You have put on a few pounds. That new wardrobe has mysteriously shrunk a little each time it went to the cleaners. You feel like a regular exercise program would make you feel better and be more energetic. Then you hear the advertisement for the health club.

Don't rush in. Evaluate exactly what you need. Determine what services and facilities are most important to you. It does no good to join a club that has excellent weight facilities but limited aerobics classes if aerobics are what you are interested in. You will be paying for those facilities even if you do not use them.

Go to the club during hours you would normally use it. Many clubs are relatively unused during the middle of the day since most people are at work. Some clubs even offer special rates for off-hour usage. Consider these plans if they work for your lifestyle.

Have a list of specific questions. Realize that you will probably be entering into a long-term financial transaction. Many club memberships run for at least a year. Understand that you have to pay that club membership for the term of your contract regardless of whether or not you use it. Then be prepared for the lines.

"That's just some paperwork for the office."

No, it's not! It is a binding contract where you are agreeing to pay a lot of money over time. The organization has had months to craft a contract full of terms that operate to its benefit.

Be aware club personnel, while frequently friendly, are interested in one thing - your money. They do not love you. Be late with a payment and you will find out how much and what they care about. The only workout they are interested in is the wrist action when you write a check.

They are in business to provide you with service for your money. Many times representations are made which consumers take to heart and later find themselves regretting after signing the contract. If a promise is not in writing, then it does not exist unless the club wants it to.

"We'll let you out of this contract anytime you want."

Yeah, right! What does the contract say? Unless there is specific wording in the contract that allows a consumer out of a contract, you may be bound for the entire term.

The Physical Fitness Services Act does give consumers three days to cancel the contract, but it must be done by certified mail - not in person or by phone. After three days the only way out of a contract is by death, moving 50 miles or more, permanent physical disability or by specific terms in the written contract.

The vast majority of the complaints received by the Department regarding physical fitness involve representation that a consumer could get out of the contract at their discretion. When the consumer wants out, the club ownership, looking at losing several hundred dollars, points to the piece of paper, signed by the consumer, which has no such terms. Then the matter becomes a case of "he said, she said," with the business having the benefit of a contract signed by the consumer.