Buzz
Once you've agreed to that gym membership contract, you're legally bound to continue paying, even if you're not using the service. However, it's not all hopeless. There are some ways to get out of a gym agreement.
Large corporations understand that letting customers cancel freely isn't in their best interest, so their contracts are packed with complicated terms and fine print designed to keep you locked in. Unless there are exceptional situations, such as moving more than 25 miles away from the gym's location (or any location of the chain), disability, or even death, you'll find it tough to cancel until your contract expires. Nevertheless, there are a few scenarios in which you may still be able to cancel:
You were misled by false or inaccurate information: If you were promised something when you signed the agreement but didn't receive it, or if you felt pressured into signing and can prove it, reach out to your State Attorney General's office or the Better Business Bureau to file a complaint.
You’re still within the ‘cooling-off period’: This short time frame after signing the contract allows you to back out with no questions asked. This option is typically communicated when you sign the agreement.
Moreover, the article from Thrillist also suggests:
Before asserting your rights, it's usually easier to talk to the manager (I’m punning here). In many cases, if you have a valid reason to cancel—whether it’s due to a disability, a move, or dissatisfaction with the services—a manager will likely be open to negotiating a solution. Personally, I’ve noticed that several gyms are willing to ‘pause’ your contract under specific circumstances.
If you're unable to cancel your membership and choose to stop making payments, the gym could potentially hand over your outstanding balance to a debt collection agency, which is never a pleasant experience.
Image courtesy of HealthGauge.
