Careful When Signing Up for Gyms

Losing weight is probably the most common New Year’s resolution, so Michigan’s Attorney General is urging consumers to use caution when signing up for health club and fitness center memberships. Attorney General Bill Schuette says his office’s Consumer Protection Division received 61 complaints from Michigan consumers against health clubs and fitness centers last year, with the majority of complaints involving discrepancies between what consumers say they were told by sales personnel and what the signed contract actually guaranteed. In particular, he says, consumers reported the written cancellation procedure frequently differed from what they were told by the salesperson. Consumers also complained about high-pressure sales tactics and feeling rushed to sign contracts. Schuette says you should always read any contract carefully and to make sure you understand the cancellation and refund policies before signing. He also urges consumers to shop around, shop smart and be informed. Schuette says to make sure the only weight you lose is not from your wallet.