McGuinty Government alerts public to fitness club scams
TORONTO -- January 2, 2003 -- If your New Year's resolution is to get fit, Minister of Consumer and Business Services Jim Watson reminds you to "pump up" your consumer skills before joining a fitness club.
"If you want to tighten your abs and keep your finances in shape, you'll need to shop smart when you choose a fitness club," Watson suggests.
Minister Watson reminds consumers who plan to join a fitness club to follow these tips:
Read the contract. Clubs are required by law to offer month-to-month contracts, to protect your money in the event they close, and must limit contracts to one year.
Inspect the club. Talk to members before you join. Make sure the hours suit your needs and the equipment is properly maintained.
Remember the five-day cooling off period. You can cancel a contract with a commercial fitness club within five days of signing for any reason under Ontario's Prepaid Services Act. The cooling off period also applies to martial arts, dance lessons and instruction on talent and modeling.
Minister Watson hopes consumers will remember to shop smart. "Knowing about your consumer rights will help you keep fit physically and financially."
Consumers who want more information on fitness clubs should contact the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services at 416-326-8800 in Toronto, toll free at 1-800-889-9768.
TORONTO -- January 2, 2003 -- If your New Year's resolution is to get fit, Minister of Consumer and Business Services Jim Watson reminds you to "pump up" your consumer skills before joining a fitness club.
"If you want to tighten your abs and keep your finances in shape, you'll need to shop smart when you choose a fitness club," Watson suggests.
Minister Watson reminds consumers who plan to join a fitness club to follow these tips:
Read the contract. Clubs are required by law to offer month-to-month contracts, to protect your money in the event they close, and must limit contracts to one year.
Inspect the club. Talk to members before you join. Make sure the hours suit your needs and the equipment is properly maintained.
Remember the five-day cooling off period. You can cancel a contract with a commercial fitness club within five days of signing for any reason under Ontario's Prepaid Services Act. The cooling off period also applies to martial arts, dance lessons and instruction on talent and modeling.
Minister Watson hopes consumers will remember to shop smart. "Knowing about your consumer rights will help you keep fit physically and financially."
Consumers who want more information on fitness clubs should contact the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services at 416-326-8800 in Toronto, toll free at 1-800-889-9768.