Do research so you can get fit without pitfalls

Complaints received by the Better Business Bureau for fitness clubs have increased more than 90 percent in the past five years.

According to a new analysis conducted by the BBB, the most common complaints about fitness clubs are in contract disputes (41.5 percent) and billing issues (31.7 percent).

The BBB has also seen a rise in complaints about fitness centers that sold memberships and went out of business a few weeks later (15.1 percent), leaving disgruntled customers trying to recoup their advance payments.

The trends we're seeing tell us that consumers need to read the fine print on the contract before they sign and keep a close eye on their bank statements to make sure they're not getting billed more than they should be.

Although some complaints regarding billing are billing errors (9.4 percent), the majority of billing complaints involve being billed after the members felt their contracts had expired (22.3 percent). Many consumers assumed their contract would not be renewed or filed the paperwork to cancel their membership but continued to have fees withdrawn.

Contract dispute complaints (38.9 percent) vary, but typically involve disagreements over promises made by the salesperson as opposed to what the membership actually included (23.8 percent), and the policy for getting out of the contract if the member relocated (15.1 percent).

More than 15 percent of complaints came from consumers whose fitness center either closed or changed management shortly after they joined. The complainants wanted refunds for membership fees paid in advance or were dissatisfied with the new ownership and policies and wanted out of their contract.

If you're looking to join a gym, do your research and check out the fitness facility's complaint record with the BBB's free reliability reports.

The BBB offers the following advice to help you select a fitness facility.

- Check with BBB first. Go to www.bbb.org to find a list of fitness clubs accredited by BBB and find their track record for keeping customers satisfied.

- What are your fitness goals (build endurance, increase strength, become a better tennis player) and how will you accomplish them (swimming, weight-training, yoga). Considering these issues will help you select a facility. If you have a serious health condition, consult with a medical professional when setting your fitness goals.

- Consider your budget. Most facilities charge an up-front membership fee to join and a monthly fee thereafter.

- Check out the facilities. Visit several clubs on days and at times that you plan to exercise to see how crowded they are. Do they offer the equipment, classes, amenities and hours you require? Note the cleanliness and condition of the equipment, work-out area and locker room, in addition to staff availability.

- Check with friends and family for recommendations. Ask members about their experiences -- are they satisfied?

- Many clubs will be offering "New Year's specials" -- walk away from clubs that pressure you to sign a contract on the spot. Take a sample contract home to read it thoroughly.

- Read the entire contract. Does it list all services and facilities and the hours of operation? Is everything that the salesperson promised in the contract? What is included in the monthly fee and what will cost you extra? What's the total cost and payment schedule?

- Know the membership details. How long is the membership term and is there an automatic renewal? Can you go month-to-month? Some facilities give customers several days to reconsider after signing the contract; if so, get it in writing. What are your cancellation rights if you move or are injured, or if the club closes or is taken over by new management? Will the unused portion of your membership be refunded? These details should all be in the contract.

KELVIN COLLINS IS THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OF CENTRAL GEORGIA & THE CSRA INC., WHICH SERVES 41 COUNTIES BETWEEN AUGUSTA AND MACON. QUESTIONS OR COMPLAINTS ABOUT A SPECIFIC COMPANY OR CHARITY SHOULD BE REFERRED TO (800) 763-4222 OR INFO@CSRA.BBB.ORG.