Retro Fitness — Local services in New York

I have been a member of this gym for over a year and a half and have generally appreciated the facility, despite it often being very crowded. Many members tend to occupy machines while spending extended periods on their phones, which makes it difficult for others to have a fair opportunity to use the equipment. As someone who frequents the gym casually, I’ve been flexible with this, often using the same machines out of necessity. However, I recently had a deeply concerning and uncomfortable experience with an individual who identified himself as a manager named Alfred. He approached me claiming to have received complaints from two separate girl groups, accusing me of following them. I was surprised and explained that this must be a misunderstanding. I stated clearly that I had not followed anyone and requested the opportunity to review security footage to clarify the situation. Unfortunately, Alfred refused to review any footage or provide a fair avenue to resolve the matter. Instead, he insisted that I should not "do it again" without allowing me to explain my side. I found this dismissive and unprofessional, especially given that no clear guidance or boundaries were ever communicated to indicate what behavior was considered inappropriate. When I asked again to see the footage to understand what occurred, he declined, stating only that he was relaying what others had told him and that he was "protecting his customers." This led me to feel that he may have selectively chosen whom he considers a valued customer, which is disheartening. Throughout our interactions, Alfred appeared unwilling to take responsibility as a manager to investigate the issue objectively. Instead of resolving the concern, he called the police after I asked again to see the video, later accusing me of disrupting him—when I was only seeking clarity and fairness. I was never given an opportunity to explain fully, either over the phone or in person, and was met with raised voices and rigid instructions rather than a constructive dialogue. This behavior felt not only unprofessional but also deeply disrespectful. Ultimately, my account was terminated without a fair review process, simply because I questioned the validity of the accusations. I find this very troubling. As someone who valued this gym community, it is disappointing to have been treated in such a manner, especially by someone in a leadership role. I am raising this concern in the hope that it will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. Every member deserves to be treated with fairness, respect, and professionalism—regardless of who they are. Must...

I’ve moved out of Queens, New York. My Retro Fitness membership was based off the Rego Park location. My current residence is 4 hours away from Rego Park. I have found it very difficult to cancel my membership. It should be as simple as a phone call. I don’t understand the need for me to specifically travel to my home gym to “answer some questions” before closing my membership. The only other solution offered was for me to write and mail a certified letter requesting that they close my membership. My move out New York was unforeseen, it was literally overnight.

On Sunday, July 24, 2022 I went above and beyond and drove 4 hours to my home gym in Rego Park to specifically close out my membership before I get charged the yearly service fee. I was still within the one-week’s notice to cancel my membership in order to avoid that yearly fee. When I arrived at 5:00pm there was no manager on duty for the reminder of the day to close out my account. I left a note with the front desk staff.

I called on Monday and was told that I had to again come to the gym in person to close out my membership and that it was already too late to avoid a yearly service fee but the my monthly fee would be waived because of my on time payments.

I’ve always paid on time and for the last 6 months I haven’t even visited the gym because of my busy schedule.

I began to display emotions of frustration for the inconvenience. The manager on duty, Alfred, said he would talk to the owner and see what they can do.

Today Wednesday July 27, 2022 I received a call from Alfred and was told that they would be able to close my membership over the phone and waive the first months fee but not the annual service fee.

I am EXTREMELY ANGRY!

I should have been able to seamlessly close out my account over the phone from the beginning rather then being asked to travel 4 hours to my home gym or take time out of my busy schedule to write and mail a certified letter.

I still ask why I need to visit my home gym. Why can I close mg account from any other Retro that may be closer to me or over the phone. My intuition says because Retro wants to retain me as a customer and do everything to avoid me closing my account.

What Retro doesn’t realize is that people actually don’t need help in making those kind decisions specially when it becomes a greater inconvenience than what it should be.

Today, Sunday July 31, 2022 I was charged the yearly...

My family experience with the franchise of Retro Fitness has been horrible!! This is a business that has abused their power!!! Each franchise has different ownership. I am talking about Rego Park.92-73 Queens Blvd.My problem was with the FEMALE managers and THE owners. What has happened to service?What has happened to the concern with the needs of your clients, and customers?In our situation no mediation, no discussion. Police were called for what reason?On another black)But the family member finished their class and left.The paying member just wants to attend their Zumba class and leave.The family member was stopped for being five minutes late and was told they can't attendTHEIR ZUMBA class this was the first situation. A little research was done on other retro franchise.They don't use this practice.Are we in the good old boys club or girls club?The Zumba class group of women from the ages 25-45.Why is there an abuse of power of this business?Is it because you are the closest retro gym?Is this fair?The sad part is my family has done numerous emails. to negotiate to mediate.They basically ignored all professional attempts.I finally called the gym.The female manager she said it was out of her hands. She said she will call the owners. She came back with the same answer. "I am sorry the decsion is final ." Good luck ".I don't understand she needs to fix it .It was the managers emails that got the membership terminated.She try to turn it around she spoke to the owners.The owners never met my family member.I Would repeat female managers. You know who you are.Would Macys do this Jcpenny Starbucks?All my family member wanted was to come to an understanding to exercise because they are a dancer and the Zumba class is a stress relief. horrible ! We hope this still can be rectified. I see these female managers and owners have a personal predjuice with my family member. What kind of prejudice the jury is still out ?,but definitely unfair treatment. You will think before you judge someone expressing their frustration on your gym rules. THINK before you call the police. We do live in a democracy? Frustrated member of this community...