There’s something about fall that makes us want to reset.
Maybe it’s swapping iced coffee for something warm, getting back into a routine or finally trying that yoga class you’ve been thinking about all summer. Whether you’re looking for a little more movement, some time to unwind or simply an excuse to leave the house after work, a yoga membership can be a great way to build a new routine.🍂
But before you roll out your mat and commit to a membership, take a minute to understand what you’re signing up for.
Is a yoga membership a fitness contract?
It can be.
In BC, ongoing activities that are physical in nature including yoga, pilates, spinning, martial arts, sports lessons and gym memberships can fall under the rules for fitness or personal services. These rules give you certain rights when you sign up for these types of services.
That means your yoga membership isn’t just about how many classes you can squeeze into your week. It’s also a contract with a business, and there are rules about what the business must tell you before you agree and what needs to be included in your contract.
Before you commit, check the details.
Before signing up, take a look at the terms of your membership.
Things like the total price, payment terms, promotional offers, cancellation and refund policies, and other important information should be clearly explained to you before you agree. You should also receive a copy of your contract within 15 days after entering into it.
If you’re signing up for a discounted introductory membership, pay attention to what happens when that promotional period ends. A great deal for your first month may look a little different once the regular price kicks in.
Changed your mind? You may have options.
Let’s say you sign up for a six-month yoga membership and a few days later, realize that early-morning yoga and your actual sleep schedule are not as compatible as you imagined.
You have 10 days from the day you receive a copy of your contract to cancel for any reason. Use our cancellation form and send your request to the business in a way that gives you proof it was delivered, such as email, fax or registered mail. Keep a copy of your request and any other communication for your records.
What if life changes after those 10 days?
Sometimes your routine changes for reasons that have nothing to do with your motivation. You may be able to cancel your fitness contract if you move more than 30 km away from the facility or if you become mentally or physically unable to participate in the activity. You may also have cancellation rights if the business makes certain changes to the services you originally agreed to.
For example, if your yoga studio moves to a location more than 30km away, or you can no longer participate because of a physical or mental inability to do so, you may be able to cancel your contract.
What if the business won’t cancel your membership?
Start by giving the business an opportunity to resolve the issue. Not every business offering fitness contracts may be familiar with all of the rules, and many businesses are willing to correct a problem once they understand their obligations. If you’ve followed the appropriate cancellation process and are still having trouble cancelling your contract or receiving a refund, you can submit a complaint to our office.
About Consumer Protection BC
We are a not-for-profit regulator responsible for overseeing certain industries and specific 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 try to offer a referral to a relevant organization, if one exists. Other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at consumerprotectionbc.ca.
Please note, information on our website is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For details, read our website disclaimer.