Anytime Fitness

I inquired about membership packages and and prices at the end of 2017 and I expressed my interest in one of their specials. I needed time to decide on the type of package, but I made one fatal error. I gave them a void cheque! This is a payment requirement they have, but the moment you give them a BLANK CHEQUE and they have a hold on your funds, you've been had! They began a series of unauthorized withdrawals that were getting out of control. There was no prior written authorization from me yet. Gyms are supposed to give new customers a 10-day cooling off period to give you the right to cancel the membership (Ontario Consumer Protection Act). This was not done! Unfortunately I didn't know at the time. When I was finally ready to read and sign the membership agreement I decided to go with a different, less expensive, package. They had already taken unauthorized payments for a more expensive package, then I noticed they withdrew more money from my account. It was getting out of hand and it became a real time consuming problem to try to work this out with the owner who seemed surprised and didn't have an explanation for this. I tried numerous times to ask the owner's son why he had charged me before being authorized in writing, but he never responded. The franchise owner, JP Levesque, eventually reversed all the unauthorized charges for a membership package I never chose (I merely expressed interest, but never signed an agreement for that specific package). The package I then chose included 3 FREE personal trainer sessions. No one ever bothered to follow up on this "offer." When I mentioned it to the front desk staff someone contacted me to set up personal training appointments but I was unable to make it due to work commitments. I assumed they would comply with their own agreement, however they never followed up and that was the end of it. This is part of the poor customer service I noticed in the gym and the impression I got was that the franchise owners are merely concerned with getting as many memberships as possible (the expensive packages) to cover their exorbitant expenses they incur to run the business. One thing that potential gym clients need to be aware about is a clause in their MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT. This is outlined at the very end of the agreement where it can be easily missed. Unfortunately this is a common tactic used by many businesses to unfairly trap clients into renewing an agreement or membership when the present one expires. I fell into this trap and I mentioned it to one of the owner's sons (Josh Levesque), adding that I felt this was unfair and unethical. His professional response was, "I don't like being called "unethical" don't contact me anymore!" He cancelled my membership BEFORE it even expired, denying me the chance to use the gym for the remainder of the agreement period. The way the owners operate and deal with issues is questionable. They fail to comply with the Ontario Consumer Protection Act and ignore the 10-day cooling period. They lack very basic customer service skills and ignore you when you walk into the gym. Especially if you choose the basic package that does not involve personal trainer sessions or other more expensive packages. Their MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT should be written so it is clear and less misleading. The AUTOMATIC RENEWAL clause should be clearly outlined at the very BEGINNING. Not at the very end where it can be easily missed. The owners need to learn to treat gym members and potential clients with the RESPECT they deserve, and not see them as mere wallets. If their concern is to acquire as many expensive memberships as possible to cover operating costs perhaps their business isn't thriving the way it should. They become out of control and use the client as their personal ATM. They are friendly and exhibit non stop smiles when you first inquire. Once they know they've secured a membership they no longer acknowledge you when you walk in the gym. Many positive reviews here go back several years. The most recent ones are mostly NEGATIVE. JP Levesque, Josh, wake up!

Clean tidy gym. Never too busy but rarely dead. Staff are friendly a new generally greet you by your name! I love this gym.

I've been going to this gym since it first opened its doors! A lot has changed in my life, but regular attendance to this gym has not. This gym has a strong personal training department. The trainers go out of their way to help you, and are very knowledgeable and kind. Anytime Fitness Barrhaven is hands-down the cleanest (and most decent-smelling) gym I have ever worked out in. It's an unusual day if you spot a dust particle on a machine. There is lots of equipment! There are still a few items I'm hoping to see (e.g. 10lb, 25lb bumper plates) but staff are receptive to any suggestions/requests/feedback. In fact, the blackboard features member suggestions every month. I know staff work hard to improve the gym based on the suggestions, and it's definitely noticeable! The milieu is a warm and friendly community, so you know you're gonna catch up with staff and members alike at your next visit! Highly recommended for them gains 😀💪

I've been to over a dozen gyms throughout Ottawa in the past decade. This gym and specifically this location is the best. The quality and care here is on it's own level. This needs to be the new standard across Ottawa.

Always clean. Doesn't smell like a gym. Clean and private showers.