Health Club Contracts

Buyers’ remorse is setting in. January is the month many of you decide to join health clubs as part of your New Year’s resolution to get in shape. And about now, many of you are wondering what you’ve gotten into.

I'm Shirley Rooker for the Federal Trade Commission.

For example, we heard from a jogger who discovered he could only spend 30 minutes on the treadmill, not the 45 minutes he usually jogged. Others found long lines at the times they wanted to use the facilities. Unfortunately, these consumers signed contracts that are difficult, if not impossible, to cancel.

Don’t let it happen to you. Try to avoid long term commitments until you have had a chance to use the club for several months and feel comfortable it will meet your needs. Even then, large up-front payments are risky because you don’t know if the club will continue in business or if you will want to have a long-term membership.

While some clubs won’t talk about monthly memberships, some will. Others may require to commit for one year, but with no large up-front payment. Shop around and ask questions.

I'm Shirley Rooker, director of WTOP radio's Call For Action for the Federal Trade Commission.

January 2002