For many people, the day they join a health club is supposed to be a major positive turning point in their life. After all, the decision to get in shape is never an easy one.
However, many clubs are really taking advantage of the fact that most people don't really read the agreements that they sign.
These health clubs are putting in "stealth" fees that, while legal, leave many people wondering about the ethics of the clubs that use them.
So, what's the killer fee that most people are completely unaware of?
It's called the "facility improvement fee" or "facility improvement addendum" and it's lighting up many members around the country.
Here is how it works. When you join a club that has one of these fees, you typically have to initial a spot that states that the club is going to draft a fee of $25 every (pick a month and date) of every year you are a member for facility improvements. In some instances, you don't even have to initial beside it, it's just there.
Now, that doesn't seem like such a big deal. After all, the club does need to have new equipment, new paint, and money to get things fixed up.
In actuality, the many clubs never use this money for the improvement of their club at all. In fact, it's just another profit center for them and it goes right in the owner's pocket. Legally, they can do this due to the way the contract is written. Typically, it'll say something like:
"...to be used for maintenance, upkeep, and any other club expense deemed necessary by management."
To be honest, I've walked in a few clubs that don't look like they've been cleaned in ages but they sure do charge the facility improvement fee.
Here are the biggest scams with "facility improvement fees"
Charge the fee and never fix anything
Only charge the fee to people with monthly memberships
Charge the fee for "future" club expansion
Charge late and bounce fees when the unplanned for draft attempts to go through
If your club charges a "facility improvement fee," find out what they plan to improve this year. Ask to get an itemized list for all of the members. Should your fee be a legitimate fee, management won't have any problems with providing this.
Make sure that your club is accountable to you with the money you pay. Granted, the owners have every right to do whatever they want with any dues based income. However, a fee that has a specific name should be used to that purpose.
If you are looking for clubs and you come across a "facility improvement fee," make sure it looks like the health club LOOKS like it's been improved or at least kept up. Think about it, if health clubs have an average member base of 2000 members times $25, that $50,000 should go a long way.
And remember, this is $50,000 EACH YEAR in improvements.
In conclusion, make sure to read all of your agreements and question any fees that seem a little questionable. A "facility improvement fee" can be a good thing if the fee is actually used for what it's designed for. However, don't let unscrupulous owners use it as another way to line their pockets.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bragg's Vinegar help reduce the inflammation ...
By: mirico5 | 13-07-2008
Can Bragg's Vinegar help reduce the inflammation of gout?
Do i have a problem??
By: eica :) | 12-07-2008
well ive lost a lot of weight over this summer so now im under weight not by a ton but idk i havent been doing anything to lose weight really but all the time im thinking about how much weight i could lose and like when i look in the mirror when i suck in and see my ribs for some reason i wish i were that skinny...i know its bad and i dont want an eating disorder but like idk :/ and instead of eating sometimes i fake im not hungry not skipping meals though like i just forget about it and i dont like eating in front of people so basically my conscious is sort of "helping" me lose this weight because im so afraid of gaining it oh btw im 14 about 5"4' and weigh 103.5
Is flouride harmful to skin? if toothpaste ...
By: babette | 12-07-2008
is flouride harmful to skin? if toothpaste containing flouride is put on skin to dry up acne, is there a danger?
Cervical cancer
By: nananotnats | 12-07-2008
I was woundering if anyone has had cervical cancer and what there symptoms were? I have been experiencing dryness, swelling and pain during sex and last night I had some pinkish blood and didn't know why. I had precancer 4 years ago and was treated and have had normal paps since but due for a pap this month. Please any help on this would be appreciated. Thank you,Marilyn
Norpace
By: joan | 12-07-2008
can i stop norpace abruptly? I've been taking 600 mg per day. Can I safely taper to 300 mg per day and stop altogether after a few days? What will happen if I stop altogether without tapering off?
Metformin and weight gain
By: chiquita2131 | 12-07-2008
Can metformin cause weight gain?
Q&A Powered by:
More from Brad Howard
5 Unorthodox Fat Burning Tips
By: Brad Howard | 04/07/2007 | Health
If you are looking for a few unorthodox methods for losing weight, you've come to the right place. Not only do these methods work, but you won't find them anywhere else. So what are they:
1. Staple your good arm to your side.
Believe it or not, but if you force yourself...
Are You Addicted To Your Lifestyle?
By: Brad Howard | 04/07/2007 | Health
With the percentage of overweight people increasing throughout the world, one has to think that their have to be more variables in play than just "fast food". The world is hustling and with the advent of computers and the internet, the hustling is more informational and mental than physical. So,...
Health Club Problems -- Three Ways To Tell If Your Club Is Closing
By: Brad Howard | 04/07/2007 | Health
Nowadays, there is getting ready to be a huge rollup of clubs with many of the clubs either being bought out or closing their doors completely. Many times, the owners of the clubs want to shut the doors as fast as possible to avoid legal troubles, press involvement, theft, and...
29 Off-the-wall Reasons To Get In Better Shape
By: Brad Howard | 03/07/2007 | Health
Establishing clear expectations while working out often can be the difference between success and failure. Too many people try to do too much and get frustrated. Instead of "lasering" in on a few great strategies, they try to do as many things as possible. As they say, "Jack of all...
Dieting 101 - Choosing The Right Diet Foods
By: Brad Howard | 02/07/2007 | Health
Diet fads come and go but the Food Guide Pyramid seems to continue to stand the test of time (even though they have reissued a new, up to date one. We know that we gain weight because we move less or burn off less energy than we consume. Therefore, if...
Diet And Weight Loss - Is It Really Necessary To Lose Weight?
By: Brad Howard | 02/07/2007 | Health
Excess is definitely not just a cosmetic problem. People who are obese are at greater risk of developing health problems like heart disease, diabetes, stroke and more. What is alarming is that the rate of people becoming obese today is reaching epidemic proportions. While we can attribute this trend to...
Protecting Yourself From Health Club Scams
By: Brad Howard | 02/07/2007 | Health
With our fast-paced lifestyles and our less-than-ideal dietary habits, it's no wonder that health clubs and gyms are appearing everywhere. These centers are very important for many people, because it forces them to have the discipline to workout on a regular basis. But do remember that gyms exist to make...
Fit For Life - A No Nonsense Look At Fitness
By: Brad Howard | 02/07/2007 | Health
Now, more than ever, becoming fit for life should be your mantra. Obesity is becoming more and more a problem. According to the F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America (2005) report, about 119 million Americans, or 64.5% of adult Americans are either overweight or obese....
Health 
