what is the law with regard to gyms...

Deals_2

when you move. we are thinking of joining a gym again but i am worried we will get tied into them when we might eventually be moving out of the area. what are people thoughts?

dmg24

It would be best to check the terms and conditions of the particular gym. Some allow you to change gyms, some do not.

The only time that the law will come into play is if the terms in the contract are found to be unduly restrictive or unfair.

LifeisEvenbetter

Most gyms seem to have some sort of tie in. Perhaps you could investigate the local council amenities (some offer fitness centres/gyms/swimming pools) as you usually only have to pay when you attend. I guess if you go regularly it might not be money saving.

Deals_2

even dirty. should the law not change for the gyms?

dmg24 wrote:

It would be best to check the terms and conditions of the particular gym. Some allow you to change gyms, some do not.

The only time that the law will come into play is if the terms in the contract are found to be unduly restrictive or unfair.

suzzi2704

We recently joined Esporta in Stafford and we are moving to Leeds in May... Esporta have a policy of 12 month lock ins but we explained that we would be moving in 6 months (we didn't know at the time where to, it could even have been to America) and we would only join if we weren't locked into it, and could leave after 6 months. They were desperate for members so agreed to make an exception

Try and barter with them, good luck

Bossyboots

suzzi2704 wrote:

We recently joined Esporta in Stafford and we are moving to Leeds in May... Esporta have a policy of 12 month lock ins but we explained that we would be moving in 6 months (we didn't know at the time where to, it could even have been to America) and we would only join if we weren't locked into it, and could leave after 6 months. They were desperate for members so agreed to make an exception

Try and barter with them, good luck

Do you have that in writing? While a verbal contract is binding, it is harder to prove.

Astaroth

Deals wrote:

even dirty. should the law not change for the gyms?

Then you would have major problems if you basically say that no one can be tied into any form of contract.

Customer acquisition is exceptionally expensive business, this is currently offset by tie in terms in contracts. Allow people to cancel after day 1 without penalty would mean the majority of companies would have to increase their fees to cover the losses so ultimately it is everyone that pays.

Idiophreak

I don't really see anything wrong with being tied in tbh - It's not really any different to a mobile phone contract.

If you don't want to get tied in for a year, you're best off either trying to haggle down to 6 months etc (as above) or (also as above) just finding a local sports centre that will let you pay as you go - which might be more expensive, but you can't expect to get the cheapest price if you're unwilling to play the game (and get tied in...)

airforce_beret

Most gyms tie you in for 12 months, this is because the fee they charge you is an annual fee, which you can choose to pay monthly. I have the same problem with moving because I am in the RAF but aslong as you explain to their membership department they are usually quite good about it. Sometimes they require a letter as proof of moving or being sent away though. As some people just saying they are moving to cancel their membership.

C_Ronaldo

some gyms offer a pay as you go service dont they, have you asked about that,

Astaroth

At a premium of cause.... some wont include the personal work plan etc if you are on the PAYG type contract