New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection
As we begin a
New Year, many of us will be setting new goals and resolutions. One of the most
popular resolutions is to get fit and healthy, and to achieve this, many people
will be joining a gym or renewing their gym membership. The New York State
Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) shares practical
tips to help guide New Yorkers on what they need to know before signing up or a
renewing a health club or gym membership.
“For many New
Yorkers, the new year may include a resolution to be healthier and in better
physical shape,” said
Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “Our Division of
Consumer Protection is alerting the public so they are aware that gym fees can
become a burden to those consumers who are looking for their services but may
not be aware of many hidden non-refundable registration charges that can lead to
expending hundreds of dollars in fees for initiation, maintenance, and/or
cancellation.”
KNOW
WHAT TO LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR A GYM MEMBERSHIP:
Carefully
review the contract before signing it:
Read the fine
print and be aware of any hidden fees that may come with it. While the
advertised monthly fee may seem reasonable, gyms often include additional fees
for things like initiation, cancellation, and maintenance. These fees can
quickly add up and leave you with a much higher bill than you expected.
Be
aware of add-ons:
When
signing up for a gym membership, it's important to understand the fees and
policies that come with it. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Initiation or registration fees are typically non-refundable,
so be sure the location and schedule are convenient to you.
- Look out for annual maintenance charges. Make sure to read
the contract carefully and understand the terms regarding this annual
surcharge.
- Locker rentals are often not free, so ask ahead to plan where
you're going to keep your belongings. Some gyms require you to purchase
your own padlock or locker assignment.
- Termination fees are important to consider in case you need
to cancel your membership. Make sure you understand the gym's policies
regarding termination to avoid any unexpected charges.
- Premium classes and personal training sessions may come with
additional charges. While the first training session may be offered for
free, subsequent sessions will likely come at a cost. Be sure to ask about
the hourly rate, understand the costs involved and inquire if/when prepaid
training sessions expire.
- Be sure to check the equipment requirements before attending
a class to avoid any unexpected charges. Classroom extras such as yoga
mats, steps, and stretch bands may require a rental fee if you don't have
your own equipment.
To learn more,
check out these tips from the New York State Attorney General.
KNOW
YOUR RIGHTS WHEN CANCELLING OR RENEWING A GYM MEMBERSHIP:
New York State
law requires businesses with automatic renewal programs to disclose the terms
of auto-renewal offers clearly and conspicuously, cancellation policies, and
minimum purchase obligations. These terms must be stated when consumers are
enrolling or signing up, close to the time of purchase.
A business
that allows auto-renewal must also provide simple user-friendly cancellation
options for consumers to make it easier to unsubscribe or cancel memberships.
They must provide a toll-free telephone number, email address or other
cost-effective, timely, and easy-to-use option for consumers to cancel after
agreeing to a contract. Consumers who purchase these services online must be
allowed to terminate the agreement online.
Additionally,
businesses must provide consumers with an acknowledgement that outlines the
terms of any auto-renewal offer and, if the original offer includes a
"free" trial offer or gift, information on how the consumer can
cancel the service before they pay for goods or services.
READ MORE: Make these 10 doctor-recommended health resolutions in the new year
CONSIDER
OTHER MONEY SAVINGS IDEAS TO REACH YOUR WELLNESS GOALS:
- Engage
in outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, skating, skiing, or
biking.
- Take
advantage of community recreation center classes, which may be low cost or
free.
- Contact
your nearby state park to
learn more about their fitness programs and workshops. The Empire State Trail
is a new initiative from the state of New York to promote outdoor
recreation and healthy lifestyle choices. With a focus on community
vitality and tourism-related economic development, this trail is a hit
with locals and visitors alike.
- Some
health insurance plans will cover gym memberships costs, access to fitness
activities at no extra cost, or provide reimbursement.
If
it is believed a company is not following the law when offering recurring
services or free gifts, consumers should file a complaint with the Division of
Consumer Protection at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.
Follow
the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check
in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York
consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly
to your email or phone here.
The
New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation
between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at
reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline
1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding
State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The
Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.
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