The 24/7 gym chain Anytime Fitness has hit the headlines over incidences of new members signed up based on blank contracts, or false signatures filled into unseen contracts.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported new customers at New South Wales and Queensland gyms had lodged separate complaints about the membership joining process.
Anytime Fitness has told Franchise Executives, “We take any matter relating to the integrity of our membership processes and the member experience extremely seriously.”
The gym chain confirmed that once alerted to the issue, CEO Simon Thompson initiated an internal investigation.
“Given the serious nature of the matter, we are reviewing all relevant documentation, systems, and processes to establish the facts. Until that investigation is complete, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the specific circumstances or speculate the outcome,” Anytime Fitness said in a statement.
The gym chain said that protecting its members is its highest priority, and pointed to its robust systems, governance and compliance processes which are “designed to protect our members and uphold the highest standards across our network”.
“It’s disappointing that a situation like this has the potential to impact the trust our members, franchisees and club teams have worked hard to build over the past 18 years. That’s why we’ll take every necessary step to investigate thoroughly, establish the facts, and take action where appropriate,” the statement said.
Anytime Fitness is celebrating its 18th year, and recently opened the first airport gym in Australia.
