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Gym memberships: the 4 clauses to check

The advertised price is almost always the monthly one, but many memberships lock you in for a year and renew on their own. Here’s what to look for in the terms before signing.

  1. Minimum term

    Even if you pay monthly, the commitment can be 12 months: if you stop going, the fees are still due.

    How it’s usually written

    The membership has a minimum term of 12 months from activation.

    What to do: Multiply the monthly price by the minimum term: that is the real commitment.

  2. Automatic renewal and notice

    At the end of the term the contract starts again for another period, unless you cancel in time and in the required way.

    How it’s usually written

    The contract renews automatically unless written notice is given at least 30 days before the end of the term.

    What to do: Note the last day to cancel straight away, not the end date. And check the required method (letter, email, form).

  3. Early exit fee

    If you leave early, you may be charged a fee or all the remaining months.

    How it’s usually written

    Early termination incurs a fee equal to three monthly payments.

    What to do: Ask whether there are exceptions for moving or medical reasons, and get them in writing.

  4. Freezing and joining fee

    The joining fee usually doesn’t come back; freezing for illness or travel often has tight limits.

    How it’s usually written

    The joining fee is non-refundable. Freezing is allowed for up to 30 days a year with a medical certificate.

    What to do: Add the joining fee to the total cost and check how long you can freeze.

Before you sign, ask yourself

  1. How much do I pay in total if I stay until the end of the minimum term?
  2. By what date must I cancel, and how?
  3. How much does it cost to leave early, and for what reasons can I leave without a fee?

The rules

In the EU and UK, terms that make leaving unfairly hard or expensive may be unfair to consumers. If you joined online or away from the gym, you usually have 14 days to change your mind.

Try AnteFirma on your own termsWork out the real costWrite the cancellation letter

General information, not legal advice. For an important contract, have a professional read it.

Other guides

Phone and internet: the 4 clauses to checkTime-limited deals, router instalments, exit costs and price changes.Streaming and app subscriptions: the 4 clauses to checkA free trial that turns paid, yearly renewal, variable price, no refunds.Software subscriptions: the 4 clauses to checkRenewal with a price rise, minimum seats, your data and content, liability limits.
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