Welcome 2010 and my resolve to “do better”!
I want financial planning to enter not only my vocabulary but my actions. I want to be a better citizen to my community, a better mom to my adult daughter and a better daughter to my aging parents. Above all, I want to take better care of myself so I will be around to do my “to do” list! Around the corner in nearly every neighborhood is the one beacon of light that offers the help we need to become more fit and more energized so we can indeed “do better” – your local fitness center!
Whether locally owned like
Lynne Brick’s Brick Bodies or a national chain such as Gold’s Gym, health clubs offer the support, regimen, and tools to get in shape safely and successfully. With the increased demand and access to fitness services, it is no wonder health clubs rank #22 in complaints by industry throughout BBB system nationwide in 2009 and has experienced a 20% increase in volume of complaints since 2007. BBB | Greater Maryland shares the national statistics in that 60% of the complaints are issues related to billing and/or contracts. The bottom line: when signing up for a gym membership, contracts are binding agreements that often authorize recurring monthly charges and may offer a work out for your wallet rather than your waistline.
BBB offers these tips for considering membership at a fitness center:
1. Choose a health club close to your home or job, with certified staff and instructors and program/service offerings that meet your needs and interest. Compare clubs, visit more than one and at different times of the day – especially the time you plan on attending.
2. Check out the health club of choice to insure they are registered with Maryland’s Consumer Protection Division and view their BBB Reliability Report and rating by going to http://www.bbb.org/.
3. Do NOT succumb to high-pressure sales tactics and incentives that require immediate sign up. Some health club sales reps are driven by commission and pressured by management to sell, regardless of the cost. Make sure everything they offer is included in the contract and take the contract home and review overnight thinking of the following considerations:
· Cancellation policy – when and how is the club to be notified if you want to cancel and under what terms/conditions can you cancel. What if you become ill or physically unable to use club’s facilities? What if you move? What if the health club closes or goes out of business? How much notice is required to stop the recurring charges and must they be notified in writing?
· Membership details – how long is the membership term, is there an automatic renewal, and what is included in the monthly fee and what will cost extra such as specialized classes, fitness evaluations, personalized training, and service options such as use of a dietician, massage or physical therapist?
BBB's overall advice? Find the fitness club that meets your overall needs to achieve the goals you are seeking. Ask if they will honor month-to-month and give it three months to see if the membership becomes part of your regular routine and then go to an annual contract (which usually offers a cost savings). If possible, make monthly payments and pay with your credit card rather than debit card each month as it is easier to dispute charges if needed. Remember, Maryland law stipulates you have three business days to cancel a health club membership contract and receive full refund of any deposit or down payment made.
Here’s to a healthy and “better” new year! Talk soon - Angie
