US health clubs kicked into shape

HUNDREDS of Americans locked into lengthy contracts at gyms they never use have found help from an unlikely source - New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.

Better known as the scourge of Wall Street, Spitzer is taking aim at fitness centres that use high-pressure sales techniques and misleading advertising.

Spitzer, whose website has provided guidance for consumers to avoid being trapped in long-term gym contracts, has now taken action against Bally Total Fitness, which operates nearly 40 health clubs on his patch, New York State - forcing it to provide refunds and drop its aggressive sales pitch.

Hundreds of people had complained that Bally's advertising and sales tactics tricked them into signing long contracts and misled them about how much they would have to pay. Bally will have to change its whole sales approach and improve its cancellation policies.

Under New York law, no health club contract can exceed $3600 (£1900) a year, nor last longer than three years, but it is usually hard to cancel membership unless the member moves away or is ordered by a doctor not to take exercise.

Spitzer offers a way out, if consumers can show they were misled about the legally binding nature of the contract.

Bally, which says it now does business differently, has agreed to give pro-rata refunds in such circumstances.

'People joining health clubs expect trimmer bodies, not trimmer wallets,' Spitzer said. 'This agreement will help consumers better understand terms and condition of their membership and get the most for their money.'