Gym Membership what are my rights?

Bexlj

Hi 
First time posting on here but always find the site extremely helpful.
I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice on my current position.
In january I joined a gym and entered into a 12 month contract, I have still being paying my membership despite the gym being closed, due to uncertainty of when I would be able to return. However now it is looking like another few months until they will open I have asked where I stand with regards my membership. I was told that i could either freeze my payments, but this would extend my contract (which I would like to leave once complete) or I continue to pay for a service that I do not have access to. I did ask if there would be a reimbursement for the months I have paid for but not been able to access services but I was told no. 
I have made the decision to not freeze my payments at the moment just because I would like to leave once the contract has finished, however, I do not feel ok with continuing to pay for a service that I am not receiving.
I appreciate I could cancel the direct debit via my bank, but I don't want to risk facing charges or a big bill for my contract. Does anyone know if there is anything I can do or offer any advice? 
Thank you 

Thrugelmir

Contractually you are tied in. Decision is yours how you terminate. Not a question of rights. 

dunstonh

I was told that i could either freeze my payments, but this would extend my contract (which I would like to leave once complete) or I continue to pay for a service that I do not have access to.

That sounds entirely reasonable and in line with many other things.

I did ask if there would be a reimbursement for the months I have paid for but not been able to access services but I was told no.

The logical outcome as you had the option to freeze it.

I have made the decision to not freeze my payments at the moment just because I would like to leave once the contract has finished, however, I do not feel ok with continuing to pay for a service that I am not receiving.

Your choice and you have the consequences of your choice.

I appreciate I could cancel the direct debit via my bank, but I don't want to risk facing charges or a big bill for my contract.

Cancelling a direct debit does not cancel the contract.   The method of payment is just that.  Nothing else. They would then come after you for the money you owe.

Does anyone know if there is anything I can do or offer any advice?

You have your choice.  You made it.   You can change your mind but those are your options.

Grumpy_chap

Let me get this straight.

1. you joined a gym on a 12-month contract
2. the gym is closed (not their fault or yours)
3. the gym offered to freeze payments while they are closed, but they will extend the contract so that they still get 12 payments from you
4. you prefer to pay now (while they are closed) than extend the contract and have months when they are open.  You intend to leave once the 12-months are up.

What the gym has offered seems reasonable imo.

Were you just not going to the gym, but tied to paying the 12-months?  If so, it does not seem to make any difference when you pay them the 12 months - you could probably just pay the remaining months now if you chose and walk away.

Just not paying is probably not an option.

Lurkingtoposting17

According to the competition and markets authority you can cancel you your contract if the option of a freeze isn’t one that is suitable for you. Have a read of their coronavirus guidance on their site, it covers this quite clearly though it isn’t specific to gyms. 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic
As you are on a direct debit id send them the guidance and cancel my direct debit. Mine is a little more complicated as I have paid up front for a year and they are refusing a refund, so consider yourself lucky you didn’t do that