HARTFORD — The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) encourages consumers to understand their rights before signing up for a gym or health club membership in the new year.
In 2025, DCP received 60 complaints related to health clubs, with 73 percent about billing practices. Complainants expressed difficulties with cancelling a contract, placing a membership freeze, unauthorized or duplicate charges, and cancellation fees.
“As we approach the new year, we are flooded with gym and health club enrollment deals,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “January can be an ambitious time, and it is easy to hop into commitments without reading the fine print. We always encourage consumers to make healthy lifestyle changes, but more importantly we remind them to take their time, read through the contract, and ask questions before they enroll. Don’t let your New Year’s resolution become a New Year’s headache.”
Before you sign up for a health club, use this pre-enrollment checklist:
- Do your research: Look up some options in your area and read the reviews. Ask yourself important questions. Is the health club convenient for your lifestyle, such as close to your home or work? Do the hours of operations work with your schedule?
- Visit the facility: Schedule a time to visit the health club or gym that you are interested in. Most places offer free tours, and some provide a free or discounted day pass for potential members. Stop by during your desired workout time to assess how busy the gym will be. Avoid signing an online contract without visiting the location.
- Review the contract: Connecticut law requires health clubs to provide a written contract. Before consumers sign, they should know how much they are paying, the billing period, and the cancellation policy. Health club contracts cannot be longer than two years. Health Clubs must also provide one-year contracts.
- Ask questions: If you do not understand parts of the contract, be sure to ask the staff questions before you sign a contract. Some health clubs offer different membership plans based on member needs. Be sure to have a clear understanding of the different plans.
Know your rights as an existing or new health club member:
- Health club contracts cannot automatically renew: The only exception is after a one-month trial period. If the monthly price changes after the trial period, that must be disclosed to the member.
- After signing up, you have a three-day right to cancel: If you change your mind, you have three days to notify your health club in writing that you do not wish to continue your contract.
- Cancelling a contract if the health club no longer provides amenities: You have the right to cancel a contract if the health club no longer offers amenities that were initially offered, such as closing the pool or sauna.
- Health clubs cannot reassign you: If a health club closes, they cannot reassign you to another location without your consent.
- If you cancel your membership, health clubs must honor that: If you cancel your contract, the health club is required to provide written confirmation of the cancellation within 10 days and must include the effective date, per PA 25-111, Sec. 28.
DCP offers a Health Club Guaranty Fund for consumers who had a health club contract with a location that closed down or moved. Consumers may be eligible for reimbursement if their application is approved.
To learn more about health clubs, visit our website. Consumers who would like to file a complaint regarding a health club can email dcp.complaints@ct.gov or visit ct.gov/dcp/complaint.