Ministry News
January 15, 2010
Fitness Memberships – Know Your Rights
McGuinty Government Protecting Consumers
NEWS
It’s a new year – and many people resolve to get fit and healthy by joining a fitness club.
Before signing up for a fitness membership, the province is reminding people of their rights under the Consumer Protection Act. Consumers have the following rights, and can use these tips, when signing up for a gym membership.
A 10-day cooling-off period – consumers can use this time to check the club, make sure the location, equipment and programs are right for them and ultimately change their mind after signing a contract.
The option to pay monthly – this option ensures consumers won’t lose more than a month’s payment if the club goes bankrupt.
If you cancel a fitness club membership, do so in writing – by delivering the letter in person or via registered mail, you will have confirmation the club received the notice of cancellation. Consumers should also keep a copy of their letter and registered mail receipt.
Read the fine print! Consumers should read their fitness agreement carefully and ask questions before they sign.
Fitness clubs are consistently listed as one of the top consumer complaints of the Ministry of Consumer Services.
QUOTES
“A lot of people want to get in shape or stay healthy with a regular exercise program. Joining a fitness club is a great way to do that – but make sure you know your rights before you join one.”
-Ted McMeekin, Minister of Consumer Services
QUICK FACTS
- Canada’s fitness industry is worth about $1.6 billion a year.
- In 2005, about 4.3 million Canadians had a fitness club membership.
- Complaints to the Ministry of Consumer Services about fitness clubs dropped by 16 per cent in 2009.
LEARN MORE
- Read the fine print and know your rights before you join a fitness club.
- Watch a video with tips on gym memberships.
- Read more about the Ministry of Consumer Services.
For more information:
Douglas Tindal, Minister’s Office, douglas.tindal@ontario.ca
Sue Carroll, Communications, 416-326-7408
ontario.ca/consumerservices-news
Fact Sheet
Consumer Protection for Fitness Club Memberships
Are you planning to sign up for a fitness club membership?
Keep this checklist handy:
1. Check the club first!
- Are the location and hours of operation convenient for you?
- Is the equipment new and in good condition?
- Are you interested in the programs the club offers?
- Is the club clean?
- Have you heard good things about the club? Do your research.
- Talk with other club members to learn of their experiences.
2. You have 10 days to cancel under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act.
- If you change your mind after signing a fitness membership, you have 10 days to cancel.
- It’s best to cancel in writing and hand-deliver your letter or send it registered mail – so you can be sure the club has received it.
3. Pay monthly.
- Choose to pay monthly. Monthly plans are convenient and affordable.
- If the club goes bankrupt, you won’t lose more than a month’s payment.
- Do not sign up for more than a one-year membership. Lifetime fitness club memberships are illegal.
4. Read the fine print and ask questions
- Do you have to have a fitness test when you join?
- Is there an extra cost for the test?
Fitness club memberships – know your stuff before you sign.
At the Ministry of Consumer Services, we’re here to help. For more information on your consumer rights or how to file a complaint, visit our website at www.ontario.ca/consumerservices. Or call (416) 326-8800, toll-free at 1-800-889-9768 or via e-mail at consumer@ontario.ca.
