Banned for nearly 2 years from Anytime Fitness Blackwood because I reported damaged equipment. I just want to train. Give me my membership back.
I haven't Been Able to Train for Nearly 2 Years
TL;DR
I haven’t been able to train for nearly 2 years because Anytime Fitness Blackwood banned me for reporting damaged equipment. As a student on a tight budget, I can't afford to travel far, and since this owner controls all the local options nearby, I've been completely locked out of training. After a trainer gutted the padding out of the heavy boxing bags, I followed the proper channels instead of causing a confrontation. Management gave me the run-around, and I was forced to cancel. I took them to small claims court, but ultimately decided to discontinue it because the court process wasn't going to give me a favorable outcome without proper legal representation.
If anyone is going to offer dumbass advice telling me to just go to another gym or take further legal action, don't bother—I can't afford to travel far, and I hope anyone giving unhelpful noise gets the karmic justice that comes around in this universe. I just want my membership and my money back.
The Background
I joined Anytime Fitness Blackwood primarily to use the weights and the heavy boxing bags. I have an existing hand condition, but I can train safely on properly padded heavy bags.
One day, I observed the gym's boxing coach—who had supplied the bags as part of a discounted membership arrangement—ripping the internal padding right out of one of the bags. Instead of confronting him directly and causing a scene, I did the right thing: I went through the proper official channels and lodged a formal complaint with management.
The Run-Around
- The Fake Resolution: When I asked reception for updates, I was given the run-around. Weeks later, they checked the system and claimed the complaint was "administratively resolved" via an automated SMS that I never even received.
- The Half-Hearted "Fix": The receptionist eventually tried to stuff some padding back into the bag—recovering only about 20–30% of it. It was completely wrecked.
- The Escalation: I escalated the issue to Area Manager Daniel Arnold and General Manager Simon Thompson. Simon's "solution" was to just remove all boxing bags from the gym entirely. Left with no equipment to train with, I cancelled my membership—and they still charged me a two-week cancellation fee.
- The Hypocrisy: Later, the gym relocated, and I saw on their social media that heavy boxing bags were right back on the floor.
Small Claims Court
I filed a small claims action for ~$360 (representing half my membership fees during the complaint period, the unfair cancellation charge, and my filing fee) to hold them accountable.
Ultimately, I decided to discontinue the case so I could freely speak about what happened publicly without legal restrictions holding me back, as the court wasn't going to give me a outcome where I could rejoin. Navigating the legal side of things alone without support is tough. Help should be free and about justice, not just who can afford representation.
Where I Am Now
What hurts the most is that I haven’t been able to resume my training for almost 2 years now. As a student, I can't afford to travel far to train elsewhere, and I specifically need a nearby facility that has both the necessary machines and heavy bags. I heavily rely on the gym to maintain my mental health and deal with daily stress, and not being able to train has taken a massive toll on me.
My original hope wasn't just about the money. I went through the official channels precisely to avoid drama and handle things like an adult. I hoped that once the full facts and miscommunications were brought to light, things would be made right and I would be allowed to continue training at the gym.
Instead, I was faced with a lowball offer and a blockout: I was told they were "not comfortable" allowing me to be a member anymore. Because this owner operates all the gym locations nearby, I am effectively locked out of training anywhere in my area—all because I reported damaged equipment properly instead of picking a fight at the gym.
Call to Action
I did everything right. I trusted the management structure. And for following the rules, I’ve been stonewalled, given the run-around, and locked out of training for nearly two years.
If you believe in fairness and holding local businesses accountable, please head over to Anytime Fitness Blackwood’s Instagram (@blackwoodanytime247) and Facebook pages.
Drop a comment on their posts: "Give Ahilan his money and his membership back."
Let them know that punishing a member for internal miscommunications and management's mistakes is completely unacceptable, and it's time to let me back in the gym.