New York, NY —- New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against a popular Queens gym for allegedly deceiving customers and violating state consumer protection laws. The suit targets Atlas Risen Corp., doing business as Aneva Gym, located in Long Island City, accusing it of denying customers their legal rights to cancel memberships and failing to provide proper written contracts.
“When New Yorkers join a gym, they deserve clear contracts that allow them to cancel their memberships quickly and easily,” said Attorney General James in a statement. “No one should have to struggle to get out of an expensive subscription.”
Deceptive Practices Alleged
The lawsuit alleges Aneva Gym flouted New York’s Health Club Services Law, which mandates specific consumer protections for gym memberships. According to an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Aneva:
- Failed to provide customers with written membership contracts, as required by law.
- Enforced illegal cancellation policies, including requiring in-person cancellations in writing — even though state law allows cancellation via email, phone, mail, website, or in person.
- Demanded 30-day advance cancellation notice, violating consumer protections that allow cancellation within three business days of renewal.
- Did not post the legally required $50,000 bond with the New York Department of State — a safeguard for consumers if the gym shuts down or fails to provide services.
Attorney General James’ lawsuit seeks to void all illegal membership agreements, secure restitution for affected consumers, recover profits made through unlawful practices, and impose financial penalties on the business.
Pattern of Enforcement
This action continues Attorney General James’ aggressive stance against predatory subscription practices and consumer deception:
- In May 2025, she secured $600,000 from Equinox for hindering membership cancellations.
- In December 2024, she recovered $4.8 million from SmileDirectClub for charging customers after ceasing operations.
- In 2023, she sued SiriusXM for trapping subscribers with burdensome cancellation processes — a case that ended with the court siding against the company.
The Aneva Gym lawsuit is the latest effort by the Attorney General’s office to ensure that New Yorkers aren’t exploited by businesses that make joining easy — and canceling nearly impossible.
Help for Affected Consumers
Attorney General James encourages anyone who has faced difficulties canceling a membership with Aneva Gym or experienced similar issues to file a complaint online or contact the OAG Consumer Hotline at (800) 771-7755.
