NYC Cracks Down on Gym Membership Traps
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection launched a compliance blitz targeting gym "subscription traps" and deceptive membership practices. The citywide initiative warns gyms against auto-renewal schemes and holds them accountable for transparent billing and easy cancellations. Gym-goers are encouraged to review their contracts and report any irregularities to the city.
- This city-led initiative sent warning notices to 187 gyms, including major chains like Planet Fitness, Equinox, and PureGym, to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws. - The crackdown is based on New York's Health Club Services Act and the state's automatic renewal law, which mandate clear disclosure of terms and easy-to-use cancellation options. - New York City is the most expensive city for a gym membership in the United States, with an average monthly cost of over $100. - The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) acted after receiving dozens of complaints from consumers in 2025 regarding difficulties in canceling their gym memberships. - Common complaints against gyms include misleading free trials that convert to paid memberships with unexpected fees and intentionally complex cancellation procedures. - Under New York law, consumers have a three-day window to cancel a new gym membership without penalty and are also entitled to cancel if they move more than 25 miles away or have a qualifying medical disability. - In a recent related action, the New York Attorney General secured a $600,000 settlement with Equinox for its difficult membership cancellation practices, with some consumers eligible for up to $250 in restitution. - The compliance blitz is part of a broader initiative by Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration to combat "hidden junk fees" and "subscription traps" across various industries, not just fitness centers.
