LA Fitness Class Action Lawsuit Update, FTC Files New Case Over “Impossible” Cancellation For 3.7 Million LA Fitness Members Across 600 Locations
The Quick Answer: The LA Fitness class action lawsuit landscape includes multiple cases: an active FTC lawsuit filed August 2025 alleging LA Fitness makes membership cancellation “exceedingly difficult,” leading to hundreds of millions in unwanted charges; a DOJ lawsuit filed October 2024 over ADA violations at gym facilities; and past settled cases that paid members refunds. The FTC case is ongoing with no settlement yet, while members affected by previous cancellation issues may have missed claim deadlines from earlier settlements (2011-2017).
Here’s what 3.7 million LA Fitness members across 600 locations never expected: trying to cancel your gym membership would become a months-long battle with repeated charges, unreturned mail, and endless run-around. Now the federal government is suing—but there’s no settlement yet for current victims.
What the FTC Lawsuit Against LA Fitness Alleges
On August 21, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission sued Fitness International LLC and Fitness & Sports Clubs LLC (operating LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio) in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
The FTC alleges these companies:
- Made it “exceedingly difficult” for consumers to cancel gym memberships
- Illegally charged “hundreds of millions of dollars in unwanted recurring fees”
- Restricted cancellation to only in-person requests or mailed forms
- Failed to provide reasonable cancellation methods despite monthly membership fees ranging from $30 to $299
The lawsuit was filed after the FTC received “tens of thousands” of complaints about the companies’ cancellation practices.
The FTC Act prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in commerce, which the agency says LA Fitness violated by creating unreasonable barriers to cancellation.
What the DOJ Lawsuit Against LA Fitness Alleges
Separately, on October 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice sued LA Fitness in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The DOJ alleges LA Fitness:
- Operates inaccessible facilities preventing members with disabilities from using pools and equipment
- Maintains broken pool lifts and elevators
- Charges extra fees to people with disabilities who need assistance accessing facilities
- Fails to give people with disabilities equal access to services
On January 6, 2025, the United States filed its Opposition Brief after LA Fitness moved to dismiss, arguing the complaint provides numerous examples of accessibility barriers. A hearing occurred February 3, 2025, with no decision yet.
The DOJ is seeking monetary damages for harmed individuals and injunctive relief requiring LA Fitness to make facilities accessible.
Past LA Fitness Settlements: What Happened
LA Fitness has settled multiple class action lawsuits over the years:
2011 Personal Training Settlement
- Settled claims over improper early termination fees for training contracts
- Cash payments of approximately 6% of fees paid
- Claim deadline: November 19, 2011 (expired)
2013 Vaughn Settlement (Nationwide)
- Settled claims about “virtually impossible” membership cancellation
- Members who cancelled between May 18, 2006 – January 1, 2013 received free 45-day passes
- Claim deadline: August 9, 2013 (expired)
2013 Martina Settlement (New Jersey)
- $3.8 million potential settlement for up to 50,000 New Jersey members
- Claims: unauthorized charges after cancellation requests, deceptive contracts
- Members received: cash for 1/3 month dues, 45-day pass, plus $100 credit or 2 training sessions
- Coverage period: February 28, 2006 – March 31, 2012
- Settlement approved 2013 (claim period expired)
2018 Rocca Settlement (California/Florida)
- Alleged high-pressure sales tactics and misleading one-month memberships that were actually year-long contracts
- Case filed January 2018; settlement status unclear
These past settlements are now closed—current members facing cancellation issues cannot file claims in these old cases.
Who Is Affected by the Current FTC Lawsuit?
The August 2025 FTC lawsuit potentially affects:
Current and former LA Fitness members who struggled to cancel memberships and were charged recurring fees
Members at these brands: LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club, Club Studio (all operated by Fitness International)
Geographic scope: Nationwide—all states where LA Fitness operates (600+ locations, 3.7 million members)
Timeframe: The lawsuit covers ongoing practices, but specific dates haven’t been defined yet
Because this is an active lawsuit filed by a federal agency (not a class action settlement), there’s no claim form or deadline yet. The FTC is seeking injunctive relief and monetary remedies, but any compensation structure would be determined if the case settles or goes to trial.
What LA Fitness Says in Response
Fitness International addressed the FTC lawsuit saying “the allegations are without merit” and expressed disappointment that the FTC pursued this complaint.
LA Fitness president Jill Hill stated the company:
- Already complied with the FTC’s now-void “click-to-cancel” rule
- Maintains an online cancellation program in addition to in-person and mail options
- Works to comply with all state health club laws regarding membership cancellations
- Notes most memberships are purchased in person at club locations
Regarding the DOJ ADA lawsuit, LA Fitness filed a motion to dismiss in December 2024, arguing the cited incidents don’t reflect a pattern of failure to accommodate.
Current Status of Active LA Fitness Lawsuits
FTC Cancellation Lawsuit (Filed August 21, 2025):
- Status: Active litigation
- Court: U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- No settlement announced
- No claim filing process available yet
- Timeline: Could take 1-3 years to resolve
DOJ ADA Lawsuit (Filed October 8, 2024):
- Status: Active litigation
- Court: U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- Case No. 8:24-cv-02172
- Hearing held February 3, 2025; awaiting decision on motion to dismiss
- Seeking damages for disabled members charged extra fees or denied access
Neither case has reached settlement—there are no current claim forms, deadlines, or compensation amounts available.
What Compensation Might Be Available (If Cases Settle)
Based on similar FTC enforcement actions, potential outcomes could include:
For the FTC cancellation case:
- Refunds of improperly charged membership fees
- Reimbursement for months billed after cancellation requests
- Injunctive relief requiring easier cancellation processes
- Civil penalties paid to the government
For the DOJ ADA case:
- Monetary damages for members denied access or charged extra fees
- Compensation for facility accessibility violations
- Required facility upgrades and accessibility improvements
The FTC is pursuing this case under its existing authority to challenge unfair or deceptive cancellation processes. If successful, LA Fitness could face significant monetary judgments and mandatory business practice changes.
Your Rights Under Gym Membership Laws
Federal and state laws protect gym members:
FTC Act: Prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices, including unreasonable cancellation barriers
State Health Club Laws: Many states require gyms to:
- Allow cancellation for medical reasons
- Accept written cancellation notices
- Stop billing within specific timeframes after cancellation requests
- Provide clear contract terms upfront
Automatic Renewal Laws: Some states require:
- Clear disclosure of auto-renewal terms
- Easy cancellation methods
- Advance notice before renewals
The FTC’s click-to-cancel rule (which would have required businesses to allow cancellation the same way members sign up) was blocked by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2025. However, the FTC can still pursue companies under other laws for unfair cancellation practices.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you’re currently struggling to cancel LA Fitness:
Document everything: keep copies of cancellation requests, certified mail receipts, billing statements showing charges after cancellation
File complaints with:
- FTC: www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Your state attorney general’s consumer protection division
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (if billing disputes affect your credit)
Consider disputing charges with your bank or credit card company if charged after properly cancelling
Contact the DOJ if you faced accessibility barriers or extra disability fees: Call 1-888-392-5417 or email [email protected]
Monitor for settlement announcements in the FTC and DOJ cases—these could take months or years
Review your state’s health club laws to understand your cancellation rights
If you had past issues (2006-2018):
Past settlements have expired—you cannot file claims for old cases
However, your documentation could support ongoing lawsuits if agencies collect evidence
How This Compares to Other Gym Lawsuits
The fitness industry faces widespread scrutiny over cancellation practices:
Planet Fitness (2023): Sued by New York Attorney General over cancellation barriers; settled requiring easier cancellation methods
Blink Fitness (2024): Class action over automatic renewals and cancellation difficulties; ongoing
Crunch Fitness (Multiple states): Various lawsuits over billing after cancellation
The LA Fitness FTC case represents one of the largest federal enforcement actions against a gym chain, potentially affecting 3.7 million members nationwide.
If successful, the LA Fitness case could set a precedent for similar enforcement actions against gyms, streaming services, and subscription-based businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an LA Fitness settlement I can file a claim for right now?
No. The FTC lawsuit filed August 2025 and DOJ lawsuit filed October 2024 are still in active litigation with no settlements announced. Past settlements (2011-2017) have expired.
How do I join the FTC lawsuit against LA Fitness?
The FTC is pursuing this case as a government enforcement action, not a private class action. You don’t “join” it, but you should file complaints with the FTC documenting your experiences.
Can I still get money from old LA Fitness settlements?
No. Previous settlements covering 2006-2013 issues had claim deadlines that expired years ago (2011-2013).
How long until the FTC case results in a settlement?
Federal enforcement cases typically take 1-3 years to resolve. The FTC filed in August 2025, so any settlement likely won’t occur until 2026 or later.
What if I already cancelled successfully but was charged extra months?
Document those charges and file a complaint with the FTC. If the case settles, you may be eligible for refunds.
Can I sue LA Fitness myself?
Check your membership contract for arbitration clauses. Some past courts have ruled certain arbitration clauses don’t apply, but you’ll need legal advice on your specific situation.
What states are affected by the lawsuits?
The FTC and DOJ lawsuits cover nationwide operations. LA Fitness operates in most states across the US.
How do I contact LA Fitness to cancel now?
LA Fitness currently requires either in-person cancellation at your club or mailing a written cancellation request to their California headquarters. The FTC lawsuit challenges these limited options.
Key Takeaways
The FTC sued LA Fitness in August 2025 over allegedly impossible cancellation practices affecting 3.7 million members
The DOJ sued in October 2024 over ADA violations at gym facilities
No current settlements exist—both cases are in active litigation with no claim forms or deadlines yet
Past LA Fitness settlements (2011-2017) have expired—you cannot file claims in those old cases
Document everything if you’re struggling to cancel: save cancellation requests, mail receipts, billing statements
File complaints with the FTC, your state attorney general, and CFPB to support ongoing enforcement
DOJ seeks damages for disabled members—call 1-888-392-5417 if you were charged extra fees or denied access
The lawsuits highlight a pattern of consumer complaints spanning over a decade. While there’s no compensation available yet, these federal enforcement actions could eventually result in refunds and require LA Fitness to implement easier cancellation processes.
Need Help?
File FTC Complaints: www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call (877) FTC-HELP
DOJ ADA Claims: Call 1-888-392-5417 or email [email protected]
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint or call (855) 411-CFPB
Your State Attorney General: Find contact info at www.naag.org
For help disputing gym membership charges, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s gym membership resources or consult with a consumer protection attorney in your state.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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