Manage Lifestyle Fitness

How to cancel your lifestyle fitness membership and reclaim your money

What is lifestyle fitness

Lifestyle Fitness is a membership-based gym provider across Canada that offers facility access, group exercise classes, personal training programs, and app-based fitness services. Your membership typically involves recurring monthly charges, joining fees, and sometimes separate digital program subscriptions. The provider's published terms and policies outline your cancellation rights, refund eligibility, and the circumstances under which you can terminate early without penalty. At Stopee, we've helped thousands of members understand their rights and navigate the cancellation process smoothly.

Why members cancel lifestyle fitness

You might decide to cancel for many valid reasons: relocation beyond the club's accessible distance, medical conditions that prevent gym attendance, job loss or financial hardship, or simply discovering the membership doesn't fit your lifestyle. Some members find they've paid for months of unused access or prefer a different facility. Whatever your reason, you have legal protections under Canadian consumer law, and Stopee is here to ensure you understand them.

Your consumer rights in canada

Under the Competition Act and provincial consumer protection legislation (including British Columbia's Consumer Protection Act and Ontario's Consumer Protection Act), you have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period from the date your membership agreement begins. During this window, you can cancel without penalty and receive a refund minus a reasonable deduction for services used. After the cooling-off period, most gym memberships require 30 days' written notice to terminate. If Lifestyle Fitness fails to honour your cancellation or withholds a refund you're entitled to, you can escalate the complaint to your provincial consumer protection authority or file a dispute through your credit card issuer.

Pricing and membership plans

Understanding your membership cost structure helps you calculate any refund you're owed and clarifies the notice period required.

Before you cancel, locate your membership agreement or account statement to confirm your exact plan type, joining fee, monthly charge, and contract start date. This information is crucial when you submit your cancellation notice.

When you should cancel lifestyle fitness

You have legitimate reasons to cancel and should act decisively if any of these circumstances apply.

Reasons to cancel immediately

• You are within the 14-day cooling-off period and no longer want the membership.
• The facility has closed indefinitely or moved beyond your accessible distance (more than 15 miles, per most gym contracts).
• You have documented medical reasons that prevent gym attendance and your doctor has advised against physical activity.
• You've experienced job loss or redundancy and cannot afford the ongoing charge.
• You've enrolled in another gym or fitness service and prefer not to double-pay.
• The club has breached its service agreement (for example, permanently closed amenities promised in your membership tier).

Reasons to pause instead of cancel

• You're injured but expect to return within 2-3 months; request a temporary suspension rather than cancellation.
• You're traveling for work; ask about a hold period or membership freeze.
• You're concerned about the cost; contact the club to negotiate a lower rate before terminating.

At Stopee, we always recommend exhausting these alternatives first because re-enrollment often involves a new joining fee and contract terms.

How to cancel your lifestyle fitness membership

Lifestyle Fitness accepts three cancellation methods; we rank them by reliability and evidence of delivery.

Cancellation method one: registered mail (most reliable)

Sending a detailed letter by registered mail to your club address creates an undisputed paper trail and is the method Stopee recommends most strongly.

1. Prepare your cancellation letter on plain paper or email it to yourself for reference.
   • Include your full legal name.
   • State your membership number (if you have it) or the email address associated with your account.
   • Write the date you joined (check your first invoice).
   • State the date you want the membership to end (ideally 30 days from the letter date, or within 14 days if still in the cooling-off period).
   • Write a clear statement: "I hereby cancel my Lifestyle Fitness membership effective [date]."
   • Sign and date the letter.
   • Keep a copy for your records.
2. Visit your local Canada Post office and request "Registered Mail" (not regular postage).
   • Provide the club's address from the Addresses section below.
   • Ask the postal clerk for a tracking number and receipt.
   • Write down the tracking number in your records immediately.
3. Allow 5-7 business days for delivery.
   • Track your letter online using the Canada Post tracking number.
   • Confirm delivery status before your intended cancellation date.
4. Wait for confirmation from Lifestyle Fitness within 7 business days of delivery.
   • Check your email and phone for acknowledgment.
   • If you don't hear back, follow up with the club by phone and reference your registered mail tracking number.
5. Do not stop your automatic payments until the club has confirmed your cancellation in writing. Stopping too early can trigger overdraft fees or collection activity.
6. Once the club confirms the cancellation, monitor your account for one full billing cycle to ensure charges stop.

Pro tip: Take a photo of your signed letter, your Canada Post receipt, and the tracking number. Email this to yourself immediately so you have time-stamped evidence if a dispute arises later.

Cancellation method two: phone call

Calling the club is faster but leaves no automatic written record unless you follow up in writing.

1. Find the phone number for your nearest Lifestyle Fitness location.
   • Check your membership card or latest invoice.
   • Search online for "Lifestyle Fitness [your city] phone number".
2. Call during business hours (typically 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and ask to speak with a membership advisor or manager.
   • Have your membership number and account email ready.
   • State clearly: "I want to cancel my membership effective [specific date, 30 days from today if outside cooling-off]."
3. Write down the details during the call.
   • Note the date and time of your call.
   • Record the name of the staff member who helped you (ask for their first name at least).
   • Write down any confirmation number or reference code they provide.
4. Ask the staff member to send a cancellation confirmation email to your registered account email.
   • Do not end the call until they confirm they will send this.
5. Send a follow-up email to the club within 1 hour of your call.
   • Reference the date, time, and staff member's name from your phone call.
   • Repeat your cancellation request with your intended end date.
   • Request written confirmation.
   • Keep a copy of this email.
6. Monitor your account as described in method one.

Warning: Phone cancellations are easier for the club to dispute later ("we never received that call" or "you spoke to someone who wasn't authorized"). Always follow up in writing to create a paper trail.

Cancellation method three: in-person visit

Visiting your club in person is fast but offers limited documentation unless you ask for a written receipt.

1. Visit your Lifestyle Fitness club during business hours.
   • Bring your membership card and a form of photo ID.
2. Approach the front desk or membership services counter and ask to speak with a manager or membership advisor.
   • Explain that you want to cancel your membership.
   • Provide your intended cancellation date (30 days from today, or within 14 days if applicable).
3. Request a written cancellation receipt before you leave.
   • The receipt should include your name, membership number, cancellation date, and staff member's name and signature.
   • If the staff refuse to provide a receipt, ask them to email a confirmation to your account email and take a screenshot of the request and their response.
4. Send yourself a follow-up email immediately after leaving, documenting the date, time, and names of everyone you spoke to.
   • Attach a photo of your receipt (if you received one).
5. Monitor your account as described in method one.

At Stopee, we recommend combining method three with a follow-up registered letter or email to create an indisputable record.

What happens after you cancel

Cancellation is not final until you receive written confirmation and your charges have stopped.

What you can expect in the cancellation window

After the club acknowledges your cancellation, your membership enters a "wind-down" phase. You typically retain access to the facility and classes through the end of your notice period (usually 30 days, or sooner if within the 14-day cooling-off period). The club will not renew your membership or auto-renew any recurring charges after the cancellation date you specified. Your app access may terminate immediately or at the end of the billing cycle, depending on the provider's system.

After your membership ends

• Access stops: Your key card or digital access code will no longer work once your cancellation date passes.
• Data retention: Lifestyle Fitness retains your personal information (name, email, payment details, fitness history) for legal and business reasons, typically for 7 years. Review the club's privacy policy to understand your options for data deletion.
• Marketing emails: You may still receive promotional emails after cancellation unless you unsubscribe. Most emails include an unsubscribe link; use it or contact the club's privacy team to opt out.
• App access: Your app login will likely deactivate after the cancellation date. You cannot download saved workout data after this point, so export or screenshot any programs you want to keep.
• Refund processing: If eligible for a refund, the club processes it within 10-14 business days to your original payment method (credit card or bank account).

Refunds and what you're entitled to receive

Your refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and the reason for cancellation.

Refund within the 14-day cooling-off period

If you cancel within 14 days of your membership start date, you are entitled to a refund under Canadian consumer protection law. The club may deduct the higher of either the one-day pass rate or a pro-rata amount for days you accessed the facility. For example, if you joined on January 1st and cancelled on January 10th, used 9 days, and your monthly fee is $50, the deduction would be approximately $15 (9 days ÷ 30 days × $50), leaving a $35 refund.

• Joining fees are usually refundable in full within the cooling-off period.
• Monthly fees are refunded minus the pro-rata deduction.
• Any unused classes or add-on services may also be refunded.

Refund after the 14-day cooling-off period

Cancellations outside the cooling-off period do not automatically qualify for a refund. However, you may be eligible if you meet one of these documented circumstances:

• Medical grounds: A licensed medical professional has advised you cannot use the facility due to injury, illness, or medical condition. Provide a copy of the medical certificate or letter.
• Redundancy or job loss: You have been made redundant or permanently laid off. Provide termination documents or a letter from your employer.
• Relocation beyond 15 miles: You have moved more than 15 miles (approximately 24 km) from the club. Provide proof of relocation (utility bill, rental agreement, or lease dated after your membership start).
• Facility closure: The club has permanently closed or indefinitely suspended operations. The provider owes you a pro-rata refund for unused membership time.

Pro tip: If you believe you qualify for an early termination refund, request it in writing via registered mail and include supporting documentation (medical note, termination letter, proof of move, etc.). Do not rely on a phone conversation; written requests create evidence.

How to request a refund

1. Send a formal refund request letter via registered mail to the club address (see Addresses section below).
   • State your membership number and account email.
   • Explain the reason for cancellation and your refund eligibility.
   • Attach copies (not originals) of supporting documents.
   • Request a refund calculation and timeline.
   • Keep the tracking number.
2. Wait 14 business days for a response.
   • The club should acknowledge receipt and provide a timeline for processing.
3. If the club denies your refund or doesn't respond within 30 days, escalate to your provincial consumer protection authority (see Escalation section below).
4. Once a refund is approved, it typically appears in your account within 10 business days.
5. If the refund doesn't appear, contact your bank or credit card issuer and provide a copy of the refund approval letter from the club.

Common cancellation mistakes to avoid

Cancellation can feel stressful, and small errors often lead to delayed refunds or continued charges that should have stopped.

Mistake one: stopping payments before confirmation

If you cancel a gym membership but stop your Direct Debit or credit card payment before the club confirms the cancellation, the club may report you to a collection agency for unpaid invoices. Worse, cancellation clauses may require you to pay the full remaining contract term. Always wait for written cancellation confirmation before instructing your bank to stop payments.

Mistake two: no written documentation

Phone or in-person cancellations without follow-up written confirmation often disappear into the club's system. Staff turnover, system errors, or honest miscommunication can result in your membership continuing and charges reappearing months later. Stopee strongly urges you to confirm every cancellation in writing, no matter which method you use first.

Mistake three: missing the 14-day cooling-off deadline

If you cancel on day 15 instead of day 14, you lose your automatic refund right. Mark your calendar immediately after joining. Most gyms count from the date of your first payment, not the date you signed the agreement. Confirm the exact start date with the club.

Mistake four: discarding your membership agreement

Your original contract contains the exact cancellation address, notice period, and conditions. If you've lost it, request a copy from the club before submitting your cancellation. A missing address or incorrect notice period can invalidate your cancellation request.

Mistake five: not tracking the cancellation status

Submit your cancellation and then assume it's done. Instead, set a calendar reminder to check your email and account 5 business days after submission. Confirm the club has received and processed your request. Follow up by phone if you don't see confirmation.

Escalation: what to do if lifestyle fitness refuses to cancel

If the club denies your cancellation or refuses to process it despite meeting the legal requirements, you have consumer protections and escalation options.

Step one: send a formal demand letter

Before involving regulators, send a final demand via registered mail. State that you have cancelled in accordance with the contract and applicable consumer protection law and that you expect the cancellation to be processed and charges to stop within 14 days. Include copies of all prior cancellation requests and responses.

Step two: contact your provincial consumer protection authority

If the club ignores your demand letter, file a complaint with the relevant provincial regulator:

• British Columbia: Consumer Protection BC (consumerprotectionbc.ca)
• Alberta: Alberta Fair Trading Act and Alberta's Office of the Fair Trading Commissioner
• Ontario: Ontario's Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (ontario.ca/consumersprotection)
• Quebec: Office of the Protecteur du consommateur (protecteurduconsommateur.qc.ca)
• Other provinces: Search "[your province] consumer protection authority"

Provide the authority with copies of your cancellation request, the contract, all emails and letters, and proof of payment. Most authorities investigate free of charge.

Step three: dispute the charges with your bank

If charges continue after your cancellation date, contact your credit card issuer or bank and file a chargeback or payment dispute. Provide the chargeback team with your cancellation evidence (registered mail tracking, confirmation email, or authority complaint reference). Most banks will reverse unauthorized charges within 30 days.

Pro tip: File a chargeback while simultaneously pursuing the regulatory complaint. This applies pressure on the club to cooperate and stops the bleeding of unwanted charges.

Pricing comparison and when to keep or cancel

Before you finalize your cancellation decision, review whether the membership still makes financial sense or whether you should explore alternatives.

Checklist for your lifestyle fitness cancellation

Use this step-by-step checklist to ensure you don't miss any critical action.

• Locate your membership agreement and confirm your start date, monthly fee, and contract length.
• Check if you're within 14 days of enrollment (cooling-off period) or if a specific cancellation notice period applies.
• Identify the correct cancellation address for your club location (see Addresses section below).
• Draft your cancellation letter with your name, membership number, start date, and intended cancellation date.
• Choose your preferred cancellation method: registered mail (most reliable), phone with written follow-up, or in-person with receipt.
• Submit your cancellation and retain proof (registered mail tracking number, confirmation email, or receipt).
• Wait for written confirmation from the club within 7 business days.
• Do not stop automatic payments until the club confirms the cancellation.
• Monitor your account for one full billing cycle after the cancellation date to ensure charges stop.
• If eligible for a refund, request it in writing and allow 10-14 business days for processing.
• If charges continue after cancellation or the club refuses to cancel, escalate to your provincial consumer protection authority and your bank.
• Keep all documents (contract, letters, emails, receipts, proof of delivery) for at least 1 year.

Club locations and cancellation addresses

Submit your cancellation request to the address of the club where you hold your membership. If you're unsure which location, check your membership card or latest invoice.

Important: Lifestyle Fitness may have multiple club locations or a national headquarters separate from the club you joined. Call or visit your specific club location to confirm the exact cancellation mailing address before sending your registered letter. Using the wrong address can delay or invalidate your cancellation request.

Final thoughts: empower yourself to cancel with confidence

Cancelling a gym membership can feel daunting, especially if you're worried about continued charges or losing a service you value. But you have legal rights, and Stopee has helped thousands of Canadian consumers cancel memberships successfully by following a clear, documented process. The key is to act decisively, submit your cancellation in writing, and keep proof of every step. Whether you're cancelling because you've outgrown Lifestyle Fitness, relocated, faced financial hardship, or found a better alternative, your decision is valid. Do not let confusion or fear of difficulty prevent you from reclaiming control of your finances. Use the methods and checklist outlined above, reference the consumer protection laws that protect you in your province, and escalate immediately if the club refuses to cooperate. Stopee is committed to empowering consumers like you to cancel services on your own terms. If you encounter resistance or need guidance, Stopee's resources and support can help you navigate the process every step of the way.