It's among the most common New Year's resolutions but joining a gym is also the one that's broken the most.
Studies show seven in ten people who join a gym in January will quit by May, but many find breaking their contract can require heavier lifting than the weight room.
The Better Business Bureau says gyms are among the most complained about industries, with an average of 6,000 complaints each year. It says the key is asking just as many questions about the contract as the perks.
Several popular gyms and health clubs list their contract requirements on their websites:
- Mountainside Fitness makes you buy out your contract.
- Orange Theory has a 30-day cancellation form.
- EOS Fitness Requests you give a 30 days notice.
- Lifetime Fitness requires 30 days in writing. Year-long memberships will automatically renew month-to-month.
The BBB suggests before signing up with a gym you ask about penalties if you cancel for any reason and be clear on the cancellation process.
It also advises you get a copy of the policy in writing and only pay by check or credit card -- do not give your bank account number in case of dispute.
