Considering a Gym Membership in 2020? Don't Get Ripped Off
Monday, January 6th, 2020 -- 7:44 AM
(WRN) -New Year's resolutions often include losing weight and getting in shape, but be sure you're not about to get ripped off at the gym.If your New Year's resolution includes getting in shape, you might be considering a gym membership. State consumer protection director Lara Sutherlin says as with all contracts, make sure you read the fine print.
"Certainly make sure you understand the terms of the agreement when you get into a one or two year contract, what the cancellation fees are, and whether you can get out."
Sutherlin says there's specific rules that gyms have to follow when they sell memberships.
"And the membership cannot be sold for more than two years. So if anyone's trying to get you to sign up for more than two years, that's illegal, they're not allowed to do that."
Sutherlin says the best thing to do is to get yourself a free trial and see how you like the place.
"You don't obviously want to sign up for a membership and then not be able to do the kind of workout you were looking forward to doing."
In Wisconsin, memberships can't be longer than a two year contract, and the gym has to give you three days to back out if you don't like the deal.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.