Consumer Advocate 

Have you joined a gym to help fulfill a New Year’s resolution for a healthier lifestyle? In Ohio, gym memberships are generally considered “prepaid entertainment contracts,” similar to agreements for dance or karate lessons or dating websites. These  contracts provide consumers with certain rights, including the ability to cancel under certain circumstances.

Before signing a gym membership agreement, consumers should make sure that any benefits or features promised by the gym are included in the written contract. Only written promises are guaranteed. You should also carefully review the terms and conditions before signing, including any fine print.

Additionally, gym members should be aware of the following guidelines for canceling a prepaid entertainment contract:

• Consumers have three business days (excluding Sundays) to reconsider the purchase and cancel the agreement. The gym must provide customers a copy of the written contract containing a “notice of cancellation.”
• If a consumer cancels within the first three business days after entering into the prepaid entertainment contract, the gym must refund any money paid but may charge an expense fee no greater than $10.
• To cancel a gym membership, consumers should notify the gym by postal mail or in person. They should return the “notice of cancellation” provided with the written contract, or otherwise put the cancellation request in writing in the manner specified in the contract.
• If a consumer enters into a gym membership before the facility is doing business, the consumer has seven days to cancel from the first day the gym opens.
• If a customer moves 25 miles or more away from the gym, or if the gym relocates at least 25 miles away from a customer, the customer has the right to a refund based on the time remaining on the membership, unless a similar facility is located within 25 miles of the area of relocation.

Fitness centers that fail to give proper notice to consumers may be in violation of Ohio’s consumer protection laws.

Before signing a contract, consumers who plan to join a gym should:

• Search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and Better Business Bureau.
• Read the contract carefully and make sure verbal agreements are included in writing.
• Determine the total cost, including any extra fees for fitness classes or personal training.
• Find out whether payments will be withdrawn automatically from a bank account. 
• Understand the cancellation policy and whether the contract renews automatically.
• Check the length of the contract, which should not exceed three years.

Joining a gym can be one of the first steps toward a healthier 2026. By applying the tips in this article, you will be better protected as you work toward your fitness goals.