How to cancel F45 Training in new zealand and protect your refund
What is F45 Training
F45 Training is a franchise network of high-intensity functional fitness studios across New Zealand offering instructor-led group classes centred on circuit and interval training. Understanding the structure of F45 and how it operates locally is essential before you attempt to cancel your membership.
Understanding the F45 franchise model in new zealand
Each F45 studio in New Zealand is independently owned and operated by a local franchisee. This means there is no single national cancellation desk, unified refund policy or centralised membership management system. Your local studio holds your membership contract, manages your payments, processes your cancellation and handles any refunds. Pricing, notice periods and terms can differ significantly between F45 locations in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and smaller regional centres.
Because cancellations are handled locally, contacting F45 via the app, the global website or the App Store will not cancel your membership. You must contact your individual studio directly in writing. Attempting to cancel through digital channels alone creates a documented gap that may leave you liable for ongoing fees.
How the franchise model affects your cancellation rights
The franchise structure creates both advantages and challenges for members wanting to leave. On one hand, your local studio may offer flexible arrangements or negotiate with you directly if you have legitimate grounds for early termination. On the other hand, there is no corporate safety net if a studio closes, mishandles your refund or ignores your cancellation request. This is why documentation and following your studio's terms precisely matter enormously when you cancel.
Members who keep detailed records and follow written notice procedures recover refunds far more reliably than those who cancel verbally or via the app alone. Yafee recommends that you obtain a copy of your membership agreement before you initiate any cancellation process.
Your consumer rights under new zealand law
Your right to cancel F45 Training is grounded in the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986, which protect you against unfair contract terms and require businesses to trade fairly.
Consumer guarantees act 1993 protections
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 grants you the right to cancel services under certain circumstances. If F45 Training has failed to provide the service as described-for example, if the studio has closed unexpectedly, equipment is consistently unavailable or classes are cancelled without notice-you may have grounds for a refund regardless of the notice period in your contract. This protection applies even if your membership agreement states otherwise.
Furthermore, if you signed your contract at the studio premises as a walk-in, you have a statutory cooling-off period of 5 working days to cancel for any reason without penalty. You must notify the studio in writing within this period. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers rely on this provision when they changed their minds immediately after sign-up.
Fair trading act 1986 and unfair contract terms
The Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct and unfair contract terms. If your F45 studio imposed a cancellation fee that is unconscionable-for instance, charging the full remainder of your contract when you became unable to train due to injury-you can challenge this term with the Commerce Commission or through the District Court.
A cancellation fee must be a genuine pre-estimate of the studio's loss, not a penalty. If the fee appears grossly disproportionate to the actual harm the studio would suffer, the term may be unenforceable. Yafee advises you to compare the fee to the studio's actual replacement cost-typically the time it takes to fill your slot, not the entire contract value.
Your legal position
You have the right to cancel F45 Training provided you follow the notice period in your contract or you have valid grounds such as service failure or Consumer Guarantees Act breach. The studio cannot charge you a fee that exceeds its genuine pre-estimated loss. If the studio refuses to process your cancellation or disputes your refund, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission or pursue a claim in the District Court for up to NZD 350,000 in consumer disputes.
Pricing and membership terms
F45 Training offers a range of membership options, though pricing and contract length vary between individual studios across New Zealand.
| Membership type |
Typical contract length |
Typical notice period |
Typical fee (NZD) |
| Casual (pay-per-class) |
None |
None required |
NZD 25-35 per class |
| Monthly unlimited |
1 month rolling |
7-14 days |
NZD 149-199 |
| 12-month contract |
12 months |
28-30 days |
NZD 110-160 per month |
| 6-month contract |
6 months |
14-21 days |
NZD 125-175 per month |
| Class pack (10-20 classes) |
6-12 months |
14 days |
NZD 200-350 |
| Premium (personal coaching add-on) |
Varies |
28 days |
NZD 50-100 per month additional |
Your exact terms depend on the studio location and when you signed up. Yafee recommends checking your original membership agreement or contacting your studio directly to confirm your notice period before you submit cancellation paperwork.
When to cancel F45 Training
Cancelling F45 Training makes sense in several circumstances, depending on your personal circumstances and financial goals.
Reasons you should cancel
You should cancel if you no longer use the service, if the cost no longer fits your budget or if the studio has changed its schedule in a way that no longer suits you. Cancelling allows you to redirect funds to other priorities and remove the risk of automatic renewal charges. If you are training less than once per week, the cost per class typically exceeds what you would pay for casual drop-in rates at other studios.
Additionally, if the studio is consistently failing to deliver classes, equipment is broken or instructors are frequently absent, you have grounds to cancel under the Consumer Guarantees Act. Cancelling in these circumstances protects you from paying for a service that is not being provided as promised.
Reasons you might keep your membership
You should keep your membership if you are training regularly (more than 3 times per week), if you have committed to a fitness goal and need accountability through studio classes, or if you are still within a contract period where the early cancellation fee is substantial. If your local studio is offering a temporary discount or has just reopened with new equipment, continuing may offer better value than cancelling and rejoining later at full price.
Furthermore, if you signed a 12-month contract but have only completed 3 months, the remaining balance plus any early exit fee may exceed what you would pay by continuing for the full term. Yafee recommends calculating the total cost of cancellation before you submit your notice.
How to cancel F45 Training step by step
Cancelling F45 Training requires you to follow a specific written procedure to ensure your cancellation is processed and your refund is protected.
Step 1: obtain your membership agreement and contact details
Request a copy of your membership agreement from your local F45 studio if you do not have one. Your agreement will specify the notice period you must give (typically 14 to 28 days), the cancellation process and any fees that apply. Ask the studio reception team for the name and email address of the studio manager or membership administrator. Record these details in writing.
Step 2: calculate your notice period and cancellation effective date
If your agreement requires 28 days' notice, and today is 1 March, your effective cancellation date would be 29 March. Count from the date the studio receives your cancellation notice, not the date you send it. If you submit notice by email, your notice period begins the next business day the studio reads and acknowledges receipt. Request written confirmation of receipt from the studio to establish proof of submission.
Step 3: submit your written cancellation notice
Send your cancellation notice by email to the studio manager, with a copy to the reception email if available. Include the following information in your notice:
- Your full name and membership number
- Your contact phone number and email address
- The date you intend your cancellation to take effect (respecting the notice period)
- A statement: "I hereby cancel my F45 Training membership effective [date], in accordance with the membership agreement dated [date]"
- Your request for written confirmation of cancellation and any refund due
Do not mention personal grievances or complaints in this notice-keep it formal and factual. Yafee advises sending your notice as a separate document titled "Membership Cancellation Notice" rather than within the body of an email, as this creates a clear paper trail.
Step 4: obtain written confirmation of cancellation
The studio must provide you with written confirmation within 5 business days that your cancellation has been processed. This confirmation should state the effective cancellation date and confirm whether a refund is due. If the studio fails to send confirmation, send a follow-up email stating: "I submitted my cancellation notice on [date]. Please confirm receipt and provide a cancellation confirmation letter within 5 business days."
Step 5: verify no further charges appear
Check your bank or credit card statements for 2 billing cycles after your cancellation effective date to ensure no further charges from F45 Training appear. If a charge appears, contact the studio immediately and request a refund. If the studio does not refund within 14 days, contact your bank to reverse the charge as an unauthorised transaction.
Understanding your refund eligibility
Your refund depends on whether you are cancelling mid-contract or at the end of a rolling membership period.
Refunds for rolling memberships (monthly)
If you are on a rolling monthly membership, you are entitled to a full refund of any pre-paid fees if you provide notice before your next billing date. For example, if you pay monthly on the 1st and you cancel on the 15th with 14 days' notice, your cancellation is effective 29 March, and you are refunded your April payment. The studio retains payment for the month in which you cancelled (March) as you used the facility.
Refunds for fixed-term contracts
If you are on a 6-month or 12-month contract and cancel early, the studio is legally entitled to charge an early exit fee. This fee must be a genuine pre-estimate of loss, not a penalty. The studio cannot charge you the full remaining balance unless it can prove that this represents its actual loss (the cost of marketing to replace you, the discount of your unused membership, and administrative costs).
In practice, if you have 6 months remaining on your contract at NZD 150 per month, the studio cannot charge you NZD 900. A reasonable fee would be NZD 200-300 to cover replacement costs. Yafee recommends challenging any fee that exceeds 3 months' fees.
Refunds for unused class packs
If you purchased a 10-class pack and have used only 3 classes, you are entitled to a refund for the 7 unused classes. The studio must refund the pro-rata amount within 30 days of your cancellation. If the membership agreement states "non-refundable," this term is likely unfair under the Fair Trading Act and can be challenged.
Common mistakes to avoid
Cancelling F45 Training feels straightforward, but several common errors can delay your refund or leave you liable for additional fees. Take care to follow these guidelines carefully.
Not submitting written notice
Telling a staff member verbally that you want to cancel creates no legal record. The studio may claim they did not receive your notice, and you will continue to be charged. Always submit your cancellation notice in writing by email, with a read receipt or follow-up confirmation. This establishes proof of submission and the date from which your notice period begins.
Not including your membership number
The studio may struggle to locate your account if you do not provide your membership number or full name. This delay can push your notice period back by days, extending your cancellation date and incurring additional charges. Always confirm your membership details are correct in your notice.
Cancelling through the app instead of in writing
F45 apps do not reliably process cancellations. Many studios do not monitor app messages regularly, and any in-app cancellation request is not legally binding. The studio can claim the notice was not received and continue charging you. Always cancel by email or hand-delivered letter to the studio, never through the app alone.
Missing the notice period deadline
If your notice period is 28 days and you submit notice on the 20th of the month, your cancellation is not effective until the 17th of the following month. If you intend to stop using the studio immediately, you may still be liable for charges during the notice period. Check your agreement for the exact deadline before you submit notice.
Not tracking refund processing
The studio must process your refund within 30 days of your cancellation effective date. If no refund appears after 35 days, follow up in writing. Do not assume the studio will process it automatically-hold the studio accountable with a second written request stating the expected refund amount and deadline for processing.
After your cancellation is confirmed
Once your cancellation has been processed and confirmed, take steps to finalise the process and protect yourself against future charges.
Keep all cancellation documentation
Retain copies of your cancellation notice, the studio's confirmation email and your bank statements showing the final charge and the absence of future charges. Store these documents for at least 2 years. If a dispute arises later, this documentation is your proof that you cancelled correctly and on time.
Monitor your accounts for 3 months
Continue to check your bank and credit card statements for 3 months after your cancellation effective date to ensure no unexpected charges appear. Some studios use payment processors that may attempt to charge again if the cancellation was not properly communicated to the payment system. If a charge appears, contact your bank immediately to dispute it as an unauthorised transaction.
Notify your payment method provider if necessary
If you are concerned the studio may attempt to recharge you, you can notify your bank or credit card provider to block future payments from F45 Training. Provide your bank with the cancellation confirmation and request a block on merchant charges from the studio location code. This is a precautionary step but is recommended if the studio has shown resistance to honouring cancellations in the past.
Escalation if the studio refuses to cancel
If the studio does not respond to your cancellation notice or disputes your refund, you have formal escalation options under New Zealand consumer law.
Formal complaint to the commerce commission
If the studio refuses to cancel your membership or process your refund after you have given written notice, lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz). The Commerce Commission investigates unfair trading practices and can compel the studio to process your cancellation or refund. Provide the Commission with copies of your cancellation notice, the studio's response (or lack thereof) and your membership agreement.
Dispute resolution through the district court
You can file a claim in your local District Court for recovery of the refund amount. If your refund is less than NZD 350,000, you can pursue the claim in the Consumer Court jurisdiction of the District Court, which is a faster and less formal process. Yafee recommends obtaining free advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau (cab.org.nz) before you file.
Chargebacks through your bank
If the studio continues to charge you after your cancellation effective date, contact your bank and request a chargeback (reversal) of unauthorised transactions. Provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence that you cancelled and are not liable for future charges. Your bank can reverse charges up to 3 months after they appear on your account.
Because F45 operates as a franchise, you must contact your specific local studio to process your cancellation. There is no central New Zealand cancellation address.
How to locate your studio contact details
Visit the F45 website and use the studio locator to find your local studio address, phone number and email. If contact details are not listed online, call the studio directly during business hours and ask for the studio manager's email address. Confirm you have the correct studio address before you submit your cancellation notice.
Typical studio locations across new zealand
F45 operates studios in major centres including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, Dunedin and Palmerston North, as well as smaller regional towns. Each studio maintains its own cancellation process. If you are relocating overseas or interstate, you can cite relocation as grounds for early cancellation without penalty under the Consumer Guarantees Act if you provide proof of your move (visa, employment letter or lease agreement in your new location).
Comparison with other fitness providers
F45 Training is not the only high-intensity functional fitness option available in New Zealand. Understanding how F45 cancellation terms compare with competitors can help you decide whether to stay or explore alternatives.
| Provider |
Contract length |
Typical notice period |
Early exit fee |
Refund policy |
| F45 Training |
1-12 months |
14-28 days |
Varies by studio |
Negotiable, pro-rata for packs |
| CrossFit box (independent) |
1 month rolling |
7 days |
None for rolling |
Full refund if unused |
| Les Mills (studio chains) |
1-12 months |
14 days |
Up to 8 weeks remaining |
No refund mid-contract |
| Boutique fitness (yoga, pilates) |
Month-to-month |
7 days |
None |
Full refund unused classes |
| Commercial gyms (Jetts, Fit) |
1-24 months |
30 days |
Up to 6 months remaining |
Rare, negotiate directly |
| Online fitness (app-based) |
1 month rolling |
7 days |
None |
Full refund unused credits |
F45 Training's notice period (14-28 days) is in line with most commercial gym chains. However, many online fitness services offer more flexible cancellation with no early exit fee. If flexible cancellation is a priority, compare F45 against 1-month rolling memberships at boutique studios or online platforms before you commit to a longer contract.
Final checklist before you cancel
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed all steps correctly and protected yourself before you submit your cancellation notice.
- Obtained a copy of your membership agreement and confirmed the notice period (typically 14-28 days)
- Located your studio's exact cancellation contact email and manager name
- Calculated your effective cancellation date (today plus notice period)
- Drafted your cancellation notice including membership number and effective date
- Sent your notice by email with a read receipt or requested confirmation
- Recorded the date you submitted your notice
- Followed up within 5 business days if no confirmation was received
- Confirmed the studio's written cancellation confirmation letter
- Verified no charges appear in your next 2 billing cycles
- Stored all documentation (notice, confirmation, bank statements) for 2 years
Why you should use yafee to cancel F45 Training
Cancelling a gym membership involves navigating franchise terms, consumer law protections and payment systems-and one missed step can delay your refund by weeks. Yafee is a contract cancellation platform that has helped thousands of consumers cancel F45 Training and other fitness memberships correctly, on time and without losing money.
Yafee handles the entire cancellation process for you: we verify your contract terms, calculate your notice period, draft your cancellation notice on your behalf and submit it to your studio with proof of delivery. If the studio disputes your refund or ignores your cancellation, Yafee escalates the complaint to the Commerce Commission and manages the dispute resolution process for you.
Using Yafee removes the stress and uncertainty from cancelling F45 Training. We charge a fixed, transparent fee, and we guarantee that your cancellation is processed or we refund you. Visit yafee.com today to start your F45 Training cancellation and reclaim your time and money.