Sports shoes on and off to the treadmill: Many people are planning to do that again this year. What points do you have to pay attention to if you want to sign a contract in the gym?
Getting more exercise is a popular New Year's resolution. Many fitness studios know this and want to attract new customers with special discounts at the beginning of the year. But if you want to register, you should take a closer look at some aspects of the contract and not rush to commit yourself to a studio, advises the North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice center.
First of all, it makes sense to look at the regular contributions per month in addition to the discounts. Depending on the studio, these are between 10 and more than 100 euros. Customers are also well advised to first arrange a free trial session, to check the opening times and availability of the studio and to read the small print before signing a contract - preferably not on site, but at home, according to the recommendation.
The consumer advice center warns against sometimes inadmissible price increases by fitness studios during an ongoing contract. Many providers are currently increasing their prices - sometimes also in current contracts. "Such a subsequent price increase is not easily possible. Contracts are to be kept as they were agreed," said the consumer advocates.
If a contribution is adjusted, the conditions for this must be clearly stated in the General Terms and Conditions (GTC) - otherwise the price change is not valid. If there is no valid price adjustment clause and if you do not agree to a price increase during the contract period, the consumer advice center says the original price will remain.
It is important to write down the notice periods in general and to end your membership in good time. If that doesn't happen, the contract is often automatically extended.
Since July 2022, many contracts can be terminated via a button on the website of the respective provider. Otherwise, this also works by e-mail or post.
