surprise gym fees and hard-to-cancel memberships are part of a wider frustration with subscriptions that pile on extra costs.
• In New York, officials introduced a rule targeting subscription traps and hidden fees.
• Even calculator apps now push monthly subscription charges, and users say the fees never end.
• Sockopia faced backlash after pitching a subscription-based sock service that many shoppers rejected.
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