FFC Union Station — Local services in West Chicago Township

Sensitivity Training Needed

Wednesday afternoon, I visited the Union Station FFC as a new resident of the area. While at the desk, I shared with the young man, whose name I cannot recall. I just purchased a condo around the corner from the gym and wanted to know if I could work out here, although I am an FFC South Loop member. He shared the thought that it should be okay, and around this time, the GM, Luann Santo, was approaching the desk. In short, I went through the prelude with her, and her statement was, “I’m not sure if I can let you in to play basketball.” I would like to park by this imaginary curb to acknowledge, and I never had a basketball in my hands.

Unbeknownst to Ms. Santo or not, her comment presented many missed opportunities. For starters, she should have taken the time to look at my account for further understanding. Secondly, she missed an opportunity to choose her words wisely and thereby leading to my last and most important reason for reaching out to Executive management. Her statement is rooted in racial and gender stereotypes. As a leader, not only do I reflect before speaking, but my words are also chosen carefully. In that same breath, we as leaders should develop our teams in the same fashion. Missed opportunities are a part of life; however, thought consciousness, carefully chosen words, and racial and gender stereotypes at Ms. Santo’s leadership level are inexcusable. I do not desire that she reach out to me with some recommend apology from her leadership team; however, she understands her actions' seriousness and attends...

I would like to start off by saying I rarely write reviews. The only reason I am writing this today is to warn potential gym members about the very bad experience I received here.

I signed up for a FFC membership in late-January. During the registration process the representative and I agreed on a reduced initiation fee. This was a huge selling point for me since I travel a lot for work so I signed up right then and there. After going over the contract details (annual fees, monthly rates, etc.), I completed the registration process and left the facility very pleased. I was so happy, I even got my girlfriend to sign up that following Monday.

By the time February came around, I received my first bill and called the front office to walk through the charges. When I spoke with the General Manager, Bob, I discovered the representative who I signed up with had manipulated the rates by splitting the "reduced" initiation fee into two installment plans. Therefore, I paid the full initiation fee when I signed up and on the third month of my membership. When explaining the situation with Bob, he was unsympathetic since I was past the amount of days I could cancel and receive my refund.

All in all, I would not recommend this gym. The front office is dishonest and will do anything to make a sale. Additionally, the General Manager has very poor customer service. I would advise anyone who is looking for a gym to look elsewhere and take my experience into consideration before...

I went in to cancel my membership because my work hours changed and did not coincide with FFCS. Instead of cancelling the membership as I asked, it was put on hold. When I went back to rejoin they told me my account was charged off and I owed a month or so. When I went in to clear up the matter I was told "I'm sorry I forgot". I realize everyone makes mistakes. After reopening after the Corona incident, I tried to join at another location and the same thing happened. They still had not cleared up the matter. For the excessive rates of $100 per month I think they would be better at handling accounts. The location worked for me so I was willing to pay more. Now their hours have been cut and weekends too. I was told it was because the membership was so low. The other locations did not cut their hours. No cut in the price. There is no more two hour parking. The parking lot was torn down. They offered parking at one point four blocks away. If you don't make it back within two hours, you have to pay downtown rates. I guess I'll have to check my credit report. The FFC could invest in giving the manager some classes at a customer service charm school. He acts as though FFC doesn't need new membership or has to keep the present membership. Corporate better listen to its customers. The future of the Union station location looks bleak. Overall, it was a decent...