Option 1 Fitness

Let me first start off by saying that I was so appalled by the way this facility is run that I created a Yelp account just to inform my fellow citizens to steer clear of this place!

As a USAF veteran I have been to quite a few gyms over the years, I've seen Air Force gyms you could literally eat off the floor, and a few gyms that should probably be shut down. But I have never gotten an infection or sick at a gym before. Until I became a member at Option 1 for a period of 12 months.

I follow a strict routine which requires me in the gym for 5-6 days a week. Throughout those 12 months I ran into some of the most disgusting things at their gym. The worst of which put me in the hospital for week, where I had to take time off to recover from a staff infection which I know I picked up at Option 1. The day before I got sick I had gone to do legs and triceps. I decided to use the rope for triceps extensions. When I grabbed the rope, it was SOGGY with sweat and had old dead skin and god knows what else festering inside of the poorly ventilated gym. Did I mention that the power went out more than once, as well as the fans multiple times? The men's bathroom is so poorly ventilated that the steam from the showers never leaves. I would NEVER take a shower there, and to be honest I don't think anybody does for fear of the athletes foot that no doubt resides in that hot. moist and poorly ventilated bathroom of disgusting.

This month my 12 month contract ended and when I called to cancel my membership. When I spoke with the employee they told me I was unable to cancel my membership without the following... (Copied from their site) (Google it)
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Reasons for cancellations are as follows:

1. If upon proof of a doctor's order

2. If you move either your residence or your place of employment

3. If the health club services to be provided under this contract are not
available (Closed Facility)

4. If upon military orders regarding deployment, supported by
documentation.

5. In case of your death.

If reasons 1 thru 5 do not exist and you wish to terminate the remainder of the
agreement, there is a charge of $100.00, per member, early cancellation fee.

Memberships that are cancelled for any reason, at any time, must provide a 30-
day notification sent certified or registered mail to Option 1 Fitness
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After reading this I was enraged that in order for me to cancel my membership I had to pay 100 dollars unless I move, get deployed, get injured or die!!!! WTF?

I called their Townsend facility (headquarters) to speak with their manager and she immediately gave me an attitude. I explained politely that I would like to speak with the facility's owner. She told me that there was a board of owners and that she was unable to provide me the owners contact information. I couldn't believe my ears. I was told that one of the owners will call me back. I received a call about 7 hours later around 7pm while having dinner. The man on the phone claimed to be the owner and had the attitude copping manager from Townsend on the line. The man was immediately rude and proclaimed that they have their policy and they don't bend for anyone. They were trying to haggle the 200 dollars out of me for the cancellation. I told them that to treat a customer like this is ridiculous, but a US veteran... I would not stand for. The owner told me he was in Afghanistan and my service wasn't anything special being in the Air Force. At this point I hung up and contemplated my actions. Today I am telling everybody to absolutely steer clear of this place. I have since joined Global Fitness of Leominster at the recommendation of a few lifting buddies and I couldn't be happier.