If your plans for 2010 include a commitment to improve your health and fitness, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. has a few suggestions to help ensure that your positive new venture doesn’t bring you undue financial or physical stress.
“Remember that there will always be tradeoffs when choosing the health club that’s right for you – you’ll need to weigh travel time versus amenities, and cost versus convenience,” Farrell said. “Take the time to visit several clubs and think carefully about your preferences, lifestyle and needs before signing on the dotted line.”
The Department of Consumer Protection licenses all Connecticut health clubs, defined as “businesses offering facilities for physical fitness or well-being in return for a fee of more than 30 days payment in advance, or where customers sign up for more than 30 days at a time.” This includes health spas, sports and health clubs, tennis clubs, figure salons, self-defense schools, golf and tennis clubs, racquetball courts and platform tennis clubs.
“Over the past several years, we have seen a number of clubs close their doors,” Farrell said. “Therefore, I want to encourage consumers to know their legal rights before entering into a health club membership contract. You have the right to cancel within three business days of signing a membership contract with a health club, if you change your mind. You also have a right to cancel the contract and receive a prorated refund if the club moves or closes down, if you become disabled, or if you move more than 25 miles away from the facility.”
The Department also offers the following useful tips for choosing a health club:
• Visit the club during the time of day you would normally use it. What is traffic and parking like at this hour? How crowded is the equipment, locker room, or fitness class that you intend to take? Will you be able to complete your workout in a period of time that works for you?
• Is the club clean and well-maintained? Check the condition of the equipment. Are showers in good working order? Is the temperature comfortable in the locker rooms and in the exercise areas?
• Are club employees available and helpful to the members?
• Ask about trial periods. Is there a time when you can sample the services and equipment for free?
• Learn the club’s hours of operation. Is baby-sitting available if you need it?
“Because health clubs vary in terms of contract terms, services, and costs, you really need to find the facility that offers the mix of amenities and terms that best works for you,” Farrell said. “You may want to sign up for the shortest possible club membership until you get a better feel for the facility and your actual use of it.
Farrell also pointed out that, where a club does close its doors and consumers cannot get reimbursement from the club, there is a Health Club Guaranty Fund, which the department administers, which consumers may be able to access.
Consumers with questions or concerns about health clubs can contact the department at 1-800-842-2649.
