Navigating the terms and conditions of a gym membership can often feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the key aspects of the John Reed Santa Monica Membership Agreement, ensuring you understand your rights and responsibilities as a member.
Key Components of Your Membership Agreement
This agreement outlines everything from your membership duration and renewal terms to cancellation policies and gym rules at the John Reed Santa Monica location. Understanding these points is crucial for a smooth and informed gym experience.
Membership Duration and Renewal
Your membership at John Reed Santa Monica is governed by an initial term, as specified in your agreement. Crucially, if you are on a monthly billing cycle, the agreement automatically renews monthly after this initial period. This continuous monthly renewal will continue until you formally cancel your membership according to the outlined terms. It’s important to note that John Reed retains the right to modify the monthly dues and charges after the initial term, subject to applicable law and with prior notice to you.
Your Right to Cancel Your Membership
The agreement provides several scenarios under which you can cancel your John Reed Santa Monica membership. To initiate a cancellation, you must provide written notice via email to [email protected] (from the email address associated with your account), deliver it in person to the John Reed Santa Monica location, or mail it via first-class mail to the specified address: GOLD’S GYM CALIFORNIA, LLC, DBA JOHN REED, LLC 1202 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Cancellation Scenarios:
- Initial Cooling-Off Period: California law provides a cancellation window. You can cancel within five business days of signing the agreement (excluding Sundays and holidays) and receive a full refund of all paid monies.
- Contracts Over $1,500: For contracts ranging from $1,500 to $2,000, you have 20 days to cancel. This period extends to 30 days for contracts between $2,001 and $2,500, and 45 days for contracts exceeding $2,501. In these cases, you are liable only for the services used up to the cancellation date, calculated pro rata over the contract term. The remaining balance will be refunded.
- Relocation: If you move more than 25 miles from John Reed Santa Monica and cannot transfer your membership to a comparable facility, you can cancel. You will only be responsible for services already received, and any prepaid amounts for unused services will be refunded. A cancellation fee might apply ($100 if less than half the contract life has expired, $50 if more than half has expired).
- Disability or Death: In cases of disability preventing you from using the services or death, you or your estate are relieved from payment obligations for future services. Refunds will be issued for prepaid, unused services, potentially with a cancellation fee similar to the relocation scenario.
- Unfulfilled Facility Promises: If John Reed Santa Monica fails to provide advertised specific facilities within six months of the contract date or within a promised timeframe, you can cancel for a pro-rata refund. If no timeframe was specified, you have six months from contract execution to cancel. Even after the timeline expires, if the facilities are provided later, you have 10 days post-provision to cancel.
- Pre-Opening Cancellation: If you joined before the John Reed Santa Monica location opened, you have until midnight of the fifth business day after opening to cancel and receive a full refund.
Gym Rules and Regulations
As a member, you are expected to adhere to John Reed Santa Monica’s Rules and Regulations. These rules, which can be modified by John Reed at their discretion, govern gym usage and member conduct. Violations of rules, illegal activities, or offensive behavior can lead to membership cancellation without a refund of dues paid to date. Maintaining a current account and checking in upon each visit are mandatory; failure to check-in can also result in termination of the agreement. Soliciting or posting notices within the facility requires prior management approval.
Liability for Personal Property and Facility Damage
John Reed Santa Monica is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen personal property on the premises, including vehicles and locker contents. Members are liable for any damage they, their guests, or invitees cause to the facility, equipment, furniture, or fixtures. Unclaimed items will be discarded, as John Reed does not store personal property.
Payment Defaults and Consequences
Failure to make timely payments can lead to membership suspension or cancellation at John Reed’s discretion. You may be required to pay all outstanding balances immediately, and the entire remaining balance of your agreement could be declared due. Suspension or cancellation does not waive your payment obligations. Overdue payments accrue interest at the highest legally permitted rate. Furthermore, you are responsible for all collection costs, including attorney’s fees, if you fail to pay amounts owed.
Health Representations and Member Agreements
By signing the agreement, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old, in good physical condition, and aware of no medical reasons preventing your intended use of John Reed Santa Monica’s facilities and services. You acknowledge that John Reed has not provided medical advice and will not. Consulting with your physician regarding any health concerns before using the gym is your responsibility.
Arbitration and Waiver of Jury Trial
The agreement includes an arbitration clause and a waiver of your right to a jury trial for any claims against John Reed, its affiliates, or related parties. Disputes must be resolved through individual binding arbitration, not class actions, and are governed by Texas law.
Cancellation Post Initial Term
After the initial membership term, you can cancel your agreement by providing written notice via the methods mentioned earlier (in-person, mail, email, or through the John Reed member portal/app) at least one day before your next billing cycle. Upon cancellation, your gym access terminates, and no further billing occurs. Packages and prepaid services are generally non-cancelable and non-refundable unless explicitly stated otherwise in the agreement.
Authority to Modify Agreement
It’s important to note that John Reed Santa Monica employees are not authorized to make changes to the membership agreement, and you cannot unilaterally alter the terms.
Personal Training and Related Services
An active John Reed membership is required to access personal training, fitness assessments, and purchase supplements. Canceling your membership will automatically cancel any related services. Personal training sessions and packages are non-transferable and non-refundable. A 24-hour cancellation notice is required for personal training sessions to avoid forfeiture. Group fitness class bookings can be cancelled up to 3 hours before class; repeated no-shows or late cancellations may result in temporary booking restrictions.
Consents, Waivers of Liability, and Indemnification
Explicit Music Consent: John Reed Santa Monica plays music with explicit lyrics, and your membership implies consent to this. You waive any complaints regarding the music content.
Liability Waiver: You acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of injury associated with gym use, including equipment, classes, and facilities both inside and outside the gym premises (e.g., parking lots). This waiver covers injuries from equipment use, negligence (direct or indirect), medical conditions arising from exercise, and accidents within the facilities. You waive all claims against John Reed for personal injury and consumer protection statute claims to the fullest extent permitted by law. This liability waiver extends to John Reed’s affiliates and survives the termination of your membership.
Assumption of Risk (Equipment and Retail Products): You acknowledge that John Reed does not manufacture fitness equipment or retail products sold at the facility. Therefore, John Reed and its affiliates are not liable for defective equipment or products. You agree to indemnify and hold John Reed harmless against any claims related to the liability waiver.
Conclusion
Understanding your John Reed Santa Monica membership agreement is essential for a positive and informed gym experience. By familiarizing yourself with the terms, especially regarding cancellation, rules, and liability, you can confidently enjoy the facilities and services offered. For any clarifications or concerns, contacting John Reed Santa Monica directly through the provided channels is always recommended.
