Thinking About Joining a Gym - Think About These Questions, First!

Each year the BBBs receive more than 6,600 complaints from consumers regarding Health Clubs (2011 statistics for the United States).  In Utah, more than 334 consumers filed complaints.

The majority of complaints allege that salespersons verbally promised things that were not in the contract, such as promising that contracts could be canceled at any time, memberships will transfer to another person or to other clubs if you move, and that the consumer was only signing up for a trial offer – when in reality they were signing a multi-year contract. Fortunately, the Utah BBB was able to assist 94% (85% nationally) of the consumers to receive a satisfactory resolution to these complaints.

Here are some questions you should consider as you are reviewing a contract, prior to signing. If you feel that you are being pressured to sign, walk away. 

Gym Basics:

• What are the gym’s hours? Do they fit with your schedule?
• Is the location conducive to using the gym after you join?
• Do they have the equipment that meets your needs?
• Are the bathrooms, showers and equipment clean?
• Is the staff caring and helpful?
• Do they have a trainer to help you?  Is that an additional fee?
• What are your fitness goals?  Are they long-term enough to sign a contract?
• What is the clientele like? Will it be an enjoyable experience for you to work out in the same facility with them?
• How busy is the gym? Are you going to have to wait to use the equipment?  Visit at a time you would be working out.
• What happens if the gym goes out of business?  What gyms are affiliated and would accept your membership? Or, would your contract be canceled?

Contract Basics:

• How many months/years is the contract?  Make sure that the time specified by the salesperson is what is written in the contract.
• What are the monthly dues? 
• If you cancel before your contract is up, what is the cancelation fee? 
• If you move, can you transfer your membership?  If you move to an area where there isn’t a gym, will you receive a refund? If so, how far away from an affiliated gym do you have to be in order to receive one? Obtain a written copy of what you will need to do if you move and what you will need to supply to either start going to another gym or cancel the contract.
• Does the gym have a reciprocal agreement with other gyms throughout the country? If you travel a great deal, you will want this.
• Will they let you do a trial membership for a few days or a week before you sign the contract? Many gyms will give you a free trial. Some will even let you pay month-to-month at first to determine if the gym is right for you. Make sure anything you sign specifies the time limit.
• What if you become sick or injured? Will the gym freeze the membership?
• How long can you freeze the membership?  How many times can you freeze the membership?
• Does your membership renew automatically?  If so, will they automatically debit your bank account? Read your contract specifically for this information.
• Is there a cancelation period?  Many gyms do not allow you to cancel once you have signed the contract. If the salesperson specifies a time, make sure that is in writing.