U.S. Department
of Justice
U.S. v. Fitness International, dba LA Fitness
On October 8, 2024, the United States filed a lawsuit against Fitness International, also known as LA Fitness, for violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The lawsuit alleges that LA Fitness gym and fitness clubs have barriers that prevent LA Fitness members with disabilities from accessing the clubs or using the clubs' pools and fitness equipment. The lawsuit also alleges that LA Fitness has charged extra fees to people with disabilities.
On January 6, 2025, the United States filed its Opposition Brief in response to Defendant LA Fitness' Motion to Dismiss. The United States' brief argues that contrary to LA Fitness’ assertions, the United States has more than met its burden of establishing a pattern or practice of discrimination under Title III at the pleading stage, as the United States’ Complaint provides numerous examples of accessibility barriers that patrons with disabilities encounter at LA Fitness clubs. These allegations support a reasonable inference that LA Fitness' failures to comply with Title III are not sporadic, but instead, are LA Fitness’ pattern or practice.