Joining A Health Club?

It's that time again--New Year's resolution time--if you're like thousands of other Americans, you might be thinking of fitness resolutions and contemplating joining a Health Club. I admire your goal of working out and encourage all of us to be active and healthy.  However, it's staggering how many consumers buy a gym membership with the good intention of using it but end up dropping out months later and spending hundreds of dollars for something they don't use. So before you sign that contract, take a few minutes to complete this Checklist:

1. I've checked my Spending Plan and I can afford the monthly fee
2. I've checked to make sure the Health Club/Gym is properly licensed
3. I've checked with my local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints 
4. I talked with current members to see if they're satisfied
5. I walked through the gym to see if the equipment is all working and the environment is clean
6. I have reviewed my calendar and scheduled work out time to make sure I will use the membership
7. I have read the contract and all the services mentioned by the sales staff are included
8. I have checked the cancellation policy

If you've completed the Checklist and you're totally satisfied that you will use the Health Club to help meet your fitness goals, then get going! One more note--try to avoid signing up for automatic payment for your membership fee. Those automatic payments may be challenging to stop if for some reason, you have a dispute with the company.  For more info, check the FTC's Health Spas: Exercise Your Rights