According to an announcement from Attorney General Bill Schuette's office, a class action lawsuit against Family Fitness has been filed in Kent County Circuit Court, after several issues with patrons.
The complaint asks the Court to put a stop to various practices by the fitness chain that allegedly violate the Michigan's Consumer Protection Act. It also seeks monetary relief on behalf of consumers.
According to a news release from his office, this comes after Schuette received nearly 300 complaints on Family Fitness in 2017. Schuette warned the fitness chain in July on their unlawful business practices, stating they should cease and desist.
“These entities have been taking advantage of the hard-working people in West Michigan, and it’s time for that to stop,” Schuette said. “It is my hope that we can reform Family Fitness’ business practices, and get some money back in the pockets of many consumers.
"We will also ask the Court to make sure the credit reports of Michigan consumers no longer show debts arising from unlawful conduct by these fitness clubs.”
There are 14 Family Fitness centers in West Michigan, with locations in Allendale, Alpine, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Holland, Muskegon, North Muskeogn, Norton Shores, Plainwell, Portage, Sparta, Standale and Wyoming.
Family Fitness issued a statement regarding the lawsuit. This it what it said:
At Family Fitness Michigan, we value all of our customers and work hard to exceed their expectations at all of our 14 state-of-the-art facilities in West Michigan. Since our inception 12 years ago, our business has grown through referrals which are the result of thousands of positive members experiences.
Today, Family Fitness Michigan values the concerns of the Attorney General, Mr. Bill Schuette and with his help are making efforts to reform our business practices and hope to come up with a remedy to satisfy past, current and future members.
Anyone with concerns or questions about their memberships please feel free to write or email.
Family Fitness Corporate Office
Po Box 152 Jenison MI. 49429
616.530.4848
Request@familyfitnessmichigan.com
We look forward to continuing to serve the tens of thousands of our customers who enjoy our fitness centers every day.
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April Stevens is a multi-platform producer at WZZM 13. Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.