Better Business Bureau warns of costly New Year’s resolutions

Your New Year’s Resolution might have been to get back into the gym, but the Better Business Bureau warns against running for that pen.

Better Business Bureau President & CEO Simone Lis says she’s received complaints from Vancouverites who say they have signed membership contracts that they can’t cancel. She recommends understanding your fitness needs and the facility before committing.

“Some of the risks are that you sign up for a two year contract where you’re paying monthly. And unless you move more than 30 kilometers away from the gym, you are bound to that agreement. So it’s really important that you take the time to read,” she explained.

“Don’t feel pressured to sign up and joining right away. If the offer is really good, they will take you as a client at any time.”

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January is a busy time for gyms in B.C. One gym manager says she typically sees gym memberships go up by 10 per cent at the beginning of the year.

“As the year proceeds, we’ll see a little bit of a decrease in activity, not only in attendance, but also in membership sales. So it’s definitely a typical trend that we see. But at the same time, we do see an influx in cancellations as well,” said Lucy Rex, General Manager of the Anytime Fitness location in Vancouver’s West End.

Rex says her best piece of advice is to stick to your resolution and find a support system in the gym community.

“Keep pushing, keep showing up and you’ll see the results that you want, especially when it comes to working with a coach and a personal trainer,” she said.

Lis suggests that, if you regret your membership contract, speak to management at your gym as it might have a grace period or payment plans.