What is Dw Fitness First
How the gym membership works in the Philippines
Dw Fitness First refers to Fitness First memberships sold in the Philippines through Evolution Wellness Philippines Inc. The brand runs full-service gyms focused on equipment access, group classes, and paid training add-ons, with terms governed by Philippine law under its published conditions (fitnessfirst.com).
If you signed up, you likely bought a recurring gym membership rather than a casual day pass. The practical issue for many members is that cancellation is not built into a self-service portal, so you usually need to cancel by email or at your home club, which already makes the process less convenient than many digital subscriptions.
What members actually pay for
The core product is access to gym facilities and regular group classes. Published plan examples in the Philippines include Lifestyle Membership at ₱2,995 per month, Premier Membership at ₱3,295 per month, and an Annual Membership listed at ₱960 yearly in a third-party pricing roundup from 2020, though current rates may differ (themachomom.com).
Beyond entry, members may also pay joining fees, administration fees, and pro-rata charges at sign-up. Those upfront charges matter when cancelling because the terms say these fees are non-refundable, even if you stop using the gym soon after joining.
Local setup, payment behavior, and free trial details
In the Philippines, support is handled through the local member support page, phone line, and email address: [email protected] and (02) 8511 9300. Support hours listed on the member support page are Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (fitnessfirst.com.ph).
Fitness First also offers a 1-day free trial for Philippine residents aged 18 and above, with advance appointment required and valid ID needed on-site. The truth is, that free trial is useful if you are comparing gyms before committing, because the cancellation process after becoming a paying member is more effort than it should be.
How to cancel Dw Fitness First without getting billed again
Checks to do before you send any cancellation request
Many Philippine members get frustrated when the process is unclear, when charges continue after they thought they had cancelled, or when refunds are refused. Before doing anything, note your home club, your full name as shown on the membership, your contact number, the email tied to the account, and your expected billing date.
Take screenshots or photos of anything you still have: your membership card, latest billing notice, payment receipt, and any page showing your current plan. Just a reminder, the notice rule is strict: one full calendar month in advance, counted from the 1st day of the month. If you give notice on July 1, cancellation takes effect on August 31, not July 31.
- Save your latest payment proof.
- Write down your home club name.
- Check if you still owe any fees.
- Prepare a valid email address for confirmation.
Cancellation at the club
The most direct route is in person at your Fitness First club. Ask the Front of House Manager for a cancellation form, complete it, and submit it on the spot. According to the member support guidance, cancellation starts only after the form is submitted and outstanding fees are settled (fitnessfirst.com.ph).
Ask for a cancellation receipt before you leave. If staff say the request will be processed later, take a photo of the signed form or ask them to stamp your copy. This matters because member complaints often start with the line, “I already cancelled,” but they have no proof of the exact date.
Cancellation by email
If you cannot visit the club, email [email protected]. Put a clear subject line such as “Membership Cancellation Request - Full Name - Home Club.” In the message, include your full name, membership details, mobile number, home club, and the date you want your notice to start.
The support page says customer service will reply with further instructions, and cancellation confirmation is sent after processing (fitnessfirst.com.ph). Email is slower than handing in the form yourself, but it gives you a written trail with timestamps, which is extremely useful if a later billing dispute happens.
- Send from the email linked to your membership if possible.
- Attach a valid ID if support asks for verification.
- State that you want written confirmation of the effective cancellation date.
- Follow up within 2 business days if no reply arrives.
Phone support, postal mail, and what does not exist
You can call (02) 8511 9300 during support hours to ask what your outstanding balance is and whether your email request has been received. Phone support is useful for checking status, but do not rely on a call alone. You still need written proof by email, form, or receipt.
There is no confirmed self-service cancellation path in an online account, and there is no app-store style cancellation flow because this is a physical gym membership, not an App Store or Google Play subscription. If you want postal proof, you can send a signed cancellation letter to your home club, and some people now use digital registered letter services such as Postclic for timestamped proof instead of traditional registered mail.
Early termination fees and notice traps
Heads up, a Departure Fee may apply if you cancel within the minimum term for medical or relocation reasons. The fee listed in the research data is RM199 for 1 to 4 months remaining, RM299 for 5 to 7 months, and RM399 for 8 months onward. Because these figures are in Malaysian ringgit rather than Philippine pesos, ask support to confirm the local equivalent before you submit your request.
The bigger trap for most members is the full-calendar-month notice rule. If you send your request on July 15, your notice does not simply run to August 15. The published rule says the notice is counted from the 1st of the month, so timing your request near month-end can cost you another billing cycle.
Once your request is accepted, what changes next
Your gym access and billing end date
After Fitness First processes the cancellation, your access typically continues until the end of the notice period you still need to pay for. Using the published example, notice given on July 1 ends on August 31, so gym access should normally remain active until that final date if dues are fully paid.
This is the part that annoys many members. You may stop using the club right away, but charges can still continue through the notice period because the membership does not end immediately on the day you submit the form or email.
If you do nothing, charges can continue
The available sources do not clearly publish a separate auto-renewal clause for all membership types. In practice, recurring membership billing continues until a valid cancellation request is processed, so assuming your plan will simply lapse is risky.
If you are near the end of any minimum term, contact support and ask one direct question: “What is my final charge date if I submit notice today?” Getting that answer in writing is better than relying on a verbal estimate from the club desk.
What happens to your personal data
The public terms do not clearly explain data retention after cancellation. That means your safest move is to save anything you may need later, such as receipts, membership number, and cancellation confirmation, before your account goes inactive.
If you want details on stored data, ask member support in the same email thread as your cancellation. A short line asking how long your billing and membership records will be retained can help if you later need documents for a DTI or bank complaint.
Dw Fitness First refund policy and when you can still fight a charge
What the refund policy says
The policy is strict. Membership fees are non-refundable, and the joining fee, administration fee, and pro-rata fees are also non-refundable and due immediately upon acceptance as a member (fitnessfirst.com).
There is also no refund for unused membership periods under the available policy wording. So if you stop going to the gym halfway through your paid month, that alone does not create a refund right.
Billing errors are the main exception
If the issue is not simple buyer's remorse but a billing error, contact [email protected] and explain the charge with date, amount, and payment method. The support guidance says customer service can assist with resolving billing errors, including adjustments or refunds where appropriate (fitnessfirst.com.ph).
Success is usually better when you attach proof from the start. Include your cancellation receipt or email confirmation, your bank or card statement line, and one sentence that clearly states why the charge was unauthorized or duplicated.
Your rights in the Philippines on cancellation and disputes
For gym memberships in the Philippines, the key law is the Consumer Act of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 7394, enforced by the DTI. The research data does not show a specific cooling-off period in Fitness First's own membership sources, so you should not assume a general gym-membership cooling-off right unless your contract or sales method gives one.
A 7 working day cooling-off rule is commonly discussed for door-to-door or direct sales situations, but that is not the same as a universal right for all gym sign-ups. Here is the practical takeaway: if you signed at a mall booth, event activation, or another direct-sales setup, raise that fact with the DTI when asking whether cancellation without penalty applies to your case.
How to request a refund or use chargeback as a last resort
Send the refund request by email first because it creates the cleanest paper trail. State the transaction date, amount, last four digits of the card or wallet reference, and attach your cancellation proof. Ask for a written decision, not just a callback.
If Fitness First still charges you after confirmed cancellation, you can dispute the charge with your bank, card issuer, or e-wallet provider such as GCash or Maya. Under BSP practice, cardholders typically have up to 60 days from the statement date to dispute a transaction. Save screenshots of the cancellation confirmation because your bank will often ask for them before opening a chargeback case.
Terms and subscription conditions that matter before you leave
Commitment length, renewal, and trial terms
The available public sources do not clearly publish one standard minimum commitment period for all Philippine memberships. That means the exact lock-in period may depend on the plan you signed, so your membership agreement is still the document that controls your specific account.
The terms data also does not clearly publish a universal auto-renewal clause, but ongoing billing clearly continues until processed cancellation. For trials, Fitness First offers a 1-day free trial for Philippine residents aged 18 and above, with advance appointment, one-time use within 30 days, and valid ID required (fitnessfirst.com).
Applicable law, disputes, and what the terms do not clarify
The published terms say Philippine law governs the contract. They also state that disputes are handled by Evolution Wellness Philippines Inc., which oversees website transactions including cancellations, refunds, and customer support (fitnessfirst.com).
What the terms do not clearly explain is data retention after cancellation. They also do not give a neat public chart showing all early termination conditions for Philippine plans, so getting your own contract copy and asking support for the exact final payable month is worth the extra five minutes.
Dw Fitness First plans and pricing in the Philippines
Published plan table
| Plan | Price (PHP) | Billing period | Main features |
| Lifestyle Membership | ₱2,995 | Monthly | Classes, assessment, gym access |
| Premier Membership | ₱3,295 | Monthly | Classes, priority booking, training discount |
| Annual Membership | ₱960 | Yearly | Guest passes, bigger training discount |
Which plan costs more and which gives better value
Based on the published figures cited in the 2020 pricing roundup, Premier Membership is the most expensive monthly option at ₱3,295, while Lifestyle is lower at ₱2,995 (themachomom.com). The Annual Membership figure of ₱960 yearly looks unusually low compared with the monthly plans, so treat it as historical or promotional data rather than a guaranteed current offer.
If your main goal is gym floor access and regular classes, Lifestyle may already cover what you use. If you rarely book premium time slots or buy private training, paying an extra ₱300 monthly for Premier can easily become wasted spend over a year.
Fees beyond the sticker price
The headline monthly fee is not the whole story. Fitness First also charges a joining fee, administration fee, and pro-rata fee at sign-up, and the policy says these are non-refundable once your membership is accepted.
That is why some members feel trapped when cancelling early. Even if your monthly plan looks manageable, upfront charges increase the real cost of trying the gym for only a short period.
Your cancellation rights in the Philippines for a gym membership
The laws you can actually mention in a complaint
For a Dw Fitness First dispute in the Philippines, cite the Consumer Act of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 7394, and direct your consumer complaint to the Department of Trade and Industry. This law covers deceptive or unfair sales practices and gives consumers a formal complaint route when a company continues billing or fails to honor clear cancellation proof.
If your issue involves unauthorized card charges, the BSP becomes relevant because banks and card issuers follow BSP rules for transaction disputes. In plain terms, DTI is for the merchant conduct, while BSP is useful when the money was still taken from your card or e-wallet after you had valid proof of cancellation.
Cooling-off and withdrawal in real-life gym situations
The research block points to a 7 working day cooling-off period mainly for door-to-door or direct sales. That does not automatically cover every gym membership signed in every setting, so do not assume Dw Fitness First must cancel without penalty unless your sign-up circumstances fit that type of sale.
If you joined after a hard sell in a booth, roadshow, or similar direct-sales setup, mention the sign-up location, date, and sales approach when contacting DTI. If you simply joined at the club front desk, your written membership contract will usually matter more than general cooling-off expectations.
How to file a complaint with DTI or escalate a charge issue
Start by emailing Fitness First and asking for a written resolution within a short period, such as 3 business days. Attach your cancellation proof, statement entry, membership details, and the exact amount disputed. If that goes nowhere, file a complaint with DTI and include the same evidence set.
For a charge dispute, contact your bank, credit card issuer, GCash, or Maya and ask to open a formal dispute or chargeback. You usually have about 60 days from the statement date under BSP-linked dispute practice, so do not sit on the problem while waiting weeks for endless email follow-ups.
- DTI website: file a consumer complaint online.
- BSP route: use your bank or e-wallet dispute channel.
- Evidence: cancellation receipt, emails, statement, ID.
- Merchant name: Evolution Wellness Philippines Inc.
What members say about the cancellation experience
Overall verdict and recurring problems
Overall rating from the available review set: 0 positive and 4 negative reviews out of 4. Based on that small but consistent sample, cancellation looks difficult rather than smooth. The recurring themes are continued billing after cancellation, refund refusal, and frustration with the notice period.
Local pain points line up with the research data: difficulty in canceling membership and limited customer support hours. To be fair, the gym itself may still offer good facilities and classes, but the cancellation side gets much harsher feedback than the workout side.
| Theme | Frequency | Typical example |
| Continued charges | 2 reviews | Charged after cancellation |
| Notice period dispute | 2 reviews | Paid extra 4 weeks |
| Refund refusal | 1 review | No refund granted |
| Unexpected fees | 1 review | Fees not agreed |
| Source | Rating | Main topic | Sentiment |
| TrustPilot | 3/5 | Ease of cancellation | Negative |
| TrustPilot | 1/5 | Unexpected charges | Negative |
| TrustPilot | 1/5 | Unexpected charges | Negative |
| TrustPilot | 1/5 | Refund experience | Negative |
Individual review examples
- "I was transferred to a smaller nearby gym. There is a 4 weeks cancellation cooling off period which meant I had to pay 4 weeks even though the original service was no longer provided." (TrustPilot)
- "I was charged fees I never agreed to. When I questioned them, I was told they were 'standard' and non-refundable, with no proof I had consented." (TrustPilot)
- "I canceled my membership on November 15, yet they continued to charge me 7 times, deducting a total of $419.71 (₱23,500) from my account." (TrustPilot)
- "They refused to refund the charge from December 13, claiming that their policy requires a 30-day cancellation period-even though I had already informed them well in advance!" (TrustPilot)
Documents to prepare before and after you cancel
What to collect before sending the request
Prepare your full name, membership number if available, home club, sign-up date, and last payment proof. A simple screenshot bundle saved in one folder can save a lot of time if support later asks for verification.
- Membership card or account photo
- Latest receipt or statement line
- Photo of signed contract if available
- Valid government ID
What to keep for refunds or disputes
If you are asking for a refund or disputing a charge, save the exact transaction date, amount, payment channel, and reference number. For credit cards and e-wallets, a screenshot of the posted transaction is usually enough for first-level support review.
After cancellation, keep the confirmation email or cancellation receipt permanently for at least several months. Many post-cancellation charge disputes fail because the member deleted the only proof showing the request date.
Common cancellation mistakes that cost members money
Sending a vague request or using the wrong channel
A short email saying “Please cancel my gym” is often not enough. If support cannot match your account, the notice period may not start when you think it did. Use your full name, home club, phone number, and membership details in the first message.
Another mistake is relying only on a phone call. Calls help for follow-up, but written proof is what protects you if a charge appears later.
Missing the calendar-month notice rule
This is probably the most expensive error. If you submit notice mid-month, many members assume they only owe 30 days from that exact date. The published rule is different because the notice is tied to the 1st day of the month.
Real example: if you wait until July 15, you may still be paying through the end of August depending on how the notice is applied. Sending the request earlier can reduce the risk of one extra billing cycle.
Expecting a refund for unused days
Many gym members stop attending and assume they can recover the unused portion of the month. Fitness First's policy says membership fees are non-refundable, and no refund is given for unused membership periods.
That means your stronger argument is not “I did not use it,” but “you billed me after confirmed cancellation” or “this fee was unauthorized.” Framing the dispute correctly makes a big difference.
Leaving without proof of receipt
If you cancel at the club and leave without a receipt, you are trusting the internal process blindly. In practice, you should leave with a signed or stamped acknowledgment, or at least an email sent in front of staff before walking out.
This mistake shows up again and again in subscription disputes. No proof of submission usually means the company records carry more weight than your memory of the date.
Quick comparison of Dw Fitness First cancellation methods
Side-by-side table
| Method | Notice period | Fee | Difficulty |
| In person at club | Before next billing cycle | Departure Fee may apply | Easy, instant proof possible |
| Email to Customer Service | 5-10 business days | Departure Fee may apply | Higher, best written proof |
| Postal letter to home club | Before next billing cycle | Departure Fee may apply | Medium, delivery proof needed |
Key takeaway from the available options
Each route has a trade-off. Club cancellation can be faster in practice, email gives the strongest written trail, and postal mail can help if you want delivery evidence. What matters most is not the channel itself but whether you can prove the exact submission date and final effective cancellation date.
Since there are no identified dark-pattern tricks in the research data, the main obstacle is process friction rather than deceptive interface design. The real headache is delay, incomplete proof, and misunderstanding the notice period.
What to do after cancelling so charges really stop
Immediate checks during the first 48 hours
Once you submit the request, save every reply and screenshot the sent email or receipt. Put a calendar reminder 3 business days later to follow up if no acknowledgment arrives, and another reminder near your expected final billing date.
Ask support one clean question in writing: “Please confirm my final access date and my final charge date.” Those two dates are what you will compare against your bank statement later.
Monitor your bank, card, GCash, or Maya records
Watch your statements for at least 2 billing cycles after the expected end date. If a new charge appears after written confirmation, contact the bank or wallet provider immediately and open a dispute. In the Philippines, cardholders usually have up to 60 days from the statement date to challenge a transaction under BSP-linked dispute practice.
If the merchant does not resolve it, you can also file a consumer complaint with DTI under RA 7394. Your strongest evidence set is simple: cancellation confirmation, statement screenshot, ID, and the exact timeline of what happened.
Alternatives if you still want a gym membership
If your main goal is easier access or a lower monthly cost, there are other gym chains in the Philippines worth comparing. Gold's Gym is typically around ₱2,500 to ₱5,000 per month, Anytime Fitness around ₱1,500 to ₱3,000 per month, and 24/7 Fitness around ₱1,200 to ₱2,500 per month based on the research data.
Price is not everything, of course. Before switching, ask one question you probably did not ask the last time: “What is your exact cancellation notice rule, and can I do it online?” That single question can save you a lot of hassle later.
Useful links
Where to send or hand in your cancellation
Physical cancellation route
The clearest physical route in the available sources is your home club. Fitness First's support guidance says members can visit their club, ask the Front of House Manager for a cancellation form, complete it, and submit it there (fitnessfirst.com.ph).
If you are cancelling in person, bring a valid ID and a copy or screenshot of your latest billing proof. Ask for a cancellation receipt before leaving the club.
Email contact and address limitations
A public full postal cancellation address for every Philippine club is not clearly listed in the verified source set provided here. Because of that, the most reliable written route from the available evidence is email to [email protected], combined with in-person submission at your home club if you want same-day acknowledgment.
You can also call member support at (02) 8511 9300 during the listed hours to confirm which club should receive your request. If the club tells you to wait for internal processing, ask them to note the submission date on your receipt so your notice period is clearly documented.