THE NATIONAL Consumer Agency has received more than 220 queries from members of the public on gym-related issues in the first five months of 2009 alone.
A large proportion of queries centre on consumers not having evaluated or fully understood the terms and conditions of their membership agreement.
The agency yesterday urged consumers who hold existing gym memberships or are considering joining a gym to evaluate the terms and conditions of their contractual agreements in full.
It drew attention to cancellation clauses in particular, citing the significant confusion they can generate, and recommended that consumers fully vet such clauses before signing any contract.
Agency chief executive Ann Fitzgerald linked the high level of inquiries to a downturn in discretionary expenditure as the recession bites. “It is understandable in the current recessional climate that consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending such as gym membership.
“If they need to terminate their contracts they should first make sure to read the termination clauses.”
Ms Fitzgerald also reminded consumers that cancelling direct debits did not mean that they cancelled their contracts. She indicated that a leisure operator would be within their legal rights to pursue non-payments until such time as a contract is properly terminated.
The NCA has also made tips for aspiring gym members available on www.consumerconnect.ie