California Fitness Membership Packages
Over the weekend, I paid visits to both the California Fitness centres in Menara Standard Chartered and MidValley Mall. The reason was to have a look around and to enquire about the packages that they have to offer in order to help WL and I decide whether or not we would sign up. From the three walk-ins I made, this is what I found out…
Initially, we were looking forward to taking up the 1 month trial for RM29.00. The first time I walked into the branch at Wisma Standard Chartered on Friday night, I quickly found out that the offer (if it can be called that) is a farce. It is only valid for non-peak hours. That means we cannot use the facilities between 5pm and 9pm. That means, it is effectively useless for our purpose.
The Fitness Consultant that entertained me, Mr. Aaron Paul, was friendly enough and showed me around the centre which covers four floors as follows:
- Floor 1: (Ground floor) Entrance and reception area
- Floor 2: Cardio workout and group exercise studios
- Floor 3: Free weights
- Floor 4: Shower, sauna and changing room
After the run around, he went on to describe the two basic packages that were on offer for individual signup (All prices stated are subject to 5% govt. tax).
Package 1 - Platinum Package:
Enrolment Fees: RM 298
Monthly Fees: RM 198
Processing Fees: RM 99
2 months advance
Total up front = RM 793
Package 2 - Platinum Plus:
Enrolment Fees: RM 598
Monthly Fees: RM 159
Processing Fees: RM 99
2 months advance
Total up front = RM 1013
When I heard the bottom line I was like, “What the…?!”. The enrolment fees was a total turnoff. I explained to Aaron where I stood and he asked me to wait a minute while he went to get someone who had the ‘power’ to give me a better offer. So I waited.
He introduced to me this blardy idiot ‘General Manager’ who made to offer me a ‘one-club’ membership for a lower enrolment and monthly. But he had absolutely no PR skills and tried to sell me the membership with as much grace as a hippopotamus ballerina. It was so bad that he pissed me off the moment he opened his mouth. Go back to sales school man. “Cannot lor”, “like that la”, “Too bad lor” should NOT be in the freaking vocabulary of someone who’s trying to close a deal. If you can’t muster enough enthusiasm to care about closing the deal, then you should consider changing lines of work. FREAK!
After the idiot GM left, I got back to speaking with Aaron about what I was looking for; which was the corporate rates that they had a few weeks earlier. No enrolment fees, RM 138 per month. He told me to come back with WL and he’ll show me an unbeatable deal. I give this guy an A+ for effort. So yeah, I said I would come back…
The next day I went to MidValley instead with WL to check out the area. We were shown around by an Ms. Law Pei Pei (AGM). The centre at MidValley was a 2-storey facility with adjoining swimming pool and jacuzzi. Everything else was roughly the same, albeit the equipment was slightly older and the place a little more crowded. After a quick once around, it was back to talking cost. Offers that she made included the following.
Couples Package:
The first person pays the full package. The second person pays RM 100 in enrolment fees and RM 100 monthly. So for two persons…
Enrolment Fees: RM 298 + 100 or RM 598 + 100
Monthly Fees: RM 198 + 100 or RM 159 + 100
Processing Fees: RM 99
2 months advance
Total up front = RM 1094 or RM 1315
36 Months Package:
Pay a one time fee of RM 2988 for 36 months + RM 99 processing fees. Zero enrolment fees. Which all adds up to about RM 88 per month for 36 months.
Lifetime Membership:
RM 8888 for a lifetime membership + RM 99 processing fees.
Each package is more attractive than the next in terms of cost and total savings but it also means a bigger up front total. Crap… WL commented that this was the exact same sales pitch that Celebrity Fitness used on her. Not surprising considering that the people in charge of these fitness centres (Celebrity Fitness, California Fitness and True Fitness) all came from the same background (or at least that’s what Pei Pei told us). Anyway, I told the lady that I had a commitment elsewhere and thanked her for her time. We went away even more confused about whether or not we should sign up.
Sunday saw us walking back into Menara Standard Chartered looking for Aaron to see what he could do for us. He showed WL around since she hadn’t taken the tour yet. And once more, it was back to the calculator and some number crunching. As it turns out, the super offer he was going to recommend to us the Couples Package that we’ve already heard about. We saved him the trouble going through the paces and jumped straight to the point. Can we get the Corporate rates? Apparently the offer was no longer available and we could would have to make do with either the Couples or 36 month package. Thank you, we’ll sleep on it, bye bye.
Now, 24 hours later, we’ve slept on it, bickered over it, punched the numbers through the calculator and yet, still can’t decide. My colleague just mentioned to me that she knows someone in GB’s sales team who might be able to get for us the corporate rates. Many thanks if that can be done!
Coming full circle, WL and I have now decided to take up the RM 29, 1 month trial. Since we were planning to workout in the mornings before work if we do sign up, we figured that the 5pm - 9pm bar wouldn’t affect us in any way, shape or form. We’ll try it out and if it works, then yeah, if not then “too bad lor”.
To find out more, check out their website at CaliforniaFitness.com or contact them at the following branches. Tell them I sent you :D
California Fitness Mid Valley
Lot T-011, 3rd Floor,
Mid Valley Megamall,
Mid Valley City,
59200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603-2295 0088
California Fitness Menara Standard Chartered
Menara Standard Chartered,
30, Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603-2145 1000
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weili Said,
November 16, 2005 @ 12:28 pm
If i am not mistaken, the Life time membership for 2 person is RM 8888 + 5% tax. Each person around RM 4888.
For those that used to workout everyday since young, this is a good deal.
Mun Said,
December 4, 2005 @ 11:26 am
Cool information.
Do drop by at
my blog for more experience sharing about gym.
Paul Tan Said,
December 12, 2005 @ 4:46 am
Lifetime membership still has a small processing fee every year btw.
gbyeow Said,
December 12, 2005 @ 10:11 am
Yeah. I forgot to put that down. Those who are interested, the annual processing fees for lifetime membership is RM88.00. Additionally, there is a discounted package for lifetime membership costing RM4,888.00 (instead of RM8,888.00). But I noticed that its limited to 5 members per club (dunno whether true or not).
Zeke Said,
January 12, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
Good info, didn’t realise it was bloody expensive, hmm, having second thoughts now about joining up with Cali.
G: It is actually cheaper than Fitness First and True Fitness. If you’re free, you should go check them out at their newest outlet in Sunway.
aurondeclan Said,
September 2, 2007 @ 10:40 am
Yeah. I forgot to put that down. Those who are interested, the annual processing fees for lifetime membership is RM88.00. Additionally, there is a discounted package for lifetime membership costing RM4,888.00 (instead of RM8,888.00). But I noticed that its limited to 5 members per club (dunno whether true or not).
– Yeah…I heard of that as well that the lifetime membership have their quota by limiting 5 members per club per country. At time when I joined CF under lifetime, they trying to sell me at 5K++++ and I was kinda worried about my expenses. Yeah..paying the big bucks on their life time membership are kinda ridiculous, but at the moment, I don’t have complaint on their equipments and their services for the time being :)
G: No complaints here either. Except that I haven’t been to the gym much since March =.=”
sad Said,
March 27, 2008 @ 8:19 pm
california centre if suck!!!!!
persuade me when sign up… but still need pay after i cancel!!!i need to continue pay my credit card!!ahhhhhhh
WTF!!!
G: Have you checked with the bank providing your credit card service? The problem with credit card auto debit is that someone has to tell the bank to stop! Obviously in your case, California Fitness has not done the job. That being the case, it’s a good idea for you to do it. That’s one reason why I try not to put anything on auto-debit.
Myzhar Said,
May 17, 2008 @ 12:46 am
My bad experienced with California Fitness, Mid Valley… They promised to give me one month FOC if join them……but till now almost 6 mths.. i still haven’t got it.. a made a lot of complaints about it.. but they still can’t resolve this ’small issue’… I hate them so much.. there’re not professional at all..
G: Hi Myzhar, you’ll find that this is true for all fitness centres (and the rest of the world probably). Sales people will always try to up-sell you and make endless promises to get you to sign the contract but unless it has been written on paper, it’s just an empty promise. There are exceptions but in this day and age…
mui ngee Said,
June 10, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
Hi. I just signed up with California Fitness two weeks ago. The package we took are Couple Package, RM 4,588 (for two person) - also a 36 months package. But we can opt for 24-months zero interest instalment. With this, each person only costs round RM 66 per month. I think they still have this package around.
john Said,
August 5, 2008 @ 9:38 am
Ask them about their restricted package: 4 times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
This could be a real cost saver for those of us who don’t plan to go everyday.
RM129 per month
RM 99 processing
no joining fee.
no credit card.
12 month contract (RM600 to break contract.)
Up front = RM99 + 2x RM129 = RM327
G: Passport or home? RM129 is actually quite expensive considering that you can pay the same for full Passport access to True Fitness (Terms & Conditions apply)
grace Said,
September 11, 2008 @ 11:41 am
Hi there..
I just joined Cali recently on 01 August 2008 at Menara Standard Chartered. I had the cooperate rate at RM105 per month. No process fees inquire. Since it was a good deal, i signed up. According to consultant, there are free gift and one free orientation entitle upon signing up. Then she told me, I only can receive the free gift on my next visit. One day later, i went there and she told me that, sorry, we currently out of stock. At that time, i felt cheated. But i cannot do anything about it. So, i have waited and still waiting for the free gift. From time to time, i inquired her about this but she keep telling me no stock. About the one time free orientation, i have made several booking but they did not come back to me till now. It seem like there are something wrong with their management.
The worst thing that ever happen is the gym is only opened at 710am today without any notification. 630am should be their starting business hour. There are alot of people waiting and i am really upset with Cali.
Can someone tell me how could i log a complain about this? Thank you
Bee Said,
October 1, 2008 @ 3:44 am
guys,for those of u looking for corporate rates,i have something better to offer.Just settle the total amount of 1050 + 50 (processing fee),you get 12 months of california platinum membership.Absolutely no hidden fee,no joining fee,no registration fee or whatsoever fees and you can have access to all the 3 california outlets in malaysia.How about that?If interested please mail me at bambee87@gmail.com . Thanks…
Leong Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 9:36 am
Dear Bee, i’m interested with your idea, do you mind to share more on this? or drop me an email at jedileong at gmail dot com. Thanks in advance!
caroline Said,
November 15, 2008 @ 10:39 pm
me too, Bee. sleepyangelbb@gmail.com
snow Said,
March 4, 2009 @ 1:52 am
i felt cheated by cali. i joined the infinity program in 2007. i have been a loyal customer to cali and introduced many friends to join cali. my infinity membership was rm 5488 plus processing fees of rm99 every year. the problem now is that, cali terminated my membership and they won’t active my membership matter how. they terminated my membership because i forgotten to pay rm99 in year 2008. i wasn’t inform at all. they didn’t give me any notice. no warning. nothing. but straight away terminated my membership with telling me. actually my membership expired in the month of July 08. the funny thing is, i can still enter the gym in sept 08, and dec 08. Those consultants or receptionists didn’t even warn me or at least remind me that i need to pay for the yearly fees, which is rm99 or else my membership will be terminated after a period of 3 months from the expiry date. Talked to the managers, no point. they rejected my membership. conclusion, i paid rm5488 infinity membership for a year of usage only. please be very very careful and those that has already sign up for the infinity package, remember to renew your membership yearly, on time. i really felt cheated. they can call 10 times a day asking u to sign up but not even a call before they terminate your card.
G: This sounds like really unethical behaviour on their part. Was it in the contracts that your membership would be terminated if you did not pay the RM99 renewal fees? If yes, did they point it out clearly to you? I would have thought that they would have put in place an annual renewal with your credit card to avoid such problems. If they didn’t do all they could to avoid the incident, I would think that they are at fault for letting the membership lapse. In your position, I would file a formal complaint against them. It is as though they sign up ‘Infinity’ members with the sole goal of letting the membership lapse and forfeiting the membership fees.
On a different note, I’ve let my own membership lapse without renewing after my three year contract ended. I didn’t get much after sales service from them and wasn’t using the clubs as much as I thought I would have.
Lisa Said,
March 9, 2009 @ 12:59 am
I’ve had the same problem as Snow. I joined the Infinity package 2 years ago for about RM5000. It is a lifetime membership where we only need to pay a RM88 annual fee but they had never warn me that if I fail to pay my membership will terminate and never get reinstated back. I called them several times and wrote to them but their response is the same i.e. they can’t do anything about it. I asked them why didnt they call, sms or write to us to inform about the renewal fee and their reply is that it is not their policy to call customers. It’s really unethical of them that they dont bother informing customers such important things and yet capable of keep sending promotional sms to me. How are we supposed to remember the renewal date when the date werent even imprinted on the card. CALIFORNIA FITNESS IS A SCAM. DONT EVER JOIN THIS FITNESS CENTRE.
My friend’s case was worse, he actually went to the gym a few days before the expiry and the receptionist did not even remind him to renew his membership. After 3 months his membership was also terminated like mine and cant get reinstated back. It’s as though Cali has an ill intention to take their customers money upfront and then hope that customers forget to pay and then terminate their membership. It is really unethical and unfair.
Following my termination, the trainer that I knew of dared to even call me and ask me how come I havent been to the club for so long, not knowing my situation. I told him about the unfair treatment and all he said was it is in the contract. I think the contract is drafted unfairly in the first place. Though they have the right to terminate our membership but it should be at the bare minimum, some sort of notification must be given to us. The Infinity membership is different from those yearly renewable ones. We have already paid upfront. So they shouldnt treat us like the others.
Caution to everyone, please do not join California Fitness. This is real and it has happened to me, my brother and my friends. It’s a scam club and they don’t care about their customers at all.
Vignesh Said,
March 18, 2009 @ 2:55 am
Hi Guys,
I’ve been following the entire thread above here. And am in a dilemma to join which of the gyms in KL. I thought California Fitness coming up at Lot 10 would be worth it since it would be closer to where I am gonna reside. However, reading your reviews make me think twice. Given the option, how do you’ll think True Fitness fares? or California @ Lot10 might still be worth giving it a try ?? plz advise!
Appreciate ur response!
Thanks!
G: I think it ultimately depends on you. I’ve been members of Fitness First and California Fitness. Quite frankly, neither centres provide great after sales service. Your decision shouldn’t depend on that. It should depend on which fitness centre you find most convenient for you and has the best equipment to suit your needs. The best bet still is to ask yourself the question, “which fitness centre do I see myself going to for my own sake?”. Remember, you’re joining for your own fitness (and maybe to socialise) so that should be your key criteria.
Eric Said,
March 29, 2009 @ 3:06 pm
I have been a Cali member since 2004 (joined in Singapore and transferred the membership back to Malaysia when I returned home in 2006) and then continued on taking Platinum membership for RM2899 for 30 months + FOC 3 months + 2months FOC for introducing friends..
When I first joined in Singapore, I walked-in to Cali Orchard because I was just working next door to it. And never looked back since. Of course, I admit the staff there is way friendlier than the ones we have in Malaysia, but that’s only because they are Singaporeans and they treat all members and guests like a pot of gold. Why not? It’s only in Malaysia and the mentality of a generally large Malaysian public that doesn’t seemed to appreciate the hands that feed them.
When I transferred my membership back to KL upon returning, Zenith was going for RM3999 in the beginning, they did try to sell me that package but THE answer I gave was that I don’t have that much money (to which they asked me to swipe my card - yes, but in maximum 3 installments of RM1333 per month. I said NO and it was never brought up again.)
But anyway, being a Platinum member and paying monthly installments via credit card, I don\’t have any problem with any of the clubs. Of Midvalley, Sunway and now Lot 10 (used to be at Menara Standard Chartered), I still find the clubs, Malaysia or Singapore, pretty much the same. You still see the same staff albeit new faces, same members who like me, goes to all 3 clubs, same service standard.
Although it is not me to make friends with staff or anyone in the gym, somehow, my face is too regular in Cali that people just expect you to be there and when they don\’t see you for some time, some people do ask… but more like out of courtesy..
My renewal isn\’t due until Sept 2010, but until that time, I know I will continue my membership at California Fitness as Fitness First (although way much more convenient) cannot offer me what I am looking for in a gym. FF can’t even provide the simplest of the basics, and I certainly don’t need a bar lounge, not to mention FF’s exorbitant fee of RM199 per month (I can get corporate rate at RM179 per month, it’s still more expensive).
TO me, I find California Fitness is probably my best choice. I swim and so having a swimming pool (in Midvalley) and access to JW Marriott swimming pool (in Lot 10) is just good enough. True Fitness, although one of its clubs have a swimming pool, is totally out of my considerations. And so is Celebrity Fitness.
I live in Bdr Utama, and I dont find going to Sunway Pyramid, Midvalley or Lot 10 a hassle because I know I have a goal and disciplined enough to travel 20-30km just to go to a gym whereas there are quite some gyms within 5km radius. And it’s because I am determined enough to go to gym at least 3 times a week makes me develop a liking for California Fitness, having been a member since 2004.
Amanda Said,
April 17, 2009 @ 12:22 am
I’ve been with CF near 2 years now and i love it. I’ve tried Celebrity before but the instructors are simply aren’t as caring and friendly if you ask me ;p whereas everybody in CF are so friendly… In fact i was fast friends with the towel dudes and this PT i spoke to. Perhaps it’s just me but sometimes it takes a lil initiative to make life a whole lot better. Just one step.
I’ve been taught that if you want something, ask for it, negotiate and you’ll get it. The sales guy Ivan from MSC gave me a reasonable price.. Some upfront payment thing but i only get charged 183 monthly spread over 12 months with 3 months free which comes up to 122 monthly. Well.. it helps dat i was an ex member… since i paid only 99 for single club usage while i was studying.
Can someone tell me how do we access the JW swimming pool please… So wanna go check it out in the morning ;)
Anyway sales people have only got a few tricks up their sleeve. The usual includes- the one time offer cheap trick… And wat last day offer? I may be a lil naive but these tricks don’t quite work on me. What i do usually is to tell em that yes i’d love to sign up-but- only if i’m given the right offer. Quote me a price and we shall see. If it’s fair, i’ll take it up now.
They can’t give you dirt cheap but well…it will be fair. Now, i really got to sleep… or else i’ll miss Myke’s bodycombat class in MV tmr….. Night.
Edwin Said,
April 24, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
Hi,
If any one have cali. infinty or life time membership which we paid a yearly fees want to transfer please email me at edwinkfg@hotmail.com
Regards,
Edwin
maria Said,
June 25, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
It is better if u have a maybank account if u wanted to join California Fitness;
the holders will get discount :)
The offer usually last for the same day as you do the tour around the facilities.
However, the personnel are nice; you just have to be smart enough to counterpart their tricky marketing strategies.
narwee Said,
September 3, 2009 @ 6:38 pm
……and now Cali has sold out to Celebirty and you are all stuffed! Never ever sign up for a lifetime membership with anybody.