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4 things to know before you buy a gym membership

CALGARY – If you’re thinking of joining a gym, there are a few things you might want to consider before you sign up for a membership.

See if a trial period is available

If you can’t test out the gym of your choice during a trial period, it might not be a good fit.

“Find [a gym] who will let you do a month for the start and make sure it’s the right place, the right fit, the right trainers – all those things – before you get locked in,” says personal trainer at Heavens Fitness Peder Lodoen.
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Review the cancellation policy

Once you make a decision, make sure you ask about the gym’s cancellation policy.

Some gyms stipulate that you need to cancel in writing by registered letter, or opt out by a specific date.

In addition, ask if you can get a full or partial refund if you cancel before the end of the contract.

READ MORE: What is Calgary’s BEST fitness class?

Ask about automatic membership renewals

Be aware some gyms do have automatic renewals that kick in if you don’t cancel your membership.

“You’re thinking you’ve had enough of this, and then a year goes by and then that money is taken out of your account for that membership… and you’re thinking ‘why was that? I didn’t want to continue that service’…. but you didn’t take the steps to cancel it,” explains Leah Brownridge with the Better Business Bureau.

See what happens if you move

Make sure you ask what happens if you move to a different community that is closer to one of your gym’s other locations – will they let you switch?

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What if you move out of the city? Will you have to cancel your membership, or does it transfer with you?

CLICK HERE to see more tips from the Alberta government

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