Crunch Fitness
61 New Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94101 (415) 543-1110
- Good for Kids: No
50 reviews
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
"omigoshilovebootcampsomuc h. Seriously. And I'm like, so not a morning person-really! It takes a lot to get my lazy you-know-what out of bed…" read more »
57 Reviews for Crunch Fitness
Gotta say I really like Crunch, and this location. I had Club one before and they were horrible! The staff @ Crunch is really cool and knows you on a first name basis and the gym is always clean and doesn't smell. I haven't tried to get out of my contract so I can't vouch for the others, but I did have an issue where I should've had a free month and they charged me, but they just didn't charge me the next month. Seems like a lot of the bad reviews are from people that are getting walked on. If you let them know that shit like that wont fly, they don't F with you.
If you're going to try personal training, go with Ryan G. He's the PT director and is more expensive, but definitely worth it.
Are you moving? Maybe changing jobs? Looking for a new gym?
BEWARE!!! "DO NOT" join this gym.
It's easier (and probably cheaper) to get out of a Siberian Prison Camp than it is to cancel a membership with at Crunch Fitness.
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I've had nothing but negative experiences with this place, and it's 100% true what "Joe C." says about it being 'easier and cheaper to get out of a Siberian Prison Camp than...cancel a membership" here.
-My brother signed up, and then signed me on as part of a family plan promotion. I tried to cancel mine and they said "no problem, all set" and then noticed I was still getting charged for it a month later.
-My brother canceled his membership several months later, but they continued to charge him 3 or 4 more times, and when we went in to complain they made up some bullshit about their computer system not being accessible for another month or so because they were going through some kind of transition. We wasted over an hour waiting around in the office or going up and down the stairs as they directed us to different people
-the girls at the counter were totally rude on many occasions
-a creepy guy who worked there was hovering around and making inappropriate comments while i was using one of the leg machines
-this bum that hangs out in SoMA and is always carrying a gray wool blanket uses the alley adjacent to the "wall of windows" as his toilet. He can frequently be seen diarrhea-ing on the wall across the street, in plain view of anyone using the 1st floor treadmills or pull-up bars.
If you must go to Crunch, try the one on Polk/Russian Hill.
Crunch. it's funny how every Crunch gym smells the same (atleast the 3 that I have visited.) My home away from home. I have taken a few Yoga Fusion classes with Michael L and they have been really wonderful. The Yoga Fusion class is held in the evening and I had an amazing little spot next to the windows just as the sun was setting. Michael is super friendly and I love when he says "Butterfly it out" I smile every time he says that.
On one trip to SF, I shared a cab with a friendly guy (who paid for my cab ride, thanks!) since there was a long line and we were both in a rush. I bumped into him a week or so later while stepping foot into this Crunch only to find out that he works there, every time I go to this gym I am greeted by a warm welcome from him, "Hey it's the New York Girl!"
This was a terrible experience. Person who signed me up promised free months, which I did not get (she left.) Staff is listless, with a "could care less" attitude. The "Remodel" removed the steam room, and the pool that was a block away. Towels are treated like precious artifacts. Read the other reviews (those that have not been removed) and you will see a pattern. I have reviewed this place before - each time my review is removed with no explanation (I asked for one.) Watch for this review to be removed.
I have to agree with the consensus. I've found both Sharon and Van Ness to be clean enough, compared to high school and college gyms. People go to gyms to sweat, so my expectations aren't too high in that area I guess.
The Van Ness location is fun, I like the "peekaboo" showers and I enjoy going especially on a weekend afternoon when the sun's pouring in and the place is semi-deserted. But their billing system is heinous and the stories of other yelpers match my experience.
The topper for me is that my wallet was stolen last weekend so I had to replace my gym card. I go to the front desk guy at Sharon and explain, the first thing he says is "can I see your card?" Nothing like empathetic listening to the customer. When he realizes I need a replacement, he brightens -- "Oh no problem, that will be five dollars."
Do I really want to continue this relationship? Does anyone know of a gym that sucks less?
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This crunch location in my opinion is pretty nice for a city gym. It's really large and I never have to wait or fight someone for equipment....and the ladies locker room is very large with plenty of locker space. I used to go to the Chestnut and Polk locations....this is a major improvement. I haven't tried the classes yet, but am hoping the kickboxing is as good as Diana's class at Chestnut. The only complaint I have is that the TVs on the treadmills don't work. I always get a fuzzy picture if I'm lucky to get a picture at all. I haven't had to deal with the administrative staff because I have my membership through my work. So I can't comment on whether they are pushy or not.
I can't believe people don't love this gym! They have really fun classes that I am never bored by-contact kick-boxing, Latino grooves, spinning -Really fun classes. Seriously. Also, Tanya Merryman is a kick%^#%# personal trainer! She really knows her stuff, and does a great job pushing you without being pushy--which is a real art.
This location is getting one star for being located near lots of Muni/Bart options. The other star is for the great amount of classes and a fairly good amount of equipment.
However, they lose a star for the terrible choice for placing the TVs (no matter where I'm working out - I can't really see anything). Another drop of a star for their poor collection of magazines (why are there so many copies of Nylon?). Last drop of a star is for the monthly rate sure is pricey!
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I'm no longer a member of this godforsaken blight on the Sharon Building., yet their billing department and collections goons continue to call me demanding money, a good year later. I was promised so, so many things when I signed up. Free personal training? Check. A discount on my membership if husband and I signed up together? Check. The ability to leave Crunch after three years' time without feeling like I was trying to escape Cosa Nostra or the LDS Church (that's L-D-S, people. Get your minds outta the sugar cubes) ? Check.
Did any of these nice things come to pass? Heck no, not a one. Like Christopher P, I was told that the things I was promised were beyond my sleazy sales rep's control. And while I thought it was a fine place to space out on an elliptical while watching Ellen Degeneris in the afternoon or hop on a bike for a spinning class, things like dance and yoga were not so good. Mostly I am appalled that despite my proper cancellation of membership a year ago they are still hounding me.
I'm on the brink of a lawsuit here. I wouldn't recommend this gym to anyone.
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I am not a member. Thank god!
I signed up with a coworker back in June but decided that it wasn't going to work out. Luckily canceled within the 3 day grace period. My coworker decided to keep the membership, locking her into the membership for a year.
The thing that really turned me off of Crunch was that even though they advertised that their gym was for all kinds of people...it clearly wasn't. And to top it off, when i asked how come they don't open up a Crunch in SOMA/Mission Bay after the chick told me they were opening up on in the Marina, she said cause it wasn't part of their "target urban audience".
"We don't open up in the suburbs"
Uh ok I never knew my hood was a suburb. And really...the Marina?!
Anywhoo....
So the reason why I'm writing a review today is because I just want to warn you all to stay away unless you want to deal with rude, judgemental people.
So my coworker moved to Oakland. She went in to cancel her membership a month ago and was willing to pay the $200 to cancel her contract. But the front desk person said she should wait and provide documents showing her new address so that she would only have to pay $25 to cancel since she lived "either 25 miles or lived over the bridge". So fast forward to today. She tries to cancel...but the front desk peeps say that the $25 cancellation only applies to if you moved over 25 miles away only. They are so rude about it, almost implying that my coworker made up the whole other conversation with the original person. Overall, they made it difficult to cancel and was so smug about it.
Check out all the other reviews here and the problems with billing and with dealing Crunch employees. You'll see that all the want is your money.
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I actually made it to this crunch every morning for the past 5 mornings bright and early. Some days bright and early being 6 AM- so proud of myself! And while I'm not in of moods before 10 AM it was reassuring to see with such pleasant people at this gym. Everyone says people in the midwest are friendly, but the people who work at my snobby gym back in Chicago could learn from the staff at Crunch. A special call out to Rich, who greeted me with a big smile every morning, and Ronald in membership who made it possible for me to try Crunch this week. If you're looking to join Crunch then Ronald is your man...
So why 3 stars? When it comes to working out I'm a class gal and Crunch is known for their evolutionary classes. I tried 5 different classes this week and I just was not impressed! The young woman who teaches the morning classes (spinning and cardio alignment) on Mondays and Wednesdays plays awful music and just should not be teaching an exercise class. I could teach a better class than her and I shouldn't be teaching either! And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse I tried the Friday morning spin class and oh my goodness...the instructor didn't even get on his bike to teach the class! It was so painful that my friend and I left in the middle!
The Tuesday and Thursday morning classes (bosu boot camp and snowboarding something) were a little better, but nowhere nearly as good as what I'm used to.
Crunch may be the gym for you if you're looking for a clean gym with friendly people and lots of great equipment, but if you're a class person I'd suggest looking elsewhere.
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WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!
Two point to make:
1. I called member services to find out when I would be eligible to cancel my membership as I'd moved to a new neighborhood. They informed me I should send it in on Sept 10, 30 days prior to the new cycle.
2. They billed me again and then when I called they were rude, obnoxious, and told me it didn't matter that what the previous rep told me was WRONG, that I had signed a document stating my billing cycle was on September 3 - so I'll just have to eat this one.
BULLSHIT - I work in a world of customer service, and I guarantee I will NEVER even consider Crunch again.
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Hmm, with all the mention of billing problems, I feel lucky that I have not had an issue with them, maybe they've cleaned up their act after getting slammed online in many places??
So with that in mind, I can really only review Crunch based off of my experience. I started a new job in SF and my office is very near Crunch, so it's a great place to go before or after work or for a lunch break. I love that I can be flexible with my schedule in that respect. Also I was offered a 'local company rate', how legitimate that is vesus a sales pitch it up for debate but I was happy with the rate and the lack off fees and contract.
I know what I want to do in the gym and I don't need a trainer, a little internet research goes pretty far in figuring our a good program if you take the time so I can't comment on the staff, but I do see a few working to put weights away, which I always appreciate.
There is nothing too fancy about this gym, outside of the often not working tv screens on the treadmills. I haven't found anything disgusting and while the locker room is fairly basic (no steam room/sauna), it's clean and functional.
It can get very crowded during the peak after work rush, but it's a downtown gym, what do you expect?
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No Stars for you, Crunch Fitness! I barely made it out of the contract....I got lucky with a new manager who let me slip through a loop hole in the contract with no arguements. The reasons why I quit.....the classes suck! They told me when I signed up that the classes would change every quarter. They never changed. The spin instructor was lame and so was the kick boxing one. They never changed the routine or the music. On top of that, they cancelled the dodge ball class which was my favorite thing about the club.
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Well - I hate to do this, but the corporate billings department just charged me over a thousand dollars for a personal training package that was settled over a year ago.
I cannot urge this enough - do not do business with crunch unless you are willing to pay double for everything. They will either get you by saying they did not get your canceled membership, or try to bill you for payments that were made way in the past. Efforts to communicate with corporate have been horrendous.
People on the ground are fine and friendly - but once your put your credit card down you are at risk.
Just be warned.
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You Filipino?
"No -- I'm black and Japanese"
Cool, here's a towel
Four stars because I joined after the billing scams of yore (knock on wood). I like the abundance of ellipticals (as opposed to the branch on Van Ness) -- #166 near the workout benches in my favorite. Cool breezes wafting in through the windows behind the treadmills are a plus. I find the showers to be immaculate.
It's right by the BART station, and a hop and a skip away from Lee's, where I can order a workout-undoing poppyseed bagel with lox shmear.
Keep up the good work, and should you ever lower your prices or not tack those annoying stipulations onto your one-day guest passes, I'll give you a big kiss.
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While I like the New Montgomery location (seldom too crowded and the free weights floor has a 90 ft ceiling so it never FEELS crowded) I've had similar experiences with both billing and the sales reps. They promised me one rate, for personal training, but when it came time to sign up, that rate was only for certain level. The trainer I wanted was two levels higher. I don't even remember what the levels were.
The truth is that I joined that gym to work with that trainer, which I told the sales guy right off. I've since also learned that many trainers, even some at higher rates are not certified. So ask a LOT of questions and keep your eyes wide open when dealing with this place. You may not even have to join if you ONLY work with a trainer.
The good news is that ONE of their billing errors was in my favor. They neglected to charge me for an installment of my training. So I'm ahead a few hundred dollars. HA-ha.
You know what, I'm gonna go balls to the walls and vouch for my gym here. Every billing issue I've had with Crunch has been resolved painlessly. I'm really sorry that some of you don't want to work out and can't commit to your contracts, but for those of us who attend regularly, Crunch is a fine venue. It's really nice to go to affordable gym (and if you go often enough, it's worth every penny) where the staff actually knows what the hell they're talking about and are more than happy to offer assistance. I enjoy their classes and the free training promotions they offer seasonally. Also, I work out during both peak and off hours and I never wait for a machine. I also attend the Spear St. and Polk St. locations regularly.
Cheap gyms skeez me out, and I can't afford the Premium gyms. I hate meat markets where everyone looks perfect. Crunch is the perfect medium for me. Honestly, I feel like the unintimidating, upbeat atmosphere at Crunch has helped me stick to my routines, have much more energy, and feel great. I've been a member for almost 18 months now.
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Alas. I think my time with Crunch is up. Cost and quality are askew. Sad. Loved the ballet barre class.
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-1 star - front desk staff full of morons
-1 star - guy who danced naked in front of me in the locker room singing "I will survive"
-1 star - damn karaoke spinning class guy keeps screaming in your ear while you try to work out
-1 star - having to keep your butt to the wall in the men's locker room
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I've been clocking some obscene hours there lately. You would too if you went away for a month and had love affairs with the likes of foie gras, pate, frommage, pizza, cassoulet and various pastries(I will not name specific names here because afterall I'm a lady). After my colleagues got wind of the fact that I was going there during lunch and after work for my sufferfests one of the nosey ones asked me whether I had a life. I didn't say anything but I thought to myself, why of course I do, I spend most of my nights on Yelp.
Back to the review, I love this gym. This my home away from home. I'm disappointed that it gets no love on Yelp. I get great service there and most of the staff members know my name and even went to my birthday party last year. The classes are great and if it wasn't for Crunch I wouldn't be able to do entertaining tricks on a pole. Although it really sucks that we can no longer go to Bally's anymore, that's ok, I will live because like most city dwellers I hardly ever leave the confines of SF anyhow.
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For a second, I almost wished that I had billing problems like everyone else so I could feel like we were talking about the same place, but that second is over. I love Crunch. This gym is rarely too crowded to get an elliptical machince which is kind of astonishing in this city.
The classes are pretty good. The staff has never been anything but nice and helpful. And I have never been there when they ran out of towels. It isn't filled with the "perfect Marina" people, but real people, who have regular jobs and work....I am not sure I require anything else in a gym.
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It's a gym, but compared to the other two crunches I've been to, it's not my favorite. For one, they don't have free lockers like they do at the one on chestnut. i haven't taken any classes yet, but i'll come back and give my take on the teachers.
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Do not make the mistake of joining this gym or any other Crunch Fitness. They are all horrible. I paid off the remainder of my 3 year contract and they cannot "find" this payment. I've sent my bank statement showing I paid and they will still not let me cancel my account until their stupid recovery department figures out the mix-up. Meanwhile, I cannot work out at the gym because they say my account is delinquent, but I cannot quit because my account is delinquent. My friend had problems as well because Crunch was debiting her card for 2 memberships, one in SF and one in NYC which they have been charging her $200 a month for and it doesn't even exist! Seriously, join another gym- 24 or Club One, whatever! Just don't join this one and don't sign a contract with them!!
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Negative Stars!!! Be warned everyone!!! My review is a copy, verbatim of the email that I just sent to crunch. PS: It took me 2 hours (not exaggerating!) of phone haggling to get the cancellation form emailed to me. First they informed me I had to go in to the gym to cancel, and it was only when I challenged it that they sent me the form via email.
Dear crunch,
This is in reference to account number ***08.
I canceled my membership for the reason that i had moved out of a 25
mile radius of the nearest crunch location. I completed the
cancellation form as well as provided the requested documentation,
which in my case was the purchase agreement for the apartment i
purchased in France.
I had informed your customer service agent that due to suspected fraud
the account had been frozen but asked her to bill me for the final
month.Your company cashed the $25 dollar cancellation fee but then
proceeded to send me a letter stating that you do not accept my
cancellation because my credit card did not go through.
I have only now received some of the mail you have sent me, and I am
informing you that I do not accept your non acceptance of my
cancellation nor do i accept any of the charges past July 2007.
I owe you $69 dollars for the 30 day notice for cancellation--which i
am more than happy to pay.
Its a well established scam that you are running in your billing
department, and had i known (or listened) before signing up, I never
would have. But instead, I listened to the sweet but terrified
swedish sales girl who was so nervous her mouth twitched when she
talked, and the branch manager who assured me that if and when I had
to move OUT OF THE COUNTRY i would be able to do so with ease.
Instead its like I'm trying to get out of the mob.
Just drop the game you're running, bill me for the $69.00 I
legitimately owe you, and you'll come out 69 dollars richer, because
you are just not going to get those other so-called charges out of me.
Sincerely,
A.A.
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You have been warned - I am so pissed off at Crunch that I am going to post this review for every location they have. Put simply, Crunch bites. Not only are they a piss poor gym with run down equipment and cockroaches (see Sarah B.'s review) but they have the WORST management you could ever imagine. Case in point - Crunch has recently decided to start charging my credit card willy nilly THREE YEARS after I cancelled my membership to Gorilla (not even Crunch). Although I once belonged to Gorilla, I cancelled my membership in 2004 due to the fact I'm lazy and hate working out. Now, Crunch is threatening to send me to collections even though they have been unable to provide me with a copy of the alleged contract. I had to cancel my credit card because they refused to stop charging me? San Franciscians beware - negotiating with Crunch is worse than going to the dentist.
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I am a little saddened that a lot of people have given this gym such bad reviews. (I'm cursed with over empathy for everyone else's pain). I joined the Crunch chain many many many years ago. At the time it was a huge step up from 24 hour. As a female I enjoyed not being bothered; even if it was because I am the undesired gender. I loved the variety of the classes. And when I did have the funds, my personal trainer (who still works there) ranks in the top 3 best personal trainers/coaches in my life.
Sure the colors are hideous, but I'm not here to study interior design just lift heavy things repetitively.
Maybe the front staff can be a little dim, but I'm not here t make friends just do some downward dogs
OK, the contract is a little harsh, but having been a member for many years it was well worth it. I'd rather be bound here than suffer at the meat market of 24 hour.
I'm really OK with this gym. I've had a few bad experiences with billing but they were never out of control terrible. Most of the staff is generally friendly and the trainers are not THAT jaded. Overall the gym is well equipped for my needs and the classes they offer are for the most part unique and not just mindless dancing around. The reasons I don't give it 5 stars is because I know there are better gyms out there (I just can't afford the fees and dues of entering a new contract) and I have to be really effing excited about something for 5.
It's an average gym. The Crunch in West Hollywood deluded me into thinking all Crunches would be the same. i was wrong. It's got a decent vibe, not intimidating or "cruise-like", and the cardio machines are plentiful, but it's had it's downs too.
i had billing problems when I first signed on out of a membership from Bally's. I agree with the company's poor management of accounts, and their problem of "continuously billing" even after memberships have been canceled or changed.
The staff is very friendly and accessible, yet the site itself is not very functional. The equipment is adequate and I wish they had a better vent system. Sometimes some folks release more than necessary when workin' out...
Earlier this year they closed the women's locker rooms for months to do renovations. Not only did that hinder my gym routine and create a huge inconvenience, but the Post location paled in comparison to size and equipment.
When the women's locker room re-opened, i was hoping for no more towel shortages--which are quite frequent in this gym. Upon my return, I found out that not only did they get rid of the steam room (!!!) the locker rooms aren't even that nice! It's a cement floor, with increased stalls and showers. That's IT. Oh, and yesterday their washing machine broke, so it's time to bring in your own towels anyway!
I don't know, I still go there bc my monthly fees are low and I'm sure there are worse gyms, but I've also seen much better and it makes me want just a little more bang for my buck. Lately, I think Crunch should be called Squat.
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First, let me premise this review by saying the following: I HATE TO WORK OUT.
Yes, that's right, I said it. BUT, knowing the alternative is for me to pork out into something resembling the Baron from "Dune", I know I have to go - at least semi-regularly.
Something else I have to mention is that I have traditionally had horrible experiences in gyms in general and that I have had tremendous anxiety about even going to one the past. That said, the New Montgomery Crunch was (and continues to be) a great experience for me.
Assets:
-Clean gym (very, VERY important to me)
-Clean locker rooms - I know a lot of people are knocking the "re-model" they did this year, and admittedly, it's not the best, but I still think it's a lot better than most locker rooms.
-Absence of the mother-@&$ing "peekaboo showers" at the Van Ness location. Nothing like not having to worry about putting on a show for the whole gym when you are trying to scrub your ass.
-Maintained equipment
-GREAT trainers. I had never worked with one before and was a bit put-off by the manager who proudly told me "I am a master at matching up people to the right trainer", but was, in fact, right on. I LOVED working with my trainer and got fantastic results.
Now the bad....
Really, the only problem I can ever consistently find with this location is the customer service. The women at the front counter seem mostly clueless about, well, EVERYTHING, and the guys are generally stuck up pricks. Gratefully, most of my interaction is limited to having them scan my card and give me my towels.
So, overall I'd have to say that I really would recommend this gym to others. Just having to not worry about contracting some fungus from a daily visit is worth the four stars all on it's own.......
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Read my letter below to Crunch Fitness on June 18 2007. They still refuse to acknowledge my request for cancellation. Now in November, I received notice that they have terminated me due to non-payment and have turned my account to a super aggressive collection agency. Unbelievable!!!
AGT Crunch Acquisitions
14658 Collections Center Drive
Chicago, IL 60693-0146
June 18, 2007
I received your notice that the attempt to draft money from my checking account has been declined. My bank has correctly declined the draft based on my instructions and here's why:
In February of this year, I called my local Crunch Fitness gym to cancel my membership. I was put on hold while the young lady who answered my call searched for my membership information. After several minutes of holding, she came back on and said that there was no record of my membership. I assured her that certainly there must be a record of my membership as I was being automatically billed monthly. She put me on hold and went to look a second time but returned again without finding my membership info. She took my phone number and said that she would get it taken care of and call me if there was any problem. No call came.
The next month, I noticed that my account was charged once again for membership. As a result I authorized the cancelation of the automatic transfer. I have now received several notices and phone calls from your organization telling me that I still continue to owe Gorilla Sports (Crunch?) money. Your current claim is that I need to pay Crunch $200. I have since explained the situation to two different people and my requests to cancel membership has yet to be acknowledged by your company. By contrast, I am seeing an annoying amount of effort on Crunch's part to regain access to my bank account.
Please, please acknowledge my request to have this memebership terminated. I expect it to be effective from February 07 going forward as per my original request. This is my final attempt to resolve this matter prior to publicisizing this situation and utilizing alternative resources to get it settled.
Sincerely,
(name deleted)
San Francisco, CA 94109
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First off, I'm not a member of this gym, but my girlfriend is. I hear that the gym facilities, classes and training staff are pretty cool . . . BUT do not ever try to quit!
Apparently a year ago, they started charging her credit card for double membership. She repeatedly called them to stop the double charging, and each time was told that it was "being taken care of." This continued for months, in which time her threats to quit were simply met with a, "Go ahead and quit if you like, but you'll owe us a $200 cancellation fee, and you probably won't get any of your double-charges back!"
Today at this Crunch location, she again tried to recoup the double billing and quit her membership and was met with the $200 charge and the manager basically saying "bring in your paperwork for the double-billing" (which she already has on NUMEROUS occasions with no results). Her membership expires in 2 months, so she asked if they could cancel it then without the cancellation fee . . . straight up, no bs, they told her to "wait until then and see." What kind of of "professional" business gives an answer like that??
This is the most piss-poor scam of a business I've ever dealt with! Read the other one-star reviews and you'll see THIS IS VERY COMMON HERE!
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I have been a member of this gym since the Pinnacle days. Then Crunch came in, painted the walls in abusive colors, and told me they were cool.
One of my main reasons for joining Pinnacle was the Bally's network. I was very surprised to learn that they were no longer Bally's (I never received any type of communication from them). Oh well. Then they closed 1 Post. Then I heard rumors of them doubling the rates once my contract was up (I was on one of those 3 year dealies).
Last week, I called to discuss this. Got MAJOR attitude from the guy I spoke to (didn't you notice a change in your billing? Uh, no, my bills read the same exact thing...didn't you notice the renovations? Sure, but they don't scream "We are no longer part of bally's"...then I was told I was wrong). The second guy told me my rates would double. When I said fine, I am going to terminate, I promptly was put on with the director of membership, who assured me my dues would only go up 5$ and I would no longer be on any sort of contract. Hooray.
So...one star for her, one star for my hot trainer a few years back. Be careful...this particular location gets crazy crowded.
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Ahh Crunch...to be honest, I joined a few years ago as part of a friends and family deal (when they had it) from my roommate. So you get one star for a low monthly rate. The other star comes from its incredible convenience to my job. Otherwise I probably wouldn't be going to the gym.
With the new management, I had high hopes. For a six week closure of the locker room, I expected more than replacing old fixures with new yet incredibly cheap ones. There's that one bathroom stall whose toilet was broken until very recently, but the door doesn't reach the doorjamb and doesn't close...so what's the point of the stall? There's also a sink handle that hasn't worked since day 1. Top if off with an INCREDIBLY lame and awful customer service dept (they didn't bill me for MONTHS after the transition, and when they finally tried to recoup the costs, I basically had to get the woman to learn how to make an invoice and remind her how much I owed...repeatedly).
Bottom line....it can only be worth it if you're not looking for much.
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They have pole dancing workouts. Need I say more?
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A Pigeon Pooped on Me...NO STARS! I have never experienced such disrespect than at the New Montgomery location. The staff has bestowed on me a comical name that I find offensive. They call me the name to my face and behind my back. Pigeons are living in the skylights and are pooping on the machines. When I complained I was ignored and made fun of. I contacted the GM to ask if she could wave the $200 cancellation fee - no. She never returned my calls and was always conveniently unavailable if I stopped by on my lunch break. I've also experienced cold showers, no towel service, and was stood up twice by two trainers for my free session. Friends don't let friends go to crunch gym.
Oh, and now that I'm canceling, I'm just waiting for more charges to show up on my bill because they're all incompetent jerks.
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7/22/08
Latest update:
Very interesting - Check out the ranking for Total Votes, i.e useful/cool/funny That will give you a more representative idea as it counts people who don't really want to write a review but don't mind saying which reviews reflect their experience with the club. You'll see a very negative bias in the results.
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I was going to take a hiatus from the club and re-join at a later date. Since I had a month to month membership, which I paid extra for so I wouldn't be locked into a one year contract or have to pay a cancellation fee, I thought I would have no trouble.
Unfortunately, even for month to month memberships, they have a cancellation fee disguised as having to pay an extra month's membership following the month in which you give your notice. So if you decide you want to quit in the middle of a month, and give them 2 weeks notice, they will still charge you for the next month whether or not you intend to use the gym.
Gyms are in the service industry. Why can't they treat people decently? That way they may come back instead of being put off for life. Seems like good business practice to me, not to mention ethical behavior,. I would have rejoined if they had not tried to raise my rates almost 30% after the first year, and then tried to charge me for another month -- at the the new rate! -- AFTER I gave notice.
Apparently my problems were relatively minor compared to other members.
See this link for more info re Crunch membership cancellation problems:
http://consumerist.com...
Key Words: Crunch Fitness gym health club 30 thirty days notice membership cancel cancellation bill billing hard difficult impossible bilk ripoff credit card debit fee sales scam
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We call this Crunch location, "the Sharon Building".
This place has an interesting configuration from a structural standpoint. A large weights area represents the main floor. The narrow upper level contains treadmill and cardio equipment, while a narrow space is filled with spin bikes. A basement area is where you may find the locker and shower rooms as well as a small studio for group exercises.
The boxing area is small juxtaposed along the weights section. There is hardly any partition of space, however, they have those oh so heavy boxing bag, that I love to work on. Hard, sturdy and a great way to release all pent-up stressed and frustrations.
This year we're happy that the M-W 7pm Contact Boxing class has been reinstated, taught by one of our favorite instructors, Charlie. He is a skilled instructor who focuses on form and stance, while sporting the best humour and demeanor.
Of course, the b