Valley Fitness Kickboxing — Local services in Glendale

Really great cardio addition to my strength workouts, Casey really brings it!

two month update: I have noticed that my core strength has really improved, and I was really looking forward to continuing my training here with hopes of individual lessons to improve my form, but unfortunately due to car theft my debit and credit cards needed to be replaced resulting in, of course, a text from Casey reminding me to update my card. Went ahead and processed the $15 no problem; the mess of insurance and police reports and waiting for my bank to send official cards resulting in another text from Casey a couple of weeks later reminding me to update my card. I went in, activated my new card and updated it on the site; however Casey stated that both cards on file didn’t go through. He then tried to process a $75 cancellation fee which also did not go through, because I had moved money out and back in to ensure my account was responding to the charge (and he ran that card at that sweet spot of time). While I was reconfirming my account, I noticed that the membership did go through. I sent a screenshot over to Casey to confirm he was seeing what I was seeing, but he stated that he was going ahead and waiving my cancellation fee- while simultaneously refusing my inquiries as to why the cancellation, and the request to have a conversation about the grounds of him firing me as a client. Casey reiterated that I “have a lot going on” and he was “trying to do me a favor”. I am still left with the question “why”, but honestly I couldn’t see myself going back even if we had resolution. I have private trainers who have been patient and understanding in getting my new cards updated, and I’ve never missed a payment between either gym. My private trainers must spoil us at their gym, because even they were confused reading through mine and Casey’s texts, trying to figure out the “why”. $15 isn’t anything to sweat and I’d be happy to have dropped off a $20 for the trouble, but I’ve truly never been baffled by a business/client experience in the way I was in that conversation. A phone call or a meeting to have that discussion is an appropriate way of handling client relationships, or at minimum a text back. It is disappointing that professionalism is lacking. The gym culture is just ok- if you’re looking for a spin-class type atmosphere with very minimal interactions, this is the place for you. It’s cheap, it’s quick, it’s brutal. My first couple of weeks there, the a/c was out- Casey was kind and bright for the sell and then once I signed the contract I barely got acknowledgement unless I approached him to start conversation. The people that go there are real people; it’s a refreshing atmosphere but I do wish there was a culture present. I do prefer micro group training and trainers who will engage in conversation with their groups, and make an effort to correct or support beginners as they grow in this routine. It can be hard on your body and painful obviously if you’re not implementing correct placement and delivery- something I wish we had more support in from Casey. The two times I received correction was when new people were trying their first class and he was in the area. This also makes for a good sell when you see that initial connection. I noticed this in my first class and appreciated that this would be familiar to the training I receive at the other gym. It is what sold me- I had asked him how his relationships were with his clients and the overall culture of the gym- and he assured me everyone was close and casual. Casual would be the best way to describe this atmosphere. The first month was great, and it deteriorated from there. Maybe it would have been different in the female led class, but I hope that this experience was unique and none of Casey’s other clients receive the...

Update: I asked to see the contract & here’s Casey’s response. “We will just proceed with collections & they will provide everything.” This guy cannot run a business like this. How insane. Steer clear and go to a gym who cares about their clients.

All was good until I needed to cancel due to having surgery ( paused but was still getting charged). I had family needs come up. My registration states “Open ended membership”. I specifically asked at sign-up if I could cancel with no obligations. My sign up says weekly paid membership, open ended membership. Casey responded with a crazy unprofessional message when I said I wanted to check my contract, which is a normal response to someone wanting to charge you an unknown fee. He went off saying I told you this, I will take necessary action against you for your now delinquent account and that If I am assuming he’s a liar he will have to cease further communication etc. Not a normal reaction from a business owner. If I had a client ever question a charge, I would happily assist them and provide the documentation necessary to helping. I also provided Casey with a copy of receipt where it states “Open ended Membership “ and nothing about a cancellation fee. I then started getting weekly charges and Casey, once again, sent a condescending email stating, “If you need help reading or understanding. I circled in red about you paying a cancellation fee”. These are not professional, kind, or even normal business responses. Customer service and word of mouth are always number 1. Sounds like his business is struggling and he’s unhinged. Bless his heart & I hope he figures it out and can take a class on...

EDIT: I’ll go ahead and attach the exact communication so potential members can decide for themselves. Let me just repeat this: This whole thing was never about paying the fee, It was about how you handled my confusion about the policy. You didn’t offer to freeze it until the end. A business owner should be all things ESPECIALLY able to handle to customer service. And to clarify: “Breaking rules” aka: accessibility for a disability, which is a requirement for a business.

Casey, the owner, and his class are great until you attempt to cancel. I am disabled and wanted to try to class to see if I could handle it, after leaving one week limping, I made the decision to cancel, and he made sure to throw it in my face that I required accommodation. Here is verbatim his response over my confusion about the annual fee (which is actually a cancellation fee).

"No, its paid one your 1 yr anniversary or if you quit before that date. I personally explained it to you when you signed up (and it's in the fine print) I'm also the one who allowed you wear shoes on our floors due to your condition. I guess the hospitality and gratitude goes one way. Pay the $75 or we can't close your acct and you will continue to incur dues each...