Evolution Sports Club

11/14/09

good gym but crooks

by katey41 at Citysearch

My extremely low rating is based on the service I have received after leaving the gym. The gym is good - low-key, never crowded, good classes. BUT.... Shortly after paying a 12 month membership in full, I unexpectedly moved out of the area. In order to cancel membership, you must go through Membership Services, a company that handles this type of thing for Evolution. I followed their instructions, also proving that I had moved more than 25 miles from the gym. This was in July - more than four months ago. I have made about 8-10 phone calls to Membership Services, spending hours on the phone. They keep giving me the run-around, making excuses as to why they can't refund my money. This is completely unprofessional and unacceptable. I have finally gotten my lawyer involved. I will never deal with a gym that uses Membership Services ever again.

• Pros: never crowded; good group classes
• Cons: will not refund my money

09/11/09

Hassel Free Membership

by Irenelasorsa at Citysearch

I first signed up for a month to month membership because I have had some bad experiences with other health clubs in New York. I liked Evolution so much after 3 months I just switched my membership to a yearly plan. No pressure when you walk through the door, always a smile from the staff and no personal trainers hounding your every move. I highly recommend Evolution Sports Club.

• Pros: Hours & Classes

08/31/09

Good luck getting back money you are owed!

by JLNYC at Citysearch

My experience with this gym and with Anthony M., the owner, should make everyone think twice about joining--or renewing their membership.

For more than 12 MONTHS, Anthony has been promising to pay me a refund of nearly $700. The first story was "I do refunds once a month; you'll have it within 60 days." That was a year ago.

Months later, the failure to send payment was "just an oversight." Following that it was "I mailed the check, but it got returned to me." Anthony's most recent story--after being told that I still hadn't yet received payment--was "oh, I thought you'd received it by now."

Pat S. is absolutely right. Anthony will pretend to be interested and responsive when you speak to him, but the moment you leave the room, he just tosses off any commitments he has made. He then becomes quite difficult to reach, and when you do manage to get in contact, he just strings you along further.

Keep in mind, this colossal runaround is set against the backdrop of Anthony agreeing the refund he owes me is legitimate. One can only begin to imagine how other disputes are handled.

Before you sign a contract with this gym, ask yourself why you'd want to do business with characters like this--especially given all of the other first class gyms available in Astoria.

• Cons: Owner appears responsive until it's time to pay