***PRESS RELEASE***
Effingham, Il (Via St. Louis, MO) – If 2018 is the year you have decided to take control of your fitness, Better Business Bureau (BBB) has advice that can help you evaluate health clubs and gyms.
“Consumers who want to get in shape or lose weight should be commended for their resolve and assisted in their efforts, not fleeced by health clubs that provide poor service or refuse to honor contracts,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president and CEO.
“BBB to helps consumers find trustworthy businesses to meet their needs and to resolve complaints against companies that do not.”
In 2017, BBB received over 3100 complaints about health clubs and gyms.
Many complaints show that consumers have been confused about how to cancel their memberships.
In some complaints, consumers reported that they were told verbally that they could cancel their membership without a penalty, only to find later that was not the case.
Consumers say that front desk staff and personal trainers reassured them they could cancel at any time, but in spite of reassurances, the consumers’ requests for cancellation were not processed.
In other complaints, consumers wrote that they expected refunds for unused services.
It is highly unusual for a gym to refund membership fees for that reason.
Unless the gym’s contract specifically says they issue refunds for unused services, do not expect to receive one.
Finally, before starting a weight-loss program, BBB advises consumers to consult a doctor for an assessment of overall health risks.
The doctor may recommend options for losing weight or exercise programs that fit your health status and your ability to stick with a program.
Read more about choosing the right gym at bbb.org>>
About BBB
BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Most BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit bbb.org for more information.
Press Release Courtesy of Better Business Bureau
