Gym Membership Sign-up Tips and Considerations

Happy New Year! Many consumers set a ‘resolution’ to improve their health and wellness, and joining a gym is a common way to start that journey. There are a few considerations consumers should make when choosing whether to start a membership, and which gym to become a member of.

Many facilities offer New Year discounts, but these may not last the entire year. Before signing or paying anything, consumers should read ‘the fine print’ to learn what terms and conditions apply to the membership and to the New Year discount.

Know what the facility does with its members’ personal information. Some gyms make extra money by selling or trading members’ contact information. This can lead to an increase in unwanted ads being sent by email, text, phone call, or postal mail. Find details on how a gym treats members’ personal information in the contract or terms and conditions.

Ask to try out a facility before committing to membership. Many gyms offer visitor passes or short-term memberships (like for one day or one week) at a reduced cost. Trying a gym out can help consumers decide if it suits their needs during the hours they intend to use the facility.

Before signing up, understand how to cancel. Plans can change – and some gyms have notoriously difficult membership cancelation policies. Before becoming a member or signing a contract for a trial membership, consumers should know the process for ending or canceling their membership.

Remember Wisconsin’s three-day cancellation right. In Wisconsin, fitness centers that require a contract for membership must honor their right to cancel the contract within three days of signing.

Check if the facility has proof of financial responsibility. If they charge more than $100 from consumers before providing fitness center services, the facility must provide proof of financial responsibility to DATCP. Consumers can check before signing up by contacting the Consumer Protection Hotline.