A few things to know before joining the gym

The fitness industry is regulated in Australia, and gyms must offer you a 48-hour cooling-off period after you’ve signed the contract or started. This comes in handy when you’re still feeling out the gym. After all, don’t buy a car without test driving it, right?  If something comes up, remember you can change your mind about your membership within 48 hours. If you must cancel the agreement, you should be able to notify the gym in writing within the 48-hour period. 

Everything should be transparent. The contract must outline the total fees and charges for the length of your membership. 

• Your right to end the agreement if you suffer a permanent sickness or injury.
• Any other reasons you can end the agreement before it expires, for example an out clause, in case you move, lose your job, etc. Often you can get out of a contract if you move a certain number of miles from the club without a fee, but usually, any other item requires an “early termination fee” to get out of your contract.
• Can you freeze your contract if you go out of town or are on vacation?
• Can you transfer your membership to another fitness centre or person?
• What happens if the club goes out of business?
• Does the membership renew automatically?
• What’s the process to end the agreement?
• The opening date (if you sign up before they open for business)

Questions you might want to ask:

• How much is the first time joining fee?
• How much is the regular membership? (as opposed to memberships rolled out during promo season)
• How much is the entry fee per visit?
• How much are the fees for other services or gym programs?

When your gym offers you free or discounted fitness services in your membership. Of course, take it! Just don’t forget to run through the fine print.

Questions you might want to ask:

• How much does the service usually cost?
• Have they increased/ decreased their usual fee before the offer?

For more information on joining a gym, including theNational Fitness Industry Code of Practice, or to make a complaint, visitwww.qld.gov.au/fairtrading.

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Sources:Queensland Government: Joining a gym or fitness provider http://provider.news/fitness6