Wallingford, CT – January 26, 2012 – Losing weight is one of the most common - yet difficult New Year’s resolutions to begin. Connecticut Better Business Bureau offers ten questions to ask if you intend to join a gym and follow through on a promise to yourself to adopt a healthier lifestyle in 2012.
It’s important to treat this decision like any other major purchase. Last year BBB received more than 6,600 complaints against gyms, ranging from billing and collection issues to overall contract issues.
Joining a health club can be a major purchase, so first check out
http://www.ct.bbb.org/Find-Business-Reviews to see how your local club rates. BBB also recommends asking the gym and yourself the following questions before signing up for a membership:
What are the terms of any introductory offers? Gyms often use special introductory offers to lure in new members. Just make sure you understand the terms and what the price will be once the introductory period is over.
Will my membership renew automatically? Many times people who joined a gym didn’t realize that their contract would renew automatically and that they would have to take specific steps to cancel their contract.
How can I get out of my contract? Getting out of a gym contract isn’t always as easy as getting into one, so make sure you understand what steps you would need to take to cancel your membership and how much it would cost.
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 they have other locations nearby.
What happens if you go out of business? Ask the gym to explain what will happen to your money if they suddenly close their doors.
Five questions to ask yourself when looking at potential gyms/health clubs:
What are my fitness goals? Determining your fitness goals in advance will help you select a facility that is most appropriate for you. If you have a serious health condition, consult with a medical professional to establish your priorities and level of intensity.
Is this location convenient? If the gym is across town, you’ll be less likely to work out. Choose a fitness club that is close to work or home so the location is not a deterrent to getting exercise.
Can I really 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. Do the math before you join and make sure you can afford the membership.
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 enough time to read the contract thoroughly, tour the facilities and make an informed decision.
Did I get everything in writing? Read the contract carefully and make sure that all verbal promises made by the salesperson are in writing. What matters is the document you sign, so don’t just take a salesperson’s word for it.
For more advice from BBB on how to be a savvy consumer all year long, visit
http://www.ct.bbb.org.
Founded in 1928, Connecticut BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB helps consumers find and recommend businesses, brands and charities they can trust, offers objective advice and a wide range of education on topics affecting marketplace trust.
BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses. Today, 116 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org/.
