HI PHIL I WAS THE SAME I WAS LIVING IN HOLLAND BUT MY CONTRACT WAS FOR 6 MONTHS NOW IM LIVING IN LIVERPOOL BUT I STILL OWE THEM TWO MONTHS BUT IF U WERE NOT GOING I DONT SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO AND IF U CANT AFFORD IT JUST TEL THEM U CANT GO INTO DEBT OVER THEM EITHER LET US NOW HOW IT GOESI would report the gym to the Better Business Bureau, or some similar organization like that in the UK. Most gyms have an opt-out clause where you can pay a penalty if you have to break your contract.

But “caveat emptor” to you – next time, ask more questions about what you are getting into. A contract from a gym without using the gym is pretty normal – that’s how they make their money. And if you are the age of majority and you signed a contract, you are expected to hold up your end of the deal.

But if you can get some sort of advocacy agency on your side, they may be able to pressure the gym into making an exception.

Good luck!I know its boring, but did you read the small print before you signed. If they state you couldn’t cancel within a limited period of time ie a year, then you are stuck. Go and see the CAB with the paperwork and they may be able to help. Maybe this will be a lesson to you to be careful when signing papers…we have all been there though. Good luck!if u signed a contract with them, then u need to stick to ur deal… there is no way around it… Use this as a life lesson and the next time u need to sign a contract make sure u read it thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.You need to make sure what your signing when you sign it. If you don’t learn that, then you’re going to have a lot more trouble in life than gym debt. If you agreed to pay 30 bucks every month for 12 months, then they’re going to try to get your money. And are going to get far.

You can probably fight it, but gyms are notorious for being cut-throat in membership finances.

You should appeal strongly and directly to the gym’s managers. But they know you won’t pay for another month, so they have no motive to make you happy when they can just keep taking your money. So if you can’t persaude them to look into their hearts for you, then talk to other members of the gym, or THREATEN to talk to other members of the gym. Put the gym in the position to loose money if they don’t let you break your contract and stop paying for the 12 months. Make sure everything you say is professional and everything you do is legal, though.

Finally, you may be able to find a lawyer who’s skilled in this area, but this could end up costing you more if your lawyer fails you.

Oh, and don’t sign up for gyms. You can get exercise by jogging around the block and lifting soup cans (they get heavy after a while).This is based on English law and assumes you were over 18 when you signed the contract.

Write to the gym (not the debt agency).
Tell them that you did not enter knowingly into a contract with them, and that the alleged contract terms are unfair and unenforceable. Tell them that you do not owe them any money and that their use of a debt agency to attempt to exact money from you is illegal. You require them to acknowledge that no debt exists and to ensure that you hear no more from the agency.
If they wish to continue to claim that a contract exists, they should seek a hearing in the County Court. However, you will contest it and counterclaim for the inconvenience caused by their unscrupulous behaviour.i don’t know anything about the laws in the u.k. but they may be similar to ours in the u.s.

in which case, the gym needs to provide you with the contract (evidence) of the 12 month sign up. you probably signed up quickly and didn’t read the fine print? there are 2 common methods gyms use to contract:
1. pay per month
2. automatic withdrawal of monthly fees with a monthly/yearly/forever contract. (the most common)

most reputable gyms make you a copy of all of this info for you to keep in your files. it also should contain instructions on how to cancel.

debt agencies are persistent and annoying. you need to get proof of this contract for which they are claiming you signed. if the gym cannot provide you with this contract then you need to report both (gym and collection agency) to the federal trade commission or equivalent.

as a consumer it is your responsibility to know and ask for all of the binding contingencies on ANYTHING you sign. obviously you signed something, whether it was a contract or a release form, you need to get a copy of it.

here are some sites that can help you or others understand consumer rights:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Debt_Collection_Practices_Act

http://wiki.answers.com
ENTER:
What are your rights in dealing with a collection agency

good luck!

 

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