WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission is suing the operators of LA Fitness and other gym chains, alleging they make it unreasonably difficult for customers to cancel memberships and add-on services.

The complaint, filed Tuesday in federal court in California, accuses Fitness International LLC and Fitness & Sports Clubs LLC of violating federal law by requiring consumers to jump through unnecessary hurdles to end their membership. Challenges included requiring in-person visits during limited hours or sending cancellation forms by certified mail.

“The FTC’s complaint describes a scenario that too many Americans have experienced — a gym membership that seems impossible to cancel,” Christopher Mufarrige, director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, said.

The agency said tens of thou

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