Health & beauty

Gyms

Updated 10 May 2008
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Introduction

Looking for a gym? Most cities have many to choose from. But some are better - and safer - than others.

In this report, we look at the key things you need to consider when signing up for a gym, including costs, contracts, and gym quality standards.

Gym registration

A warrant of fitness for gyms

There's no law requiring gyms to have adequate facilities or trained staff, but there is a voluntary standard that many gyms have signed up to.

Called the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals, it's a joint initiative between the fitness industry and the Government-funded industry training organisation Sfrito.

To be registered, a fitness centre has to meet certain standards. The staff have to be properly trained and qualified, and they have to regularly upskill. The gym has to provide a safe environment for you to exercise in, and to have a complaints procedure. It is also bound by a code of ethics that means it has to treat you fairly and can't use high-pressure or misleading sales tactics.

If a gym isn't registered, it may still provide a safe exercise environment, but there's no guarantee that all staff are qualified or that a complaints process is available.

Contracts

There has been a lot of negative publicity about gym membership contracts, particularly over people being locked in to long-term contracts after they wanted to cancel.

Like any contract, your agreement with your gym is legally binding. Make sure you fully understand the agreement before you sign it. Can you put your membership on hold or cancel it, or are you bound to keep paying for a particular term? If you do put your membership on hold, is there a fee? What happens if you change jobs or move towns - can you transfer the membership to another person or another gym? (There is usually an additional fee for this.)

Try to avoid long-term commitments until you've used the gym for several months and feel comfortable it will meet your needs. Once you've signed a long-term contract, you can't just stop paying if you decide not to keep using the gym.

According to Richard Beddie, President of industry organisation Fitness New Zealand, there is sometimes confusion about what happens at the end of a contract. The problem arises when you sign a 12-month contract and assume (quite reasonably) that at the end of 12 months your payments will stop. Many gym contracts state that you have to give written notice to end your membership. Otherwise the gym will keep taking payments from your account even after the contract period has ended.

While contracts are binding, they can't take away the rights you have under the Consumer Guarantees Act or the Fair Trading Act.

The Consumer Guarantees Act ensures you get the service you signed up for. For example, if your gym discontinues its classes and you use them regularly, the Act has been breached. In addition, the Fair Trading Act makes sure consumers are not misled about any aspect of their purchase, including fees and special offers.

Adfit

In many cases, your contract will be managed by Adfit, which collects membership fees for more than 130 fitness centres around the country.

One advantage of an Adfit contract is that you may be able to transfer your membership to another Adfit gym if you shift towns - although there'll be a charge of $25. The gym may also charge a fee.

Your Adfit membership also lets you use other selected Adfit gyms for free when you are on holiday or away on business for up to 10 days. To be eligible for this, you'll need to pick up a Fit-pass from your gym before you leave.

Like any contract, if you stop paying Adfit before your minimum term is up, it'll chase you for the outstanding amount.

Charges and payment options

Most gyms offer various payment options including monthly and weekly direct debit. For many people, this is preferable to paying a lump sum in advance. It provides some protection if the centre goes out of business - you just stop paying. But one-off payments may be cheaper over the course of a year.

If you don't want to fork out for a full membership, many gyms offer casual visits - but these are usually expensive. Some offer 10-trip concession cards.

Some also offer discounts for students and adults, or for off-peak access.

Most charge joining fees for the first year of membership.

What'll it cost?

Generally, you'll pay more to join a city gym than a small town one. When looking at prices, it's helpful to work out the total cost per week, including the joining fee in the first year, and then divide it by the number of times you'll go in a typical week.

For example, if a gym costs $99 to join, plus $16 a week, that's about $900 per year. Divide this by 46 weeks (allowing six weeks for holidays and being sick) and you get a weekly cost of around $20. For that amount, you may be able to do an exercise class at a community leisure centre, play a game of indoor netball, and go for a swim at a local authority swimming pool, paying as you go.

What's included?

Look at what you're getting for the price. Some gyms have lower charges but make you pay extra for exercise classes, while others include the classes in the overall fee. And some have more or better facilities than others (see Other factors to consider).

Many gyms also have personal trainers. They can help you stay motivated but they are usually not included in your membership. A personal trainer's time may range from $25 to $100 per hour.

How much help and support you get from staff and personal trainers varies a lot among fitness centres. Therefore don't just view the facility on price alone, ask about support programmes.

Used memberships

Many people sell their memberships on www.trademe.co.nz. The seller will usually pay the transfer fee and you may get a good weekly deal with a shortened contract period. Check with the gym that they do allow their members to transfer membership before placing your bid.

Other factors to consider

Location

Choose a gym that's close to your home or work - if you're going to use it in the mornings or lunchtimes go for one that's close to work. Think about how you'll get there and whether it has free parking.

Peak times

Check out the gym at the time of the day when you'll normally be using it. Is it crowded? Are there queues for equipment? If you enjoy classes, are they on at convenient times?

Induction

If you're new to the gym scene, you'll need an all-round fitness and medical assessment before you start. This should include checks for high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis or chest pains. You may also be asked what medications you are taking. The assessment will help gym staff develop a programme to meet your needs. If you have a medical condition, consult your GP before you start any physical activity.

Personal goals

A good gym should help you determine why you are joining - to improve fitness and health, lose weight, tone muscles or train for a particular event. If you set goals, you are more likely to stay motivated. Goals should be "SMART" - that's specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and set to an appropriate timeframe.

Staff

Check the staff are registered exercise professionals. If you have a medical condition, do they have specific training in exercise suitable for your needs? Are they friendly and helpful? Is there constant supervision?

Environment

The environment can make a big difference to your comfort and enjoyment, and therefore how much value you get out of the gym. Is the ambience (lights, TV, music) to your liking? What about the atmosphere - is it hot, sweaty and stuffy or airy and spacious? What are the showers and change rooms like? Do they have hair dryers and lockers? Is equipment clean and well maintained?

Clientele

Are you comfortable around other gym-goers? Will you be comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt if everyone else is wearing lycra (or vice-versa)?

Flexible membership

Joining a chain can be a good idea if you travel around the country, or if you want the option of going to a gym near your home or one near work. If you join a chain, check you won't have to pay extra to use another of its gyms. Also, pricing structures may vary between branches so check which branch is cheapest to join at.

Extras

What other facilities does the gym offer - creche, dietitian, spa, and sauna? Are they part of your membership or do you need to pay extra?

Our advice

  • Choose a gym that is a Registered Exercise Facility, and look around at several before you commit.
  • Even when you've found a gym you like, try it out through casual visits or a short-term membership before you agree to a long-term deal. Don't commit to any deal for longer than 12 months.
  • Some gyms may try to pressure you to join - don't let them. Before you sign a contract, read it carefully and make sure you know what you're committing to. If necessary, take it away and read it at your leisure.
  • If you agree to pay by direct debit, check your bank statements regularly and note the termination date in your diary.

More help

Report by Belinda Allan