Having second thoughts about your fitness membership? Here’s what the rules say about cancelling these types of memberships in BC.
Fitness membership contracts
If you’ve committed to a fitness membership (gym, yoga, spinning, boxing, etc.), you’re probably entering what’s called a continuing services contract. We regulate aspects of these contracts, including your cancellation rights.
Can I change my mind about my fitness membership?
It depends on why you want to cancel your membership. Here are the situations that allow you to cancel and get your money back for unused services if you are locked in a contract with a fitness studio.
You can cancel if:
- It’s the first 10 days of your membership. When you receive a copy of your contract, you have 10 days to cancel for any reason.
- You are mentally or physically unable to participate. You must provide a note from a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
- You have moved more than 30 km from the facility. You must provide proof of your new address.
- The business has changed the services they offer. For example, if the business has closed or moved, or an amenity like a pool is no longer available you may have the right to cancel.
How to cancel your fitness membership
Does one of the situations described above apply to you? Great! Before you move forward, you need to learn how to properly cancel your fitness membership according to BC law and use the right forms. We have a ton of information on our website to help you. Learn how to cancel a fitness membership in BC.
None of those situations apply to me
If the situations above do not apply to you, you are likely bound to the cancellation policy you agreed to when you signed up. This is why it’s incredibly important to read and understand the terms and conditions of any contract you agree to. Reference the cancellation policy, speak to the fitness studio about your options, and remember to be kind.
Where to go for more information
Eager for more information on this topic? Explore our website to learn your cancellation rights for fitness memberships in BC.
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Video: things to know about cancelling a gym membership in BC
About Consumer Protection BC
We are responsible for regulating specific sectors and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.
I hope you can help solve this dilemma.
I apparently signed up to a Learning Course from an add on the computer. I went into the site but did not take a course and only looked at 1 of them. I did not give them permission to charge me again and now Jan. rolls around and the charge of $200+ is on my Credit Card. I contacted them and they said it was their ‘Policy” so forget it. I have to pay for another year. This is wrong! They know I wasn’t using their courses and never did finish even 1. What can I do????
Hey Vivian, thanks for reaching out. The gym membership laws we oversee don’t apply to online learning subscriptions. In this case, you may be bound to the cancellation policy you agreed to when you signed up. Many online subscriptions come with an automatic renewal clause in the contract, so this is why it’s important to read through them carefully before you sign up. You may have to cancel your subscription (or turn off autorenewal) according to their policy. I imagine this isn’t the answer you were looking for, but I hope it helps.
What if I lost my job and can’t afford it anymore?
Hi MT, thanks for your question. The reasons listed in the blog are the only two reasons that give consumers cancellation rights under the laws we oversee. If you can’t afford the membership, we would suggest reaching out to your gym to see if you can work out a solution, given the circumstances. It would be up to their discretion to decide what to do, as you are likely bound to whatever terms you agreed to when you signed up. I imagine this wasn’t the answer you were looking for but I hope it helps!