How to Cancel a Gym Membership — Free Cancellation Letter Template

Key Takeaway: Most gyms make cancellation intentionally difficult. A written cancellation letter — sent via certified mail or signed electronically — creates a paper trail that protects you from being charged after you've cancelled. Download our free template below.

Why Gyms Make Cancellation So Hard

The fitness industry's business model depends on members who don't show up. According to industry data, 67% of gym memberships go completely unused — and that's by design.

Gyms use several tactics to make cancellation frustrating:

• Require in-person visits to cancel (even if you signed up online)
• Require a certified letter sent to a specific address
• Auto-renewal clauses that lock you in for another year
• 30-60 day notice periods — even after you submit cancellation
• "Freeze" your account instead of actually cancelling it
• Continue charging your card and claim they never received your cancellation

This is why a written cancellation letter is essential. It creates proof that you requested cancellation on a specific date.

Free Gym Cancellation Letter Template

Here's a template you can copy, fill in, and send:

[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Your Email] [Date]

[Gym Name] [Gym Address or Corporate Mailing Address] [City, State, ZIP]

Subject: Membership Cancellation Request — Member ID: [Your Member ID]

Dear [Gym Name] Membership Department,

I am writing to formally request the cancellation of my gym membership, effective immediately (or at the end of my current billing cycle on [date]).

Member Details:

• Member Name: [Your Full Name]
• Member ID / Account Number: [Your ID]
• Email on File: [Your Email]
• Phone on File: [Your Phone]

I request that no further charges be applied to my payment method on file. Please send written confirmation of this cancellation to my email or mailing address above within 10 business days.

If any final charges are applicable under my membership agreement, please provide an itemized statement.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]

How to use this template: Copy the text above, fill in the brackets, and either:

• Print and send via USPS Certified Mail (recommended for gyms that require physical letters)
• Upload to ZiaSign, add your e-signature, and email the signed PDF to the gym
• Save a copy for your records regardless of how you send it

Cancellation Steps for Major Gym Chains

Planet Fitness

• Method: In-person at your home club OR certified letter
• Cannot cancel: By phone, email, or online
• Notice period: Must cancel before the 10th of the month to avoid next month's charge
• Annual fee: Non-refundable once billed (typically February or March)

LA Fitness

• Method: In-person at any location OR certified letter to corporate
• Corporate address: P.O. Box 54170, Irvine, CA 92619
• Notice period: 5 business days before next billing date

Anytime Fitness

• Method: In-person at your club (30 days written notice required)
• Some locations accept emailed signed cancellation letters
• Notice period: 30 days (you'll be billed for one more month)

24 Hour Fitness

• Method: In-person, certified mail, or through their online portal
• Online portal: Log in → Account → Cancel Membership
• Notice period: Before next billing date

Equinox

• Method: In-person at your home club OR written notice
• Notice period: 45 days (one of the longest in the industry)
• Tip: Send your letter 45+ days before your desired end date

Gold's Gym

• Method: In-person OR certified letter to club address
• Notice period: 30 days
• Some locations: Accept email with signed cancellation letter attached

Protect Yourself After Cancelling

Even after sending your cancellation letter:

1. Get written confirmation. Don't leave the gym or hang up the phone without a cancellation confirmation number or email.

2. Screenshot everything. If you cancel online, screenshot the confirmation page with date and time visible.

3. Monitor your bank statements. Check for 2-3 months after cancellation to make sure charges have stopped.

4. Remove your payment method. If your gym has an online portal, delete your credit card or bank info after cancelling.

5. Dispute unauthorized charges. If the gym continues charging you after cancellation, file a dispute with your bank or credit card company. Your signed cancellation letter is your proof.

6. File a complaint if needed. Contact your state's Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or file a complaint with the FTC if the gym refuses to honor your cancellation.