EDMONTON – Those looking to get in shape in the New Year are being warned to be careful about signing a long-term gym membership.
Service Alberta says it receives a spike in complaints at the start of each year from consumers who weren’t aware of all the membership details and are frustrated they can’t cancel the deal and get their money back.
READ MORE: 5 tips for setting New Year’s fitness goals rather than resolutions
The province released a list of tips on Monday to help Albertans avoid spending money on contracts that may not be a good fit:
- Make sure you understand what is being offered and what a salesperson tells you about a product or service. Get answers to all your questions before you sign.
- Ensure the verbal statements made by staff match the policies on the contract. Ask that all the terms and conditions you agreed to are written into the sales agreement.
- Read the fine print – especially cancellation policies. You may need to cancel in writing by registered letter and/or by a specific date. Ask if you can get a full or partial refund if you cancel before the end of the contract.
- Watch for automatic renewals. Some fitness clubs will automatically enrol you for another year of membership if you do not explicitly cancel your membership.
The Fitness Industry Council of Canada says a month-to-month membership is a better fit for some people as opposed to an annual membership even though it’s more expensive.
“Each club is different, so it is important to try out the club before you commit to either buying a new membership or extending an existing contract,” says Trisha Sarker with the council.
READ MORE: Politicians set fitness resolutions for selves, citizens
Before signing a gym membership, the council also recommends finding out if the location and hours are convenient for you, whether the gym has the equipment you want, and whether the gym has additional programs that interest you.