Gym Membership Refund Guide

The "Cooling-off" Rule

Most U.S. states have a "cooling-off" law for health clubs. This allows you to cancel a new contract within a short window (usually 3–5 days) and get a full refund of all fees, including the initiation fee.

What if my refund is denied?

If you canceled properly but were charged anyway, you have a strong case. The key is proof.

• Gather evidence: Find your cancellation email, certified mail receipt, or stamped copy of the letter.
• Compare dates: Highlight the date you canceled vs. the date they charged you.
• Send a demand letter: Write formally to the manager attaching this proof. Use our tool to generate this letter.

Unused Personal Training Sessions

Personal training (PT) contracts are often separate from membership contracts and are notoriously strict ("non-refundable"). However, exceptions exist:

• Medical Disability: If a doctor certifies you cannot exercise, most states require a refund of unused prepaid services.
• Relocation: If you move to an area where the gym has no locations, you may be entitled to a pro-rated refund.

"The manager promised me a refund"

Verbal promises are difficult to enforce. If a staff member says "we'll refund you," follow up immediately with an email:

If they don't reply, this email still serves as a contemporaneous record of the promise.