WALLINGFORD, Conn. — Now that a new year has begun many are diving into those new year’s resolutions like working out more or losing weight. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection(DCP) wants to give consumers tips before they sign a membership contract at fitness clubs.
“This is the time of year when health club memberships spike as people set New Year’s Resolutions following the season of holiday indulgence,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “We’d never discourage someone from making a healthy change in their life, but we do urge consumers to do their research, understand their rights and what should be included in a health club contract, and consider what is realistic for their budget and their schedule prior to making an expensive commitment.”
State law requires gyms and fitness centers to have AED or automated external defibrillators on site. If consumers are unable to locate an AED they are asked to file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
CT DCP received over 40 complaints about gyms and fitness clubs in 2023, mostly related to the building so this year the department offers the following advice:
Do some research. Look for reviews online and ask current customers about their experiences.
- Schedule a visit. Stop in at the health club you’re considering so you can see what equipment and conditions they have. Many health clubs offer free tours, and even free or discounted day passes for prospective members. Consumers should avoid signing an online contract without seeing a location first.
- Review the contract or agreement. It’s important to know how much you’re paying when your bill comes, and what the cancellation policy is. Connecticut law requires health clubs to have contracts in writing.
- Health club contracts can be offered for as long as two years, but not longer. Any club offering contracts longer than one year must also offer a one-year contract.
- Health club contracts cannot auto-renew. The only exception is after one month. For example, if you sign up for a one-month trial period this month, your contract may auto-renew for the rest of the year at the end of that period. If the monthly price changes after the first month, that change must be disclosed upfront, in writing.
- You have a three-day right to cancel. If you sign up for a health club contract, you have the right to inform the health club in writing that you do not wish to continue your contract within the first three days of your agreement.
- State law also includes a right to cancel if you become injured or disabled, or if you move more than 25 miles from your health club. Consumers can review the statute for more information and the complete notice that should be included in their contract.
There is a Health Club Guaranty Fund. If you have paid for a contract, and your health club closes, you can apply to the guaranty fund through DCP, and if it is approved, get reimbursed. More information and the application form for the health club guaranty fund can be found here.
Consumers with questions or complaints may contact the Department of Consumer Protection’s complaint center by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov, or by visiting ct.gov/dcp/complaint.
Jake Garcia is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at jgarcia@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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Jonah Karp is the sports director at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jkarp@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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