New state law makes canceling gym memberships easier

The new law also allows gym members to cancel online, and gym contracts can be cancelled without a penalty up to three days after they’re signed.

Tim Harfmann

Jan 1, 2025, 11:00 PM

Updated 2 days ago

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Joining a gym is a popular New Year’s resolution for many people, but what happens when you decide to stop going?
Well, canceling a gym membership is about to be easier.
A new state law goes into effect Feb. 1, requiring health clubs to accept and process cancelations and refunds within 10 business days.
The new law also allows gym members to cancel online, and gym contracts can be canceled without a penalty up to three days after they’re signed.
“It’s a great idea,” said Arlene Keizer, of Clinton Hill. “I’ve had a gym membership for years, and since the pandemic, I've hardly been in the gym. So, I've been paying monthly thinking that if I cancel it will just be harder to rejoin.”
“I think it’s hard on the independent, small gyms,” said Miriam Hendel, of Riverdale. “I would imagine that they don’t have the kind of flow of money that a larger corporate gym, like a planet fitness, that has multiples.”
Brooklyn State Senator Roxanne Persaud and Bronx Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz sponsored the legislation.