How to Cancel Any Gym Membership in 2026: Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, Anytime Fitness & More

Gym memberships are the single most complained-about subscription category in the United States. The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association estimates that 67% of gym memberships go completely unused, and the industry knows it. Their business model depends on people who pay but never show up -- and they have built cancellation processes designed to keep it that way.

Want to cancel online? Most gyms will not let you. Need to cancel because you moved across the country? Many require you to visit your "home club" in person or send a physical letter via certified mail. Signed up month-to-month? Some chains still hit you with a buyout fee worth several months of dues.

Every year, the FTC and state attorneys general receive thousands of complaints about gym cancellation practices. Dark patterns, forced in-person visits, mandatory notice periods that guarantee one or two extra charges, and vague contract language are standard across the industry.

This guide covers exactly how to cancel your membership at the 10 largest gym chains in the US, what fees you will face, which legal protections exist, and when freezing might be a better option than canceling.

Gym Cancellation Comparison

Here is a side-by-side look at the cancellation policies of every major gym chain. The details vary significantly -- some are straightforward while others require certified mail and impose multi-month notice periods.

Cancellation Ease Rankings

We scored each gym on how easy (or painful) it is to actually get out of your membership. A score of 0 means instant online cancellation with no hassles. A score of 100 means maximum friction.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness— In-person or certified mail

Planet Fitness is the largest gym chain in the US with over 2,600 locations, and it is notorious for making cancellation difficult despite advertising itself as a "Judgement Free Zone." You cannot cancel online, through the app, or over the phone.

Option 1: Cancel in person

1. Visit your home club -- the specific location where you signed up
2. Ask the front desk for a membership cancellation form
3. Fill out the form completely and submit it at the front desk
4. Ask for a copy of the completed form as proof of cancellation

Option 2: Cancel by certified letter

1. Write a cancellation letter including your full name, membership number, address, phone number, and a clear statement that you are canceling
2. Send it via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested to your home club's physical address
3. Keep the green return receipt card as your proof of cancellation

Fees: Many Planet Fitness locations charge a $58 annual fee (sometimes called a "rate lock guarantee fee") that is separate from monthly dues. If you cancel after your annual fee is charged, you will not receive a refund for it. Some locations also impose a buyout fee of roughly $58 if you are within a 12-month commitment period.

Black Card members (the $24.99/month tier) follow the same cancellation process. There is no special online cancellation option for premium members.

LA Fitness

LA Fitness— In-person or certified mail

LA Fitness operates over 700 locations under the LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, and City Sports Club brands. Cancellation policies are consistent across all brands.

Option 1: Cancel in person

1. Visit any LA Fitness location (not limited to your home club)
2. Ask to speak with the Operations Manager
3. Request and complete a cancellation form
4. Get a signed copy for your records

Option 2: Cancel by certified mail

1. Send a cancellation letter via USPS Certified Mail to: LA Fitness, P.O. Box 54170, Irvine, CA 92619-4170
2. Include your full name, membership number, address, phone, date of birth, and a clear cancellation request
3. Keep the certified mail receipt and tracking number

Fees and timing: If you are on a month-to-month membership, there is no cancellation fee. Your cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle. If you signed a term agreement (typically 12 or 24 months), you may owe the remaining balance of the contract. LA Fitness requires cancellation be received before your next billing date to avoid an additional charge.

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness— In-person at home club

Anytime Fitness is a franchise model with over 5,000 locations worldwide. Because each location is independently owned, cancellation policies can vary significantly. However, most locations follow this general process:

1. Visit your home club in person (the location where you originally signed up)
2. Ask to speak with the club manager -- front desk staff typically cannot process cancellations
3. Complete a written cancellation form
4. Request a signed and dated confirmation that your cancellation has been processed

Notice period: Most Anytime Fitness locations require 30 days' written notice. This means you will be charged for one additional month after submitting your cancellation.

Contract buyout: If you are within a commitment period (usually 12 months), you will likely owe the remaining balance of your contract. Some locations offer a buyout at a reduced rate rather than the full remaining amount -- ask about this option.

ABC Financial note: Many Anytime Fitness locations use ABC Financial (now ABC Fitness Solutions) as their billing company. You may see charges from "ABC Financial" or "ABCFin" on your bank statement rather than "Anytime Fitness." If you are disputing charges, you may need to contact ABC Financial directly at 1-888-827-9262.

Equinox

Equinox— 45-day notice required

Equinox has the most aggressive cancellation policy of any major gym chain. At $200-$350 per month depending on location and tier, the stakes are high.

1. Visit your home club and speak with the front desk or membership advisor, or send an email to your club's concierge email address (format: typically clubname@equinox.com)
2. Submit a formal cancellation request
3. Equinox requires a minimum of 45 days' advance notice
4. You will continue to be billed at your full monthly rate for the entire 45-day notice period

What the 45-day notice means in practice: If you submit your cancellation on March 1, the 45-day period does not end until April 15. You will be billed for the full month of March and at least half of April. If your billing date falls at the beginning of April, you could end up paying for two full additional months after deciding to cancel.

No contract, but a catch: Equinox memberships are technically month-to-month after any initial commitment period. There is no early termination fee. However, the 45-day notice period functions as a de facto fee -- at $200+ per month, two extra billing cycles can cost $400-$700.

Initiation fee: If you cancel and later want to rejoin, you will need to pay a new initiation fee, which ranges from $300 to $500 depending on the club.

Lifetime Fitness

Lifetime Fitness— In-person, mail, or online form

Lifetime Fitness (branded as "Life Time") operates about 170 upscale athletic clubs. Their cancellation process has improved in recent years and now includes an online option.

Option 1: Online cancellation form

1. Log in to your account at my.lifetime.life
2. Navigate to Membership settings
3. Submit a cancellation request through the online form
4. You will receive an email confirmation

Option 2: In person

1. Visit your home club's Member Services desk
2. Request a cancellation form and complete it
3. Get a copy for your records

Option 3: By mail

1. Send a written cancellation request to your home club's address
2. Include your name, membership number, and contact information

Notice period: Lifetime requires 30 days' notice regardless of cancellation method. Your membership remains active (and you will be billed) for 30 days after your request is processed.

Fees: Month-to-month members pay no cancellation fee. If you signed a term commitment, early termination may require paying the remaining months at a reduced rate. Lifetime's initiation fees ($200-$500) are non-refundable.

Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory— In-person at home studio

Orangetheory is a boutique fitness franchise with over 1,500 studios. Like Anytime Fitness, policies vary by franchise owner, but the general process is consistent.

1. Visit your home studio in person
2. Speak with the studio manager about canceling
3. Complete a cancellation form
4. Confirm the effective date and get written proof

Notice period: Most Orangetheory studios require 30 days' written notice. If you cancel on March 15, your membership remains active until April 15, and you will be billed for any charges that fall within that window.

Contract terms: Most Orangetheory memberships start with a 6-month or 12-month initial term. Canceling within the initial term typically means paying an early termination fee or the remaining balance. After the initial term, memberships convert to month-to-month and can be canceled with the standard 30-day notice and no fee.

F45 Training

F45— In-person or email to studio

F45 is a franchise-based group fitness brand with around 1,750 studios globally. Cancellation policies vary widely by franchise location.

1. Visit your home studio and speak with the studio owner or manager
2. Alternatively, send a written cancellation request via email to your studio's email address
3. Complete any required cancellation paperwork
4. Request written confirmation with an effective date

Notice period: Varies by franchise -- typically 14 to 30 days. Check your membership agreement for the exact requirement at your location.

Fees: If you are within a contract period, most F45 studios require you to pay the remaining balance of your agreement. Some studios offer a buyout at a discounted rate. Month-to-month members generally pay no cancellation fee.

Crunch Fitness

Crunch Fitness— In-person or certified mail

Crunch Fitness operates both corporate-owned and franchise locations, so the process can differ depending on your gym. The general procedure follows the same pattern as Planet Fitness.

Option 1: Cancel in person

1. Visit your home club
2. Ask the front desk for a cancellation form
3. Complete and submit the form
4. Get a copy stamped with the date

Option 2: Cancel by certified mail

1. Send a cancellation letter to your home club's address via USPS Certified Mail
2. Include your full name, membership number, address, and a clear cancellation statement
3. Keep the certified mail receipt

Billing cutoff: Like Planet Fitness, many Crunch locations require cancellation by the 10th of the month to stop the next month's charge.

Buyout fee: Some Crunch locations (particularly franchise clubs) charge a buyout fee of up to $175 if you cancel within a commitment period. Corporate-owned Crunch locations tend to have more lenient policies. Always check your membership agreement for the exact terms.

24 Hour Fitness

24 Hour Fitness— Online, in-person, or mail

24 Hour Fitness is one of the few major gym chains that offers true online cancellation, making it one of the easiest gyms to leave.

Option 1: Cancel online

1. Log in at 24hourfitness.com
2. Go to My Account and select Membership
3. Click Cancel Membership
4. Follow the prompts and confirm

Option 2: Cancel in person

1. Visit any 24 Hour Fitness location
2. Request a cancellation form at the front desk

Option 3: Cancel by mail

1. Send a cancellation letter to: P.O. Box 2689, Carlsbad, CA 92018

Notice period: 24 Hour Fitness requires 30 days' notice. Your membership remains active for 30 days after your cancellation is processed, and you will be billed for any charges within that window.

Fees: Month-to-month members pay no cancellation fee. Prepaid memberships (12 or 24-month) are generally non-refundable for remaining months, though 24 Hour Fitness has occasionally offered prorated refunds when asked through their customer service team.

YMCA

YMCA— Online, phone, or in-person

The YMCA consistently has the most member-friendly cancellation policy of any gym organization. Because YMCAs are nonprofit community organizations (not franchises trying to maximize revenue), the process is straightforward.

1. Online: Most YMCA branches allow cancellation through their website or member portal
2. Phone: Call your local YMCA branch and request cancellation
3. In person: Visit the member services desk at your branch

No contract and no fees: YMCA memberships are month-to-month. There is no commitment period, no cancellation fee, no buyout, and no certified letter requirement.

Notice period: Varies by branch, but most require cancellation before your next billing date to avoid one more charge. Some branches process cancellation immediately while others require up to 15 days' notice.

Financial assistance: If you are canceling because of cost, ask about the YMCA's financial assistance program. Many branches offer reduced rates based on income, and some will suspend billing temporarily during financial hardship rather than requiring cancellation.

The Certified Letter Requirement

Several major gym chains still require -- or strongly prefer -- that you cancel via USPS Certified Mail. This is one of the most frustrating practices in the industry, and it exists for one reason: friction. Every barrier between you and cancellation is another month of dues in the gym's pocket.

Gyms that accept or require certified mail for cancellation:

• Planet Fitness -- certified mail or in-person (no online, no phone)
• LA Fitness -- certified mail to P.O. Box 54170, Irvine, CA 92619-4170
• Crunch Fitness -- certified mail to your home club's address
• Gold's Gym -- many franchise locations require certified mail

How to send a certified cancellation letter:

1. Write a letter stating: your full name, membership number, address, phone number, date of birth, and a clear statement that you are canceling your membership effective immediately
2. Go to your local USPS post office and request Certified Mail with Return Receipt (green card)
3. The cost is about $7.19 (Certified Mail fee of $4.35 + Return Receipt fee of $2.84 as of 2026)
4. Keep the receipt and tracking number. When the green card arrives back in your mail, that is your proof that the gym received your letter
5. Take a photo of the letter before sealing the envelope

Freeze vs. Cancel -- When to Choose Each

Before you cancel, consider whether freezing your membership makes more sense. Most gyms offer a freeze (also called a "hold" or "suspension") that pauses your billing at a reduced rate.

Choose freeze if:

• You are traveling, injured, or dealing with a temporary life change
• You plan to return to the gym within 1-6 months
• Your gym charges a high initiation fee that you would lose and have to repay
• You are on a promotional rate that you cannot get again after canceling

Choose cancel if:

• You have no intention of returning to this gym
• The monthly freeze fee adds up to more than just re-joining later
• You are switching to a different gym or home workout setup
• The gym's membership rates are low enough that rejoining is not a financial concern

Typical freeze fees by gym:

| Gym | Freeze Fee | Maximum Freeze Duration | |-----|-----------|------------------------| | Planet Fitness | Free (Classic) / $0 | Up to 3 months per year | | LA Fitness | $0-$10/month | 3-6 months | | Anytime Fitness | $10-$15/month | Varies by location | | Equinox | $40-$65/month | Up to 3 months per year | | Lifetime Fitness | $20-$40/month | Up to 3 months | | Orangetheory | $15/month | Up to 3 months | | 24 Hour Fitness | $0-$10/month | Up to 6 months | | YMCA | Varies | Varies by branch |

State Laws That Help

Several states have passed laws specifically designed to protect consumers from predatory gym cancellation practices. If you are in one of these states, you have additional rights beyond what the gym's contract says.

California -- Health club contracts cannot exceed 3 years. You can cancel within 5 days of signing with a full refund. If you move more than 25 miles from the gym, you can cancel with a prorated refund. If you become disabled, you can cancel immediately.

New York -- Gyms must allow cancellation by mail. Contracts cannot exceed 36 months. You have 3 business days to cancel a new membership for a full refund. If a gym closes or moves more than 5 miles, you get a full prorated refund.

Illinois -- The Physical Fitness Services Act limits contracts to 30 months and caps initiation fees. Members can cancel within 3 business days of signing. If you move more than 25 miles away, become disabled, or die, the contract can be canceled.

Massachusetts -- Gym contracts cannot exceed 36 months. You have 3 business days to cancel after signing. If a gym fails to provide services as promised, you can cancel and receive a prorated refund.

New Jersey -- The Health Club Services Act requires gyms to offer a 3-day cancellation window. If you move more than 25 miles from the gym or become disabled, you can cancel with a prorated refund minus a small administrative fee (maximum $25).

Florida -- Health studios must provide a 3-day cancellation window. If a gym goes out of business, members can file claims for refunds through the state.

Connecticut -- Health club contracts must include a 3-day right of rescission. Members can cancel if they relocate more than 25 miles from the club or become disabled.

The FTC Click-to-Cancel Rule

In October 2024, the Federal Trade Commission finalized the "Click-to-Cancel" rule (officially the amendments to the Negative Option Rule). This regulation, which began taking effect in phases through 2025 and is now fully enforceable in 2026, requires that businesses make it at least as easy to cancel a subscription as it was to sign up.

What the rule requires:

• If you signed up online, the business must allow you to cancel online -- no more forcing in-person visits or certified mail for memberships enrolled on a website
• Businesses must provide a simple, clearly disclosed cancellation mechanism
• Sellers cannot require consumers to talk to a live representative to cancel if they signed up without talking to one
• Businesses must ask for consent before charging and must clearly disclose all material terms

What this means for gym members:

• If you signed up for Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, or any gym through their website or app, the gym must now offer an online cancellation pathway
• If you signed up in person at the gym, the click-to-cancel rule may not apply -- the gym can still require in-person cancellation
• The rule does not retroactively change existing contracts, but it applies to the cancellation mechanism going forward

How to use this rule:

1. Determine whether you signed up online or in person
2. If you signed up online and the gym refuses to offer online cancellation, cite the FTC Negative Option Rule (16 CFR Part 425) in your cancellation request
3. If the gym still refuses, file complaints with the FTC and your state attorney general simultaneously
4. Contact your credit card company or bank to dispute ongoing charges

Bottom Line: Tips for Canceling Any Gym Membership

Regardless of which gym you belong to, these strategies will help you cancel with minimum friction and cost:

1. Read your contract first. Before attempting to cancel, find your original membership agreement. It spells out the exact cancellation process, notice period, and any fees. If you cannot find it, request a copy from the gym.

2. Always get written confirmation. Whether you cancel in person, by mail, or online, get something in writing -- a stamped form, an email confirmation, a certified mail receipt. Verbal cancellations are worth nothing if the gym keeps billing you.

3. Cancel early in the month. Most gyms have billing cutoffs around the 1st or 10th. Submit your cancellation at least a week before the cutoff to account for processing time.

4. Use certified mail as insurance. Even if you cancel in person, consider also sending a certified letter. It gives you timestamped, legally admissible proof of your cancellation request.

5. Check your bank statements for 2-3 months after canceling. Gym billing errors are extremely common. If charges continue after your cancellation should have taken effect, contact the gym first, then dispute the charges with your bank.

6. Know your state's laws. Many states give you specific rights around gym cancellations, especially for relocations, disabilities, and cooling-off periods after signing.

7. Invoke the FTC rule if you signed up online. If you enrolled through a website or app and the gym refuses to let you cancel online, the Click-to-Cancel rule is on your side.

8. Consider a chargeback as a last resort. If a gym continues to charge you after a properly documented cancellation, you have the right to dispute those charges with your credit card issuer or bank. Provide your cancellation documentation as evidence.

9. Set a calendar reminder. If your cancellation has a 30-day or 45-day notice period, set a reminder to verify that billing has actually stopped after that period ends.

10. Do not let sunk costs keep you paying. The most expensive gym membership is the one you never use. Whether you paid a $300 initiation fee or are 6 months into a 12-month contract, calculate the real cost of continuing to pay versus the buyout fee. Often the buyout is cheaper than months of unused dues.

Last updated: March 27, 2026. Gym policies change frequently, especially as the FTC Click-to-Cancel rule drives industry-wide changes. Visit the individual gym cancellation pages linked above for the most current step-by-step instructions and fee information.