Last year, Canada had more than 6,200 operating fitness clubs,and in 2010, more than 5.3 million Canadians had a fitness club membership.Is shopping for a fitness membership on your resolution list? Ontario's Minister of Consumer Services,Margarett Best,offers some tips that can help you in your search.
'Joining a fitness club is a great way for Ontario families to get fit,' stated Margarett Best,Minister of Consumer Services,adding 'but we all want to be smart consumers, and know our rights when shopping for a gym.'
Be Smart About Getting Fit
The New Year is here and the Ontario government wants to help you make smart choices, and protect yourself when joining a gym or fitness club.
Many Ontarians choose to join a gym or fitness club at this time of year, here is a simple checklist to help you make smart choices and protect yourself:
Gym Shopping Checklist
- Do your research. Make sure the gym's equipment is new or in good condition, the location and hours of operation are convenient, and the club is clean.
- Consumers have a 10-day cooling off period after signing a gym membership contract to reconsider their decision.
- Do not sign up for more than a one-year membership. Lifetime fitness club memberships are illegal in Ontario,this may differ in other provinces.
- Choose to pay monthly. A gym must offer the option of paying fees in monthly instalments. That way, members will not lose more than a month's payment if the club shuts down.
- Read the fine print. Review the membership agreement carefully and ask questions before signing. For example, is a fitness test required to join? Is there an extra cost for the test?
- If cancelling a gym membership, do it in writing. Hand-deliver the cancellation letter or send it via registered mail to be certain the club has received it.
Get more tips on joining a gym from the Ontario Government at
Be smart about getting fit.
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