The new state law makes the cancellation process easier for consumers. Last year, the DCP received more than 40 complaints about health clubs\u2019 billing practices. <\/p>\n
HARTFORD, Conn. \u2014 A new Connecticut<\/a> law requires health clubs across the state to acknowledge cancellation requests within 10 days to make the exit process easier for consumers.<\/p>\n The state Department of Consumer Protection issued a release on Tuesday encouraging residents to understand their rights before signing up for gym or health club memberships.<\/p>\n The DCP received 60 complaints in 2025 about health clubs, and 73% of them regarded billing practices.<\/p>\n These complaints outlined difficulties consumers experienced with cancelling a contract, placing a membership freeze, unauthorized or duplicate charges and cancellation fees.<\/p>\n RELATED: Gyms that survived pandemic steadily get back in shape<\/a><\/p>\n DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli said that entering the new year, people throughout Connecticut are being flooded with gym and health club enrollment deals. He noted that January can be an ambitious time and that it is easy to leap into commitments without reading the fine print.<\/p>\n \u201cWe always encourage consumers to make healthy lifestyle changes, but more importantly, we remind them to take their time, read through the contract and ask questions before they enroll. Don\u2019t let your New Year\u2019s resolution become a New Year\u2019s headache,\u201d Cafferelli said.<\/p>\n Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters:\u00a0Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines<\/a><\/p>\n Before signing up for a health club, DCP officials say residents should do their research, visit the facility, review the contract and ask questions.<\/p>\n It is also important to know one\u2019s rights as an existing or new health club member.<\/p>\n Health club contracts cannot automatically renew except after a one-month trial period. Also, after signing up, consumers have a three-day right to cancel.<\/p>\n RELATED: Going to the gym is a popular 2025 New Year’s resolution<\/a><\/p>\n Cancelling a contract if the health club no longer provides amenities is also possible, and health clubs that close cannot reassign a person to another location without their consent.<\/p>\n If a consumer cancels their membership, health clubs must honor that. If one cancels their contract, the health club is required to provide written confirmation of the cancellation within 10 days and must include an effective date, according to state law.<\/p>\n The DCP also offers a Health Club Guaranty Fund<\/a> for consumers who had a health club contract with a location that closed down or moved. They may be eligible for reimbursement if their application is approved.<\/p>\n \u00a0More information regarding how to file a complaint about a health club to the DCP can be found on its website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dalton Zbierski is a story desk editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at\u00a0dzbierski@FOX61.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at\u00a0newstips@fox61.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS<\/p>\n Download the FOX61 News APP<\/p>\n iTunes:\u00a0Click here<\/a> to download<\/p>\n Google Play:\u00a0Click here<\/a> to download<\/p>\n Stream Live on ROKU:\u00a0Add the channel from the ROKU store<\/a> or by searching FOX61.<\/p>\n Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search \u2018FOX61\u2019 and click \u2018Get\u2019 to download.<\/p>\n FOLLOW US ON\u00a0X<\/a>,\u00a0FACEBOOK<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0INSTAGRAM<\/a><\/p>\n