The Sunday Tribune - Spectrum

CONSUMER RIGHTS
Unfit fitness centres

Pushpa Girimaji emphasises the need to keep a tab on the services and facilities offered at gyms and health clubs

ALMOST everyone is turning into a fitness freak — even our usually pot-bellied politicians seem to be pumping iron-going by the visuals one saw on television during the elections. But this time of the year, it’s the students who want to use their vacation time to put some extra inches on those biceps. Of course, moms too use this opportunity to get into shape.

The desire for a well-sculpted body has spurred a new industry. Gymnasiums and fitness centres are springing up in every nook and corner in cities and towns. But how qualified and safe are these?

Going by the reports about accidents involving these health clubs and gymnasiums, obviously not every one of these is fit for the business of body building or toning. About two years ago, a 47-year-old woman working on a treadmill at a health club in Delhi suffered injuries, when the machine suddenly gathered speed and threw her off balance. Apparently, two days prior to that, she had faced a similar problem, but an accident had been averted by the quick action of a trainer.

There are also cases of fitness enthusiasts suffering severe back pain and neck pain thanks to an exercise regime conducted under a poorly qualified trainer. In fact, orthopaedics and physiotherapists say that today it is not uncommon for them to get patients who are victims of sub-standard and unsafe gyms.

A good quality gym includes not just quality gadgets, but also trained personnel to maintain them regularly and ensure their safety. The gym should also assess the physical state as well as the dietary and exercise requirement of each consumer and, accordingly, tailor the programme to suit individual needs. And there has to be constant supervision. There should also be adequate facilities for emergency medical help.

Not every gymnasium in the country can boast of all these. And since in the absence of proper safety measures, there is every possibility of a consumer suffering an injury, most of them prefer to secure their interests through one-sided agreements or contracts that say that the customer will not hold the club responsible for any loss or injury that may be caused at the gym. "All members and guests use the facilities and equipment provided by the club at their own risk" is another such clause in the agreement.

In the United Kingdom, , the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999, enforced by the Office of Fair Trading consumers against such one-sided and unfair agreements.

We also need to have a specific law that prohibits unfair terms in contracts and protects consumers, besides a regulator to enforce quality standards in gymnasiums.

Meanwhile, before joining a gymnasium, check the facilities. Speak to those who are using them. Find out how often they carry out inspection and maintenance of gadgets? What kind of qualification do the trainers have? Also check on their refund and liability policy. Read the agreement very carefully before signing. In short, check the health of the fitness club before you enrol.