Each year, thousands of consumers across B.C. follow through with their New Year’s resolution to get fit by joining a fitness or health club.

Most people who join health clubs are pleased with their choices, but others are not. They have problems with high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentations of facilities and services, broken cancellation and refund clauses and lost membership fees as a result of spas or clubs going out of business.

If you are considering joining a health club, the following guidelines can help you select the club that's best for you.

Shop around. Ask friends, coworkers, and your doctor for recommendations. Call several clubs to find ones that match your interests and budget. Check with the Better Business Bureau for Business Reviews on the clubs you are considering www.mbc.bbb.org (Vancouver) or vi.bbb.org (Vancouver Island)

Take your time. Give yourself time to make your final decision, and don’t cave in to high-pressure sales. A hasty commitment to take advantage of a limited time offer may cost you more in the long run. Ask about free trials, and see if you can sample the services and equipment before you buy.

Read the contract carefully. Get any verbal promises in writing. Determine if you can afford the payments and total cost. Make sure you’re satisfied with the cooling off period and cancellation rights. What happens if you move, lose your job, become sick, or the club relocates or closes? In the event of the latter, you may be able to use your membership card at another facility (if the club belongs to a chain or association allowing you to use another gym’s membership, for example). However, keep in mind your original purchasing decision was not based on a fitness club you’ve never been to at an inconvenient location.

Find out if the club is suitable for you. Make sure the hours and location are convenient, and you’re satisfied that the staff is qualified and helpful. Find out what sort of programs and fitness classes are offered to match your lifestyle, and if those programs are included in your membership fees or cost extra.

Know yourself and plan a routine. Assess how often you’re going to use the club and compare the costs of long- and short-term memberships with drop-in visits.

BBB suggests paying by credit card in case the club suddenly closes, but don’t part with any funds before signing a contract. Finally, never sign up with a club that hasn’t yet opened.

B.C. protects consumers in continuing service contracts

According to B.C. Law, you have 10 days to cancel your contract. If you decide to cancel, make sure to cancel the way the contract requires you to which is usually in person, by registered mail, or by fax.

You can’t be locked into a membership that is longer than two years although it may roll over month to month automatically so make sure you know when your agreement ends.

You have the ability to cancel under very specific circumstances such as for medical reasons or if you move more than 30 km away from the facility and are not offered services in the area you have moved to. Learn more about the law or file a complaint about a company at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

JANUARY 2012 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND
JANUARY 2012 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER AND LOWER MAINLAND