Choosing the wrong health club could cost you
It's that time of year again -- when a lot of people think about joining a gym. That's why clubs are running so many special offers right now. Remember to do your homework to find a health club that's right for you. Otherwise, you could pay way too much or get stuck going to a place you really don't like.
The Better Business Bureau says health club complaints nationwide are up 90% in the last five years. Two of the biggest headaches are contract disputes and billing problems.
“A lot of times people are confused by their contracts or there's miscommunication between the consumer and the gym,” says Marcella Kallmann with the Better Business Bureau of Western Washington.
Most billing problems, she tells me, occur when people sign up for a year-long contract and the club automatically renews the contract without the consumer's knowledge.
Angela Ellars had a billing problem with Gold's Gym in North Seattle. For a year, she tried to get a refund for the $1,300 she paid for sessions with a personal trainer -- a trainer who left the gym.
“It's just frustrating because they took my money and they didn't provide the services,” she told me.
The Gold’s Gym in North Seattle now has a new owner. On Monday, I contacted him about Angela's situation, and within hours he arranged for her to get a refund.
CONSUMER REPORTS CUSTOMER SATSFACTION SURVEY
For its February issue, Consumer Reports surveyed more than 10,000 subscribers who had used a gym in the last six months.
Small, independent gyms, such as Y's and Jewish Community Centers came out on top. Consumer report says in most cases, the main draw is value. But these independent clubs also rate significantly higher than the big chains for staff, equipment, and cleanliness.
The big national chains, such as 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, and Bally Total Fitness rated much lower than these small independent gyms.
Bally was at the bottom of the pile, scoring worse than average in every category except workout options. In a statement, Bally told me it has invested $30 million dollars in upgrades and equipment since the Consumer Reports Survey. It promises to deliver on its new ad slogan -- "A new better Bally."
CHOOSING A HEALTH CLUB
* Consider the location: If the club is not conveniently located, odds are you'll stop going after awhile or go less than you otherwise would.
* Check the membership choices: Most clubs have various packages that differ in price and services. See which one fits your needs and budget the best.
* Check payment options: You'll probably save money with a year-long contract, but a month-to-month plan gives you the option to leave without owing anything. Think about which makes the most sense for you.
* Ask for a free trial: Most clubs will let you do that. Go when you normally would be there. See how crowded it is. Check the equipment. Talk to members and see how they like the place.
More Information:
Joining a gym? Don't get ripped off
Joining a gym? Complaints to BBB reveal how to get fit while avoiding the pitfalls
Which to join and what to look out for
The Better Business Bureau says health club complaints nationwide are up 90% in the last five years. Two of the biggest headaches are contract disputes and billing problems.
“A lot of times people are confused by their contracts or there's miscommunication between the consumer and the gym,” says Marcella Kallmann with the Better Business Bureau of Western Washington.
Most billing problems, she tells me, occur when people sign up for a year-long contract and the club automatically renews the contract without the consumer's knowledge.
Angela Ellars had a billing problem with Gold's Gym in North Seattle. For a year, she tried to get a refund for the $1,300 she paid for sessions with a personal trainer -- a trainer who left the gym.
“It's just frustrating because they took my money and they didn't provide the services,” she told me.
The Gold’s Gym in North Seattle now has a new owner. On Monday, I contacted him about Angela's situation, and within hours he arranged for her to get a refund.
CONSUMER REPORTS CUSTOMER SATSFACTION SURVEY
For its February issue, Consumer Reports surveyed more than 10,000 subscribers who had used a gym in the last six months.
Small, independent gyms, such as Y's and Jewish Community Centers came out on top. Consumer report says in most cases, the main draw is value. But these independent clubs also rate significantly higher than the big chains for staff, equipment, and cleanliness.
The big national chains, such as 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, and Bally Total Fitness rated much lower than these small independent gyms.
Bally was at the bottom of the pile, scoring worse than average in every category except workout options. In a statement, Bally told me it has invested $30 million dollars in upgrades and equipment since the Consumer Reports Survey. It promises to deliver on its new ad slogan -- "A new better Bally."
CHOOSING A HEALTH CLUB
* Consider the location: If the club is not conveniently located, odds are you'll stop going after awhile or go less than you otherwise would.
* Check the membership choices: Most clubs have various packages that differ in price and services. See which one fits your needs and budget the best.
* Check payment options: You'll probably save money with a year-long contract, but a month-to-month plan gives you the option to leave without owing anything. Think about which makes the most sense for you.
* Ask for a free trial: Most clubs will let you do that. Go when you normally would be there. See how crowded it is. Check the equipment. Talk to members and see how they like the place.
More Information:
Joining a gym? Don't get ripped off
Joining a gym? Complaints to BBB reveal how to get fit while avoiding the pitfalls
Which to join and what to look out for