MONTGOMERY COUNTY -- Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. is cautioning residents that before they sign a contract, often binding them to that gym for years, please keep the following in mind:
⢠Avoid gyms that resort to high-pressure tactics to get you to sign a lengthy membership agreement to join. A common theme is a gym that offers a deal for âtoday onlyâ and will force the consumer to sign a membership agreement on the spot.
⢠Check the Better Business Bureau to see if other customers have had complaints about a specific gym. Usually these complaints concern the contract that members must sign, but these complaints may also give you an idea of the management style or stability of the gym.
⢠Many gyms offer a limited time of free or discounted membership before you sign a membership agreement. Take advantage of this opportunity to see how the gym is run and what current members think about the gym.
⢠Get recommendations from friends and family members in the area about a particular gym. Although a particular gym may be closer to your home or office, it may not be the best one for you.
⢠Some gyms offer child care for their members. If this is something that would benefit you, check into the facility and the qualifications of those who will be watching your kids while you use the gymâs facilities.
Above all, be comfortable with the gym that you choose. Although some gyms offer a month-to-month membership, most require a one- to two-year commitment. Make sure that before you sign any membership agreement you understand the terms and conditions of the contract.
For more information, contact Kimberly Oliver, Supervising Attorney, Adult Protection Unit, or Ward Barrentine, Supervising Attorney, Fraud and Economic Crimes Unit at 937-225-5757.
⢠Avoid gyms that resort to high-pressure tactics to get you to sign a lengthy membership agreement to join. A common theme is a gym that offers a deal for âtoday onlyâ and will force the consumer to sign a membership agreement on the spot.
⢠Check the Better Business Bureau to see if other customers have had complaints about a specific gym. Usually these complaints concern the contract that members must sign, but these complaints may also give you an idea of the management style or stability of the gym.
⢠Many gyms offer a limited time of free or discounted membership before you sign a membership agreement. Take advantage of this opportunity to see how the gym is run and what current members think about the gym.
⢠Get recommendations from friends and family members in the area about a particular gym. Although a particular gym may be closer to your home or office, it may not be the best one for you.
⢠Some gyms offer child care for their members. If this is something that would benefit you, check into the facility and the qualifications of those who will be watching your kids while you use the gymâs facilities.
Above all, be comfortable with the gym that you choose. Although some gyms offer a month-to-month membership, most require a one- to two-year commitment. Make sure that before you sign any membership agreement you understand the terms and conditions of the contract.
For more information, contact Kimberly Oliver, Supervising Attorney, Adult Protection Unit, or Ward Barrentine, Supervising Attorney, Fraud and Economic Crimes Unit at 937-225-5757.
