Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions after the gluttony of the holiday season. And problems with gym memberships are among top reasons consumers nationwide call the Better Business Bureau.
In 2009, the BBB received 7,787 complaints – a 21 percent increase from 2008 – about gyms and health clubs, putting the industry in the top 20 for most complained-about businesses.
“Regardless of how eager you are to start losing weight in the new year, take the time to do your research before joining a gym and don’t give in to high-pressure sales pitches,” said Pam King, president/CEO of the BBB serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming. “Always check the health club out with your BBB, inspect the facilities closely and read the contract carefully, making sure that all promises are in print.”
The BBB recommends asking the gym and yourself the following 10 questions before signing up for a membership:
Questions to ask yourself:
1. What are my fitness goals?
Determining your fitness goals in advance will help you select a facility that is appropriate for you. If you have a serious health condition, consult with a medical professional when setting your fitness goals.
2. Is this location convenient?
Choose a fitness club that is convenient to work or home so the location is not a deterrent to getting exercise.
3. Can I afford this every month?
Monthly gym fees add up and, after any introductory periods are over, the price could jump higher than your budget can handle.
4. Am I feeling pressured to join?
Do not give in to high-pressure sales tactics to join right away. A reputable gym will give you time to read the contract thoroughly, tour the facilities and make an informed decision.
5. Did I get everything in writing?
Read the contract carefully and make sure that all verbal promises are in writing. What matters is the document you sign; don’t just take a salesperson’s word for it.
Questions to ask the gym:
1. What are the terms of introductory offers?
Make sure you understand the terms and what the price will be once the introductory period is over.
2. Will my membership renew automatically?
Every year, the BBB receives complaints from people who joined a gym and didn’t realize their contract would renew automatically and that they would have to take specific steps to cancel it.
3. How can I get out of my contract?
Getting out of a gym contract isn’t always as easy as getting into one. Make sure you understand the steps needed to cancel your membership
4. What happens if I move?
Gyms have any number of different policies when it comes to how moving will affect your membership. It might depend on how far away you’re moving and if other locations are nearby.
5. What happens if you go out of business?
The BBB often receives complaints from people after their gym suddenly closes. Ask the gym to explain what happens to your money if they go out of business.
Don’t go a day without your BBB. Follow us on
Twitter,
Facebook,
LinkedIn, and
Flickr. For more consumer information or to check out the
BBBlog, visit
wynco.bbb.org or call 970-484-1348 or 800-564-0371.
About the BBB
The Better Business Bureau, founded in 1912, is a champion for ethics and trust in the marketplace. Only businesses that meet the high BBB standards are invited to become BBB Accredited Businesses. Today, 123 BBBs across the United States and Canada rate more than 4 million local and national businesses and charities with scores ranging from A+ to F. Only a BBB Accredited Business may elect to participate in BBBOnLine, one of the most trusted and recognized Internet seal programs in the world.
The BBB serving northern Colorado and Wyoming topped 1.1 million instances of service to consumers and businesses in the last 12 months. These services include reliability reports on local companies and charities, access to companies that can be trusted by industry, help with dispute resolution, and trustworthy information on consumer and business topics.
Luanne Kadlub, BBB media relations manager, 970-488-2044 lkadlub@wynco.bbb.org