When can you cancel your gym membership?
It’s a new year already, and for many of us that means getting to the gym to work off the delicious food we consumed over the holidays. We are often motivated to exercise when we first join a fitness club, but as time wears on, our enthusiasm may wain, or we may find out that joining a gym is not what we expected.
You have the right to cancel your membership, for no reason, anytime within the first 10 days of receiving a copy of your contract. After this initial time, unless your contract states otherwise, there are only a few other circumstances in which you can cancel. They are: • If you have an injury or illness that prevents you from going to that gym. You will need a signed note from a medical practitioner or nurse to confirm your inability to continue going to the gym. • If you move more than 30 km
away from the gym, and the gym does not provide comparable facilities within 30 km of the new location. • If a service provided by the gym is no longer available, or substantially available as provided in the contract. • When the gym relocates to a location 30 km away and the gym does not provide comparable facilities within 30 km of the new location. Joining a gym can be a great way to exercise and meet new friends. As with every contract though, it’s important to know your rights before you sign. Consumer Protection B.C. is the regulator of a variety of industries and specific consumer transactions in the province, including gym memberships. To find out more about your rights and responsibilities when it comes to these types of consumer contracts, visit: www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.