Deciding to lose weight or get in shape for the New Year can take a lot more than personal commitment.
It can require a long-term contract, too.
Health clubs in Lawrence report that they receive a rush of customers as each new year begins, while people seek to stick with their resolutions to work out on a regular basis.
Many of those same clubs also require that customers sign membership contracts that last for a year a decision that can extend your financial workout a lot longer than your resolution commitment.
Kaci Canada, a member of Total Fitness Athletic Center, last year found herself stuck holding a membership even after the club was destroyed by fire.
"My contract was put on hold for eight months," she said. "The only way I could get out of it was if someone else bought it from me."
If you're thinking about joining a club, it might be wise to take these suggestions into account as you shop around:
l Read the fine print. Consumers need to read contracts "very carefully," said Mark Ohlemeier, a spokesman for the Kansas Attorney General's Office. "Understand what the contract is saying and understand what you're getting into when you sign."
l Be careful. "Be wary about signing something long term, like three years or something," he said. "Nobody knows where they'll be in three years."
l Check out the facility. Make sure the place will meet your needs, such as desired classes being offered during times you actually can attend.
"When consumers sign contracts, they are saying they understand what the contract says and they are bound by it," Ohlemeier said. "If a consumer doesn't understand anything, they should probably ask."
After last year's fire, at least 12 Total Fitness customers filed complaints with the attorney general's office. The club agreed to release members from long-term contracts.
Today, Total Fitness is operating at a new location and tries to offer enough flexibility to meet a customer's busy schedule.
"Don't get locked into a club that doesn't fit your needs," said Marty Tuley, the club's owner. "Join month to month, and after 90 days we'll talk about a one-year commitment."
For many clubs, a contract may be broken if a member moves outside Lawrence. At Sixth Street Fitness, membership coordinator Jay Goodbinder said he needed "good proof" that a member was moving more than 25 miles away before breaking a contract.
Some clubs also charge cancellation fees. At The Body Boutique, a member moving at least 25 miles outside of town can cancel a contract for $35.
The key is finding a club that provides the right fit, said Mike Helmer, sales manager for Lawrence Athletic Club.
After all, a simple resolution can have long-term effects.
"Like any other type of contract, it's a commitment," he said.
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