Fitness and gyms
Before signing up for that gym membership, make sure you understand what you are signing up for and what rights you have if you want to cancel your membership.
What to look out for before signing onto a gym membership
Before you sign up to a gym membership, consider the following:
Make sure you are getting the best deal
Do not be pressured into signing up on the spot. Visit a few gyms to work out which:
- is the best value for money
- has the best facilities
- has good service
- is conveniently located to you.
Consider trying a casual membership for a month or a few visits to see if the gym is right for you.
Check if the gym asks for payment by direct debit
Lots of gyms ask for payment by direct debit. Just because your membership expires does not mean the direct debits stop. You often need to provide the gym with 30 days written notice to stop direct debit deductions. Always check the contract before you sign. To ensure payments do not continue to be deducted talk to your financial institution.
Be aware of special offers and promotions
Special offers and promotions may not be as good as they seem, make sure you:
- read the terms and conditions so you know what you’re getting into before you sign up
- check the fees listed on the contract are the same as the price that has been quoted to you
- check if there are any administration fees because these fees are non-refundable even if you cancel the contract during the cooling-off period.
Gym memberships are binding agreements
Remember, a membership means you have a binding agreement, and you may have difficulty cancelling early, so, read the terms and conditions in your contract before you sign. There may be fees associated with cancelling your membership early, so ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities before signing the contract.
Learn more about contracts.
See if there is a cooling-off period
A cooling-off period allows you to cancel the membership in writing within a limited time period. If applicable, it will be outlined in the contracts term and conditions.
Cancelling your gym membership
If you need to cancel your membership, check your contract first. Your contract term and conditions will outline the requirements of cancellation. For example, if you are required to pay a cancellation fee and if you are required to visit the centre to cancel in person. In every instance, always provide a written cancellation to ensure you can prove the date you requested your membership to end.
Your consumer rights for gym memberships
Under Australian Consumer Law, most products or services bought in Australia after 1 January 2011 come with automatic consumer guarantees.
Proof of purchase and documentation
You have the right to receive a copy of your signed contract and proof of purchase.
Advertising
Advertising can be a powerful means of persuasion, so it’s important it is truthful, accurate and easy to understand. Australian Consumer Law protects consumers from deceptive advertising claims and conduct.
Businesses are not allowed to make false or misleading representations about their products or services.
The remedy if something goes wrong with your gym service
You are entitled to an appropriate remedy from the business when the product or service you purchased does not meet one or more of the consumer guarantees.
This might be:
- a refund
- cancellation and replacement
- further service to rectify the problem
- reimbursement for damages and consequential loss in some cases.
The remedy will depend on whether the problem is:
- a major problem, or
- a minor problem.
You can find out more by visiting our repairs, replacements and refunds page.
Making a complaint
Check if the business is part of an industry body like AUS active or Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) and contact them for assistance.
Online
If you cannot resolve your matter, submit your complaint by using our form.
By mail
Post your complaint form and documentation to:
NSW Fair Trading
PO Box 972
Parramatta NSW 2124
Ask a question
If you are unable to find the information you need, you can call us between 8:30am to 5pm on Monday to Friday. You can also use our form to make an enquiry.