No fair trading or consumer affairs warnings over fitness memberships during 'gym-uary'

In a sign that the fitness industry’s positive messages are being heeded by state governments and their agencies, Australasian Leisure Management has noted that during the past month there have been no warnings to consumers about their rights and responsibilities with gym memberships by fair trading or consumer affairs departments.

With January (sometimes called 'gym-uary') and February traditionally being the months during which fitness clubs, gyms and studios experience the largest spike in memberships (around 10% each year), state government fair trading and consumer affairs agencies each year seemingly discourage people joining gyms with the release of warnings over consumer rights.

In 2020, Australasian Leisure Management looked into the Queensland Office of Fair Trading’s warning, finding that of over 15,000 complaints the agency received during in a year less than 1% related to fitness club memberships, prompting the questioning over whether such warnings were disproportionate.

The lack of negative coverage this year may be seen as a sign of an increasing recognition of the benefits of fitness club membership (in November 2021, the Queensland Government recognised gyms and other health and fitness facilities as an ‘essential service’) and the lobbying work of AUSactive.

With late January and February - when children have gone back to school and people are setting their routines for the year - the lack of such deterrents can only benefit the industry.

Jetts Fitness markeing emphasises benefits of no lock in contracts
However, while research suggest that more than a million Australians overspend on gym memberships - often as a result of weakened motivation, the growth in flexible memberships with easy opt-outs is seen as being increasingly attractive.

Commenting on this, Jetts Fitness Managing Director, Elaine Jobson explains “while we advocate for a consistent year-round approach to fitness, the new year is a pivotal time for a lot of people, especially in relation to making proactive decisions to exercise more and prioritise their overall health and wellbeing.

“Yet the decision to join a gym or start a new fitness regime can be a big commitment and be influenced by a multitude of external factors from budget considerations as well as other time commitments.

“As we’ve all experienced, our motivation, availability and priorities shift all the time, so it’s important to invest in a gym that understands this.

“You don’t want to be tied into having to make payments, or worse still have to pay out a contract. Working out should be on your terms because life is busy enough and your time is precious.

“That is why no lock in contracts offer the peace of mind, flexibility and fitness freedom that is crucial in today’s society.”