Money
Getting the best deal
Gyms: don't let the small print leave you in a sweat
Signing up to a health club looks set to increase in 2008 among the over 50s, with nearly four in 10 planning to use their spare time improving their fitness over the coming years, says a new survey by Alliance & Leicester
But before rushing to join a gym if you've overdosed on the mince pies, remember that you are signing a legal contract and will need to make the monthly payments until the term expires, not just until you shift the extra pounds or tire of the treadmill.
Peter McCarthy at Which? legal services said: "Your signature is legally binding and says that you have read and understood the terms and conditions."
This means that if by the spring you have decided that the gym is not for you, but your contract is 12 months, you will have to keep paying until that time is up.
Most clubs require just one month's notice once the chosen contract term is over.
However, new members joining most David Lloyd Leisure Clubs this January join for an initial term of 12 months, but need to give three complete months' notice in writing.
Some clubs offer shorter contracts, as an alternative to their standard 12 months, for those who fear their fitness drive will not last the year - but they cost more.
Fitness First offers a three month membership, Virgin Active, which took over Holmes Place clubs, offers a flexible membership which offers a window each month where you can cancel with no notice. Both are more expensive than the standard deals.
LA Fitness typically offers an annual membership, but sometimes also has seasonal, short-term contracts - also more expensive.
If you suffer from a medical condition which stops you using your club facilities but you are still in your contract term, see your club manager as most gyms have rules in place to help you avoid paying for a service you cannot use.
An LA Fitness spokesman said: "We will allow members to terminate their membership if they cannot use the club for health reasons, with a doctor's letter."
If you move away from the area then, again, it's worth speaking to the club to see if they will let you terminate the contract early and avoid paying monthly membership fees.
A spokeswoman for Virgin Active said: "For relocation cases where there isn't a gym in the vicinity each situation is looked at on its own merit."
Importantly, if you signed up this time last year and want to cancel your membership make sure you find out exactly how to do it, as some clubs have a strict window each month. For example, Virgin Active requires notification before the 17th of the month.
* Written by Holly Thomas, Deputy Personal Finance Editor at the Daily Express and Sunday Express. Holly's views represent her own opinions and are for general information only. Always seek independent financial advice.
