Austin Fitness Center Closes, Leaving Members Fit To Be Tied

They wanted to shape up. Now people who purchased memberships to work out at Austin FIT Wellness are completely bent out of shape.

Austin, Texas, June 11, 2007 Consumers say they responded to a promotional membership drive in April 2007, but the health club closed its doors in May without any notice. The phones have been disconnected and the website is also down.

A sign on the door at 9600 Escarpment Blvd in Austin says the center was forced to close because the owners hadn't paid their rent for the past six months. That's left customers who paid hundreds of dollars for personal training sessions, classes and use of the gym's facilities feeling sore.

The owners of Austin FIT Wellness, Buck and Adele Willis, sent some customers a letter stating their memberships would be transferred to the 24 Hour Fitness on William Cannon. But 24 Hour Fitness says they have no such deal with Austin FIT Wellness or the Willis'.

The Better Business Bureau serving Central and South Central Texas has received five complaints in the past two weeks. We are awaiting responses from the company.

The BBB warns choosing a quality health club requires caution. The following guidelines can help.

Shop around. Ask friends, coworkers, and your physician for recommendations. Call several clubs to find ones that match your interests and budget. Check with the Better Business Bureau for reliability reports on clubs you are considering.

Visit the club at the time of day you will use it. Talk to members and staff and determine the following:

• Are the hours and location convenient?
• Does the club have facilities and services that suit your needs?
• Are the equipment, exercise areas, and locker rooms clean and well-maintained?
• Is the facility overcrowded? Does the club limit new membership to prevent future crowding?
• Is the atmosphere friendly?
• What are the qualifications of the staff? Do they have appropriate education and training? Do they take an interest in and assist with individual goals and progress?

Carefully consider the contract. Take a copy home to read thoroughly before signing. Stay away from clubs that pressure you to sign on the spot.

• Does the contract list all services and facilities? All oral promises should be written down.
• What is total cost and payment schedule, including enrollment fees and finance charges? Do some services cost extra?
• How long is a membership term? A short-term membership is usually best in case you find yourself unmotivated or the club closes.
• Does the contract allow for a try-out period? Will the trial fee be applicable to longer-term membership?
• What are your cancellation and refund rights if you move, become disabled, or the club closes?
• Does a three-day cancellation policy apply if you change your mind shortly after signing up?
• Make sure the club has met state bonding and licensing requirements.

Finally, never sign up with a club that has not yet opened despite any special discounts. And beware if the club asks for your credit card number or deposit check before you have read the contract.

About the BBB System

BBB is an unbiased, non-profit entity that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses and charities that earn BBB membership contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business Reliability Reports and charity Wise Giving Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers who need help with unfair or unethical business treatment. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about the BBB System.

This Better Business Bureau is currently supported by approximately 6,900 member businesses and serves more than 3,000,000 consumers in its 52-county service area in Texas. These counties include: Atascosa, Bandera, Bastrop, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Bosque, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Comal, Comanche, Coryell, Dewitt, Dimmit, Edwards, Falls, Fayette, Freestone, Frio, Goliad, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hamilton, Hays, Hill, Jackson, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, Lampasas, LaSalle, Lavaca, Limestone, Llano, Maverick, McLennan, McMullen, Medina, Mills, Navarro, Real, San Saba, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Webb, Williamson, Wilson, and Zavala.

Website: http://www.centraltx.bbb.org