Why do gyms make cancellation so hard?

Most US gyms hide cancellation behind a certified-mail-only clause in the contract. Each forgotten month is pure profit — the industry estimates 38% of members never visit but keep paying.

Does certified mail actually work?

Yes. Certified mail with return receipt creates a legal paper trail that overrides 'we didn't receive your notice' disputes. Costs around $7 at USPS.

Can I cancel a gym membership over the phone?

Almost never. Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, and Crunch all require in-person or certified mail. Equinox accepts email with notarized ID.

Guide · Updated June 2026

How to cancel a gym membership

TL;DR

• Most US gyms require certified mail OR an in-person visit. Phone calls don't count.
• Send a written cancellation letter via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt (~$7).
• Cancel 30+ days before your next billing date or you'll get one more charge.
• If they keep charging, dispute with your bank using the certified mail receipt as proof.

Step 1 — Find your contract clause

Search your email for the original signup confirmation. The cancellation method is in the Member Agreement PDF, usually section 8 or 9 ("Termination"). It will say one of: in-person at home club, certified mail to corporate, or via the member portal.

Step 2 — Copy this letter

[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]

[Gym corporate address]

Re: Cancellation of membership — Account #[your member ID]

I am writing to cancel my membership effective immediately, per the
termination clause of my member agreement. Please confirm cancellation
in writing and stop all future billing to my payment method on file.

This letter is sent via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt
(tracking #[insert from USPS receipt]) and constitutes written notice
as required by the contract.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Printed name]

Step 3 — Send certified mail with return receipt

Walk into any USPS office. Ask for Certified Mail with Return Receipt (Form 3811). Total cost ~$7. Save the green slip — it's your legal proof of delivery.

Step 4 — Cancel the payment method as a backstop

After the letter is sent, log into your bank app and add a stop-payment block on the gym's merchant name. If they charge anyway, dispute with the certified mail receipt attached — banks almost always reverse it.

Specific gym shortcuts

Planet Fitness

In-person at home club OR certified mail to PO Box 437230, Louisville KY 40253. They will NOT cancel by phone, app or email, no matter what they say at the counter.

LA Fitness

Mail-only to PO Box 54170, Irvine CA 92619. Include account number and signature. They process the 1st and 15th of each month — anything after the 25th rolls into next month.

Equinox

Email cancellation@equinox.com from the email on the account, plus a scan of photo ID. 45-day notice required.

24 Hour Fitness

In-person OR certified mail to PO Box 2689, Carlsbad CA 92018. 30-day notice required.

Crunch Fitness

Varies by location — most require in-person OR mail to the home club address. Corporate will redirect you.

More guides: browse all cancellation guides →