Health Clubs
Nearly 33 million people are members of some 17,000 health clubs in the U.S.
today, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. And,
although many consumers who join health clubs are pleased with their choices, others are
not. They've complained about high-pressure sales
tactics, misrepresentations of facilities and services, broken cancellation and refund
clauses, and lost membership fees as a result of clubs going out of business.
To avoid these kinds of problems, it's best to look closely at the club's fees,
contractual requirements and facilities before you join. Here are some suggestions to help
you make the right choice.
Inspect the Club
Visit the club during the hours you would normally use it to see if it's overcrowded.
Notice whether the facilities are clean and well-maintained, and note the condition of the
equipment. Ask about:
Trial periods. Is there sometime when you can sample the services and
equipment for free?
Number of members. Many clubs set no membership limits. While the club may
not be crowded when you visit, it may be packed during peak hours or after a membership
drive.
Hours of operation. Some clubs restrict men's use to certain days and
women's to others. Some may limit lower-cost memberships to certain hours.
Instructors and trainers. Some clubs hire trainers and instructors who
have special qualifications. If you're looking for professionals to help you, ask about
staff qualifications and longevity.
Review the Contracts
Some clubs ask you to join - and pay - the first time you visit and offer incentives
like special rates to entice you to sign on the spot. Resist. Wait a few days before
deciding. Take the contract home and read it carefully. Before you sign, ask yourself:
Is everything that the salesperson promised written in the contract? If
a problem arises after you join, the contract probably will govern the dispute. And if
something is not written in the contract, it's going to be difficult to prove your case.
Is there a "cooling-off" period? Some clubs give customers
several days to reconsider after they've signed the contract.
Could you get a refund for the unused portion of your membership if you
had to cancel, say, because of a move or an injury? What if you simply stopped using the
club? Will the club refund your money? Knowing the club's cancellation policies is especially
important if you choose a long-term membership.
Can you join for a short time only? It may be to your advantage to join
on a trial basis, say, for a few months, even if it costs a little more each month. If
you're not enjoying the membership or using it as much as you had planned, you won't be
committed to years of payments.
Can you afford the payments? Consider the finance charges and annual
percentage rates when you calculate the total cost of your membership. Break down the cost
to weekly and even daily figures to get a better idea of what it really will cost to use
the facility.
Research the Club's History
Finally, before you join a health club, contact your local consumer protection office,
state Attorney General or Better Business Bureau to find out whether they have received
any complaints about the business, or whether there are state laws regulating health club
memberships. If problems arise after you join, these offices also may be able to help you
resolve
your complaints.
