How to Cancel Orangetheory Fitness Membership Easily?

In today’s fast-paced world, our fitness routines can change as quickly as our schedules. Perhaps you’re moving, took a new job, or simply want to try a different workout program. Whatever the reason, knowing how to cancel your Orangetheory Fitness membership is crucial to avoid unwanted recurring charges.

But can you cancel online? Over the phone? Does it cost money to cancel?

The short answer is no, you cannot cancel an Orangetheory membership online or by phone – you must submit written notice by mail, email, or in person at least 30 days before your desired cancellation date. And while there are no fees to cancel, you do have to pay for one final 30-day period.

This detailed guide will explore the entire Orangetheory cancellation process step-by-step, including what information to provide, how to properly submit your request, getting refunds on remaining sessions, putting a freeze on your account instead of canceling, and more.

What is Orangetheory Fitness?

Before we dive into the cancellation details, let’s quickly review what Orangetheory Fitness is for those unfamiliar. Orangetheory is a boutique fitness franchise that offers 60-minute HIIT workouts focused on achieving and maintaining target heart rate zones.

Founded in 2010, Orangetheory has rapidly grown to over 1,354 studio locations across 51 states and territories. The brand’s heart rate-based interval training technique, motivating group environment, and enthusiastic trainers have made it one of the fastest-growing fitness franchises.

Orangetheory’s Cancellation Policy

Now that we have some context, let’s get right into orange theory’s official cancellation policy and key things to know:

• Memberships require 30 days written notice to cancel. This notice period is required for all members, regardless of which type of membership you have.
• No outright cancellation fees, but you pay for 30 more days. Orangetheory does not charge any direct fees or penalties to cancel. However, your membership will remain active for 30 days after submitting cancellation notice during which time you’ll be charged the regular dues.
• Exceptions made for medical reasons, moving away from studios, or bankruptcy. If you have a medical condition preventing you from working out, are moving over 18 miles away from any Orangetheory location, or have filed for bankruptcy, you may be able to get out of your contract early without the 30-day policy.
• You cannot cancel online, through the mobile app, or over the phone. Orangetheory requires written documentation to process any membership cancellation requests. Simply deleting the app or calling will not cancel your account.

With these basics out of the way, let’s get into the specific steps you need to follow to properly cancel your Orangetheory membership.

Step 1 – Give 30 Days Written Notice to Cancel

As mentioned, Orangetheory requires all members to submit a written cancellation request at least 30 days before their desired final membership date. This notice period is mandatory and allows them to process your request in an orderly manner.

Your written notice, whether by mail, email, or in-person, needs to include the following key information:

• Your full name
• Current mailing address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Membership ID number
• The last 4 digits of the credit/debit card on file
• The reason you are canceling
• The exact date you want your membership to terminate (30+ days out)

Be very clear about that final membership date, as Orangetheory will set your cancellation effective that exact day 30 days later per their policy.

With those details ready, here are the three methods to officially submit a written cancellation notice:

Cancel by Certified Mail

Sending your cancellation request by certified mail is the most secure option to guarantee proof of delivery. Here are the steps:

1. Draft a cancellation letter including all of the required information listed above
2. Look up the address of the specific Orangetheory studio location where you originally signed up
3. Send your cancellation letter by USPS-certified mail with the return receipt requested
4. Keep a copy of your letter and the certified mail receipt for your records
5. Follow up with the studio after 7-10 days to confirm they received and processed your request

Using certified mail provides a paper trail and proof they received your cancellation in case any billing issues arise later.

Cancel by Email

Many members choose to submit their cancellation notice directly by email to their home studio instead. It’s faster than mail, but be sure to follow these steps:

1. Find the direct email address for your home Orangetheory studio location online or by calling them
2. Draft a new email including all the required cancellation details outlined above
3. Send the email and request a reply confirmation that it was received
4. Follow up again in 7-10 days if you haven’t received confirmation
5. Print out or save a copy of the sent email for your records

While not as secure as certified mail, email creates a digital paper trail. Just be diligent about following up to guarantee your request was properly received and processed.

Cancel In-Person

The final option is to submit your written cancellation notice in person at your home Orangetheory studio. The steps are:

1. Visit the specific Orangetheory location where you originally signed up for your membership
2. Request a membership cancellation form from the front desk staff
3. Thoroughly complete the form with all of your account details and the desired final date
4. Make a copy or take a photo of the completed cancellation form before submitting it
5. Get a confirmation from staff including the exact date your membership will terminate

Having staff confirm the cancellation face-to-face and keeping a copy of the form prevents any “lost paperwork” issues. Just be sure to get that final date in writing.

No matter which of these three written notice methods you choose, be persistent. Follow up repeatedly until you have explicit confirmation from Orangetheory that your cancellation request was received and processed for your desired final date.

Step 2 – Use Any Remaining Prepaid Orangetheory Sessions

Since Orangetheory’s policy requires you to pay for one final 30-day period after submitting the cancellation notice, be sure to take full advantage of that time! Log into your account online or through the OTBeat app to check if you have any remaining pre-paid class packs, sessions, or Heart Rate Monitor services that haven’t expired yet.

Use those up over your last 30 days to get full value out of those pre-paid fees before your membership terminates. Don’t leave any money on the table!

Can I Pause My Orangetheory Membership Instead of Canceling?

While outright cancellation may be your goal, some situations could make pausing or freezing your Orangetheory membership a better short-term solution. All active members do have the option to temporarily put their account on hold twice per year for up to 60 days each time.

When you freeze your membership, you don’t have access to any workouts, apparel discounts, or other benefits. However, your basic membership remains intact at a reduced “pause” monthly fee of just $15.

Pausing could be a wise choice if you need a short break from the gym due to travel, temporary work commitments, medical issues, or other short-term scenarios where you plan to return to Orangetheory again soon. This allows you to retain your current membership pricing, class schedules, and so on when you unpause in a few weeks or months.

When to Pause vs. Permanently Cancel

To help you decide, here’s a quick guide on when pausing or permanently canceling your membership makes more sense:

You should pause if:

• You need to take a temporary break for travel, work, medical reasons, etc.
• You only foresee being away from Orangetheory for a couple of months or less
• You do plan to eventually return and want to keep your current membership intact

You should cancel if:

• You have no plans to return to Orangetheory at all
• You are moving away from any Orangetheory studios near you
• You want to permanently end your membership and payment commitments

Most members opt to pause for flexibility if they’ll be taking a short gym hiatus, while cancellation is best for permanent separations. The choice comes down to your specific situation and plans.

Getting a Refund from Orangetheory Fitness

One of the biggest questions members have when canceling is “Can I get a refund for any remaining classes, sessions, or fees I’ve pre-paid?” Unfortunately, Orangetheory does not provide refunds on any unused services after your membership is terminated with a few exceptions.

In most cases, any prepaid class packs, heart rate monitor rental fees, apparel purchases, etc. that you don’t use before your cancellation date simply expire and cannot be refunded. Orangetheory’s terms make clear that these fees are non-refundable once paid.

The only situation where a full refund may be provided is if you are a brand new “Premier” member who signed up recently. Orangetheory offers a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to cancel and receive a full refund of any fees paid – but only if:

1. It’s within the first 30 days of initially joining
2. You have attended 12 classes or fewer at the studio

So for very new members who give it a try and quickly realize Orangetheory isn’t for them, there is a short refund window. But for existing members, you’ll want to use up any prepaid sessions before that final termination date.

The Benefits of Canceling Your Orangetheory Membership

While having to go through the cancellation process is never fun, there are some potential upsides to ending your Orangetheory commitment:

• Save money each month on membership dues that can go towards other financial goals
• Explore other gyms, boutique fitness studios, or at-home workout options that may better suit your needs
• Shake up your fitness routine with different workout styles and programming
• Free up time from scheduled Orangetheory classes in your weekly routine

Many people decide to cancel not because they dislike Orangetheory, but simply due to changing schedules, moving, financial priorities, or a desire to try something new for a bit.

Popular Orangetheory Alternatives

Speaking of trying something new, here’s a quick look at some potential Orangetheory alternatives to consider:

• Other boutique fitness franchises like SoulCycle, Pure Barre, F45, etc.
• National big-box gyms like Planet Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, Crunch Fitness
• Locally-owned yoga, spin, HIIT, or CrossFit studios in your area
• Lower-cost options like running clubs, at-home YouTube workouts, or fitness apps

The options are virtually endless depending on your budget, workout preferences, schedule, and other needs. An Orangetheory cancellation could open the door to finding your new perfect fitness match.

FAQs on Canceling an Orangetheory Membership

Before wrapping up, let’s quickly cover some of the most frequently asked questions about the Orangetheory cancellation process:

How do I cancel my Orangetheory membership online?

Unfortunately, Orangetheory does not allow members to cancel online through their website or mobile app. You must submit written notice by mail, email, or in person following the steps outlined earlier.

Can I cancel my Orangetheory membership over the phone?

No, Orangetheory does not accept membership cancellations over the phone either. Phone cancellations do not meet their written notice policy requirements.

Do I have to pay a fee to cancel Orangetheory?

No, there are no direct fees or penalties for canceling your Orangetheory membership. However, you do have to pay the regular membership dues for your final 30 days per their cancellation policy.

How can I check how many Orangetheory sessions I have remaining?

Log into your account on the Orangetheory website or through the OTBeat mobile app. There you can view any active/unexpired class packs or individual session purchases on your account.

Can a family member cancel my Orangetheory membership for me?

No, Orangetheory requires that the primary member on the account must initiate the cancellation process themselves and submit the written notice, not a spouse, parent, etc.

In summary

While Orangetheory’s cancellation policy may seem overly strict with the 30-day notice period and written request requirements, it’s really to protect both the member’s and the business interests.

To terminate your membership smoothly, submit your cancellation request in advance, use up prepaid sessions, and persist until you get confirmation.

Ultimately, Orangetheory provides an effective way to cancel when your fitness needs and circumstances change. We hope this guide has fully answered any questions you may have about how to cancel your Orangetheory membership the right way.