Attorney General Patrick Morrisey Offers Tips to Consumers Planning to Kick Off Their New Years Resolution by Joining a Gym CHARLESTON — Attorney General Patrick Morrisey reminded consumers who have resolved to lose weight or get in better shape in the new year to carefully research any gym or fitness center before joining. “One of the most common New Years resolutions is to lose weight and get fit, and often consumers will join a gym to help kick-start that process, Attorney General Morrisey said. “While improving personal health is always a good goal, sometimes consumers get into situations they cannot afford while being locked into a long-term contract.” Morrisey said consumers can follow these tips to help them choose a fitness center that will help them keep their resolution: •Make sure the monthly fees fit within your budget. •Research the facility, including visiting it, before signing a contract. Make sure that it offers activities and equipment that will fit your needs. •Ask your friends and family for recommendations. •Read the entire contract before signing. Make sure that you understand all of the fees associated with being a member, including but not limited to, enrollment fees, monthly fees, and potential late charges. •Understand the terms of the membership. Does it automatically renew at the end? Is the contract month-to-month or a longer term contract? What are the cancellation fees should you move away or wish to terminate the contract? •Check with the Consumer Protection Division and the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been complaints against any fitness centers operating in your area. West Virginia Code also provides certain protections for consumers who join health spas, including a three-day right to cancel any contract and the right to cancel a membership if the consumer becomes disabled. “Every year, people share success stories about losing weight, getting fit and feeling better. Sometimes joining a gym or fitness center helps people meet the goals they have set for themselves,” Morrisey said. “Consumers should just be mindful of the agreements and contracts they enter and always read the fine print.” If you have questions or concerns about joining a fitness center or want to find out if a particular gym has had any complaints, please contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Office at 1-800-368-8808. To read the release, go to bit.ly/1CTyLw5
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 16:22:15 +0000
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