By Erin Levine
It’s no secret that one of the top New Year’s resolutions is
to get healthy. Every year we make
promises to ourselves to eat better and exercise more often. There are a
variety of tactics to achieving these goals, but whether you are trying to lose
weight or just get in better shape, joining a gym is an obvious way to improve
your health.
The gym is a great tool for making these resolutions a
reality, but it is can also be a large financial commitment. Choosing a gym
should be treated like any other big purchase. Aside from checking out the gym's BBB Business Review, here are some additional tips to keep in
mind before signing any contracts.
Be clear on all
terms. Many gyms use special introductory offers to boost new memberships.
You can get a great deal this way, but make sure you understand the terms of
the deal and what you will be charged once the period is over. You also want to
be clear on how to end your contract, as it is almost always easier to join a
gym than it is to cancel membership. This also includes whether or not
membership renewal is automatic, and what the gym’s policy is on using
facilities at multiple locations.
Make sure it makes
sense. The location of your chosen gym should be a convenient one, and the
hours of operation should be conducive to your schedule. You should also double
check that you can afford the monthly fees, which can add up quickly. It is
easy to fall victim to high pressure sales tactics, so think it over
thoroughly.
Get EVERYTHING in
writing. Salespeople will promise you the world to get you to join their
gym. Make sure all verbal promises are written in the contract. As with any
purchase, make sure you have copies of everything you sign. If something comes
up after you sign, it will be much more difficult for you to dispute your case
if you do not have the paperwork.
Taking steps towards achieving your health goals is an
excellent New Year’s resolution. Use these tips to help you make the best
choices along the way.
For more information on choosing a gym, or to check out BBB
Accredited gyms, visit sandiego.bbb.org.
