Gym memberships

What an open gym membership covers

An open membership buys access. You walk in and use the weights, racks, machines and cardio area on your own plan. Some memberships add classes. Some cover more than one site. Some limit the hours you can get in. The agreement says which, so never assume.

It suits people who already have a rough idea of what to do, or who are happy to work it out. If you want a coach to write the program and watch your technique, look at strength and conditioning or small group training.

Two shapes of agreement

• Ongoing. Paid by direct debit until you cancel, often with a minimum term at the start.
• Prepaid. Paid in advance for a fixed period.

Some states put limits on both. In Queensland it is illegal for a gym to offer a prepaid agreement that expires more than 12 months after purchase, or an ongoing one with a minimum term longer than 18 months (Queensland Government). Queensland also requires the agreement to be in writing, and you must be given a chance to read it and the centre's rules before you sign (Queensland Government).

Before you sign, check

• Fees at the start. NSW Fair Trading warns that administration fees are non-refundable even if you cancel during the cooling-off period (NSW Fair Trading). Ask what they are before you pay.
• The end of the minimum term. Does the membership roll on, and can you stop it then without a penalty?
• Freezing. Consumer Affairs Victoria's industry guide (2011 edition) calls the option to suspend a membership a valuable response to members' needs. It notes suspension is typically for a nominal fee and matters more the longer the term (Consumer Affairs Victoria).
• The direct debit. The same guide notes that cancelling a direct debit does not necessarily cancel the membership. Cancel the membership itself, in writing.
• Your copy. Take the signed agreement home with you.
• Hours and sites. Staffed hours, after-hours access and whether other locations are included.

Getting out of it

Cancelling rules vary by state. In Western Australia you can cancel at any time by letter or email without going in person. The notice period cannot be more than 30 days (WA Consumer Protection). Elsewhere, check the notice period in the agreement and keep proof of when you sent your notice.

Council gyms are worth a look

Many councils run a gym in a pool or leisure centre. In Sydney, the council's 360 membership gives access to the City of Sydney's network of pools and fitness facilities (City of Sydney). In Melbourne's north, Darebin's Reservoir Leisure Centre lists cardio equipment, pin and free weights and a functional training space (City of Darebin). Ask who issues the agreement. At a council centre it may be the centre's operator.