Consumer Affairs Victoria has urged anyone signing up for a gym membership to read the fine print carefully, with more than 500 complaints received regarding fitness memberships in the last financial year.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Marlene Kairouz said one of the complaints lodged with consumer affairs involved a customer who signed up for a 12-month gym membership, only to be diagnosed with an illness that severely limited their ability to exercise.
“Under the contract terms, the customer was required to pay out the full-length of his membership,” Ms Kairouz said.
“If you decide to sign up to a gym in the new year, make sure you understand the terms and conditions and don’t be afraid to exercise your rights, as well as your body,” she said.
Ms Kairouz said people should make sure they understand the costs involved before making a commitment.
She encouraged consumers to keep the following tips in mind before committing to a gym membership: understand the circumstances in which you are able to cancel; find out how much the membership costs, including any cancellation fees; and make sure the gym is able to meet your needs and lifestyle.
“Fitness centres should take care not to include any contract terms that would cause unnecessary harm to a consumer, financial or otherwise.”
“Consumer Affairs Victoria has worked with health and fitness centres to remove or modify contract terms that may be deemed unfair, including terms that result in the automatic renewal of a membership,” Ms Kairouz said.
