How to Break the Chains of Your Gym Membership

It’s the new year and, if you don’t have one already, you may have signed up for a gym membership. Signing up is easy, but trying to get out of a membership is another story. Today, I’m going to give you a few tips on how to break the chains of gym membership. Many people get locked into gym memberships with great, new year aspirations, eventually finding themselves not using it. Maybe you’ve had your membership a long time or you just got it and are ready to break free. Look, I encourage you to use your membership; however, when the time comes to break that chain, I want you to know what it takes to get out of that gym membership.

Most gyms get you locked in to a yearly contract and then, automatically, roll over to the next year or turn it into a month by month. Some of the ways they require you get out of these contracts can be quite ridiculous. In fact, if you Google “how to cancel my gym membership,” you will find a ton of companies with specific lists, breaking down how to cancel. Maybe that's actually how you find this post! There are regulations on gyms and even companies who specialize in helping cancel your membership so you don’t have to deal with the hassle. It can be crazy! So, if you find yourself wanting to get into a gym membership, or wanting out, here are a couple of things you should know.

1. Actually Read The Fine Print

Find out the specifics of the contract and don't skip a word. Every gym membership is different in what they are going to want from you, so be aware and read the fine print. The most common requirements for cancelation are:

a) A written request. b) You cannot complete it online. You must go in to the gym to cancel. c) You may need to pay the next month’s membership fee. d) You need to hand over your membership card.

If you are required to send a written request, I recommend you send it certified. In fact, the company may already require it.  Lastly, you need to go one step further... 

2. Certified Mail – Return Receipt Requested

When you send a certified letter and request return receipt, your letter not only gets sent but you receive a signed receipt stating it was received. If they say they never received it, then you have a receipt proving who signed for it and that they got it at a specific date and time. They won’t be able to deny it and, in the end, you’re protecting yourself. Be careful, they can be sneaky!   So, if you want out, look at these clues and read over the fine print. If you need help with this process, feel free to reach out to me. And, keep in mind, the same tips can apply to memberships for things like massages as well. So, here’s how to break those chains to help keep your wallet heavy and your heart light. Question: Did you do it?  Did you break free?  What hoops did you have to jump through to do so?  Share in the comments below!