Moraga Gym Members Take Complaints To DA
Reporting
Jeanette Pavini
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) ―
We've been reporting that a 24 Hour Fitness Club in Moraga is now a Super Sport Club. What's the difference? Higher monthly rates.
That's about it according to members who say the amenities don't measure up to the Super Sport Club described on the company's web site.
"Basketball courts, we don't have that. Racquetball courts, we don't have it. Pool, spa, whirl pool, juice bar, tanning facilitates -- we don't have any of that here," said Rich Phifer, a 24 Hour Fitness member.
Members like Phifer think 24 Hour Fitness named the gym a "Super Sport Club" just to hike the rates. He, like many other members, bought lifetime contracts to lock in low rates. Now, 24 Hour Fitness said they have to pay more for the new gym, or go somewhere else.
After our report, dozens of members took their complaints to the Contra Costa County District Attorney.
"One of the things I hear from consumers is, 'Hey this is a bait and switch. Where we were promised one thing and now I'm being forced to either drive to Walnut Creek or pay $10 more.' And that does go to the issue of fairness," said Steven Bolen, Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney.
Bolen is working with 24 Hour Fitness to make sure they honor their agreements.
"What we're doing right now is just trying to evaluate the contracts people signed to see if the contracts were being adhered to," said Bolen.
Bolen said one option may be to get members "grandfathered" in, so they can use the club without a fee increase.
"We want to get this resolved one way or the other within the next 30 days," said Bolen.
In a statement, 24 Hour Fitness said, "24 Hour Fitness has been in contact with the Contra Costa County District Attorney's office regarding member requests for access to our new club in Moraga. We will continue to respond to any requests for information and communicate with our members on this issue."
