My story

I wanted to join a gym.  I didn't need a power smoothie bar in the lobby, hunky instructors or plasma TVs, I just wanted to exercise.  And February of 2007, I was excited to find the Fulton Mall Brooklyn location of Lucille Roberts, especially since there was a "no signing fee" $24.99 a month promotion. The gym was no frills--no showers, no towels, permanently broken machines, very few classes (if any), and out of shape staff--but cheap.  

And cheap is all I wanted ... or so I thought.

UPDATE, December 2009: After two years of fighting with Lucille Roberts, I was never able to cancel my membership and it simply expired.  I am $599.76 the poorer for it and am frustrated that I was not able to get this resolved. I have heard from many of you over the past couple of years and think it is outrageous that they continue to scam and lie to the many women out there who just wanted to find a place to get in shape.  Shame on you Lucille Roberts. 

Lucille's latest robbery

The latest letter from another person robbed by Lucille Robbers:

"I have been calling for THREE DAYS to cancel my membership. I have fulfilled my membership and at this point is only a matter of calling and canceling. I have called three gyms across the country and they have all given me the following number 212-734-9717 as there corporate contact number. For three days I have called and the number has been busy. I have literally sat at my desk and dialed that number every 3-4 minutes. The only time the number is NOT busy is from 12-1 where you get an automated message informing you they are closed for lunch. But as soon as 1pm rolls around back to that busy signal. I am beyond frustrated and all I want to do is cancel!!!!!!!!! Any suggestions? "

I have all the sympathy in the world. I know what it is like and how frustrating it is. I hope that raising awareness of this scandal will help you and me and all of the other women who have been conned by this scam.

Lucille Robs again

I have received many letters from people who have similar problems and who came across this site. I just got one that I felt I had to publish her story.

"I have been spending the entire day thinking of every way I can to get Lucille Roberts in trouble, and ran across your page.  I joined the SAME gym, and have not been allowed to cancel!!  As a college student already swamped in schoolwork, having a such a burden that won't go away has been unbelievably stressful." 

A New York Times report on the scandal

The New York Times reported on the scandal of Lucille Robbert's terrible behaviour: 

The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs is seeking $150,000 in fines against the Lucille Roberts health club chain because of complaints from members who were refused legitimate refunds or not allowed to cancel memberships, officials said.

Jules Polonetsky, the Consumer Affairs Commissioner, said yesterday that the chain, which has branches throughout the city, would face an administrative law judge on Jan. 28 to answer 19 complaints, half of all the agency's current complaints against health clubs in New York City.