Your consumer rights when it comes to your gym payments
With gyms closed across the nation, Aussies wanting to cancel their membership have been urged to flex their consumer-rights muscle and explore other ways to keep fit while in lockdown.
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Gym closures and quarantine mandates are forcing people to make big changes to stay fit and keep their finances healthy.
Exercise is especially important now and has prompted Australians to consider other alternatives to keep active at home as the coronavirus pandemic worsens.
Gym goers have been urged to check their bank account for recurring fees if their fitness centre has closed temporarily, because these charges can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars a month.
According to the consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, under Australian Consumer Law businesses are prohibited from taking payments for services when there are reasonable grounds to believe the services won’t be supplied.
This applies whether or not in the contract terms the consumer can suspend payments.
An ACCC spokeswoman said if payments have been deducted, you should contact your gym to have the payments refunded.
Some personal trainers are taking their classes to the internet and creating new schedules for those wanting to stay fit without spending a bundle.
Personal trainer and mum Bridgette Carter has moved her training courses online after she noticed a decline in client attendance from fears of the coronavirus.
“Many of my clients haven’t been signing up and others weren’t sure of their income situation,” she said.
To help provide a cheaper alternative for her clients, Ms Carter has offered discounts and free
equipment, such as dumbbells and resistance bands to keep them motivated.
“Knowing that others are joining in and providing live feedback from home makes the experience rewarding,” she said.
Ms Carter believes many workouts, including body weight exercises, require little to no equipment.
“You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on exercise equipment to work out effectively at home,” she said.
“Go for a walk to the beach or try squats and tricep dips from your couch.
“Staying fit is really important for your mental wellbeing.”
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National Seniors Australia’s chief advocate Ian Henschke said it’s paramount people stay active, especially older Australians.
He believes daily physical activity offers significant benefits for seniors, including helping to control arthritis and maintain healthy bones, stamina, and muscle strength, all of which help prevent falls.
“It also reduces the risk of dying from heart disease and type 2 diabetes,” Mr Henschke said.
“If you’ve got a big garden you can get out in that.
“If you’re stuck indoors make sure you get up and don’t sit in front of the television all day. “It doesn’t cost much to stay healthy and active.”