Joining a gym? What to know before signing on the dotted line

If getting fit is one of your New Year’s resolutions and joining a gym is part of your plan, there are some things to consider before shelling out the average $58 per month fee.

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection recommends that before committing to a health club, you should shop around.

Compare facilities and prices at several health clubs. Always get copies of any contracts and be sure to read them carefully. Make sure that you understand the contract's terms and what's included in your membership before you sign it, including any special exercise classes.

The bureau also advises against giving in to high-pressure sales tactics. Have a clear idea of what you can afford and stick to your budget no matter what incentives are offered. Don't be afraid to bargain.

Ask yourself if the facilities are adequate for your needs. Make sure to look for programs and equipment that suit your workout plan. Ask to tour the club or request a complimentary visit.  Visit during the hours when you are most likely to exercise, so you can get an idea of how busy the club will be and what equipment will be available when you want to use it. Ask current members about their experience with the club during your visit and take note of the cleanliness of the facility.

Make sure the health club has at least one person who is trained in CPR and is on the premises during business hours.

Ohio consumers have protections when joining a gym.

In Ohio, gym memberships are generally considered "prepaid entertainment contracts," similar to contracts for dance or karate lessons or dating websites, according to the Ohio Consumer’s Counsel.  These types of contracts provide consumers with certain rights such as the ability to cancel the agreements under certain circumstances.

 Before signing a gym membership, consumers should be sure any benefits or features promised by the gym are included in a written contract. Only promises in writing are guaranteed. They also should read all the terms and conditions of membership before signing, including any fine print.

 Additionally, Ohio gymgoers should be aware of the following guidelines for canceling a prepaid entertainment contract:

• Consumers have three business days (excluding Sundays) to reconsider the purchase and cancel the agreement. The gym must provide customers with a copy of the written contract containing a "notice of cancellation."
• If a consumer cancels within the first three business days after signing a prepaid entertainment contract, the gym must refund any money paid but may charge an expense fee no greater than $10.
• To cancel a gym membership, consumers should notify the gym by postal mail or in person. They should return the "notice of cancellation" provided with the written contract, or otherwise put the cancellation request in writing in the manner specified in the contract.
• If a consumer enters into a gym membership before the facility opens for business, the consumer has seven days to cancel from the first day the gym is open to customers.
• If a customer in Ohio moves 25 miles or more away from the gym, or if the gym relocates at least 25 miles away from a customer, the customer has the right to a refund based on the time remaining on the membership, unless there is a similar facility located within 25 miles of the area of relocation.
• Fitness centers that fail to give proper notice to consumers may violate Ohio's consumer protection laws.

 If you suspect an unfair business practice, report it to the Ohio Attorney General's Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.

What are my rights as a consumer when I join a health club in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's Health Club Act establishes protections for consumers and sets forth responsibilities that each club must follow. For example:

Health clubs offering contracts of three months or more must register with the Attorney General's Office. These clubs cannot sell a membership until their registration is complete. Make sure to ask if the club is registered.

Clubs selling memberships for more than one year or that require you to pay more than one month in advance must obtain a bond or letter of credit to be filed with the Office of the Attorney General. This protects you in the event the club closes before your membership ends. Clubs may sell memberships of 12 months or less without a bond or letter of credit provided they collect payments in equal monthly installments. Ask if the club is required to have a bond or letter of credit.

When can I cancel my health club contract in Pennsylvania?

• You can cancel your health club contract within three business days of signing the contract and at any time for the following reasons:
• If the club closes for more than 30 days and there is no alternate facility within ten miles.
• If you move 25 additional miles from the health club and a comparable club is not available within five miles of your new home.
• If you sustain an injury, verified by a doctor, that prevents you from using a third or more of a facility's equipment for six months or more.