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Page 18 THE HERALD Wednesday January 9 Fitness enthusiasts are now protected Community- Those planning on working out at a fitness to help keep a New Years resolution should know about a provincial law in by Ontario s Consumer Ministry The Prepaid Services Act was passed two years ago to deal with many complaints about contracts of or more with associated with health fitness modelling and diets Talent schools martial arts academics sports and dance clubs are also covered by the legislation Many consumers who paid large sums for long term con tracts were losing their when the establishments closed their doors More than fitness clubs have declared bankruptcy in Ontario in the past six years representing consumer losses of more than million But under the act consumers must now be given the option of paying by monthly instalment While the club has the right to charge up to 25 per cent more for instalment plan memberships than for those paid by one annual fee the month by month method protects consumers from major losses The act also limits contracts to one year in length If the club goes out of business fitness buffs won t be left holding a worthless lifetime contract The law provides additional protection for those who sign up for a club that is not yet open Ex cept in certain circumstances presold memberships become null and void if the club doesn open on schedule The buyers money must be returned on re quest Under the law all prepaid membership fees must be hera in trust until the club opens When making prepayments for a club it s important to get a receipt for all payments you have made to the club s trustee However if a buyer agrees to use an alternate facility while the new club is under construction these preselling rules don app ly If the club t open on time consumers may not get their money back Ministry experts advise those considering buying fitness club services before the club opens to have a look at any alternate facility offered before they sign If the location is inconvenient or the club just doesn t seem up to par in short if it not a club you d consider joining on its own merits you could spend a long time grumbling before the new location opens The Prepaid Services Act also stipulates that initiation fees be limited to no more than twice the club annual membership fee This prevents those considering membership from being enticed by law renewal rates into paying high initial fees Also consumers need not allow clubs access to their credit cards or bank accounts or provide post dated cheques for monthly payments Even those who ve signed a contract they regret can take tioi if they act quickly Under the legislation con are guaranteed a cooling off period This means it is ble to cancel the contract and receive a full refund of payments limited period advantage of this op portm ity the buyer must deliver a letter of recession ti n to the club s business office thin fie days of signing The le should be sent by mail and the on should keep a copy of it The refund due within 20 days of receipt of the letter Regardless of how much piz the club s appearance presents asking some basic questions should help you know if you re on the right track Are instructors qualified A knowledgeable instructor with a background In fitness should take the time to evaluate level and assess your goals They should then design a personal program to help you achieve those goals Is equipment appropriate and well maintained If you never tried repetitions on a rowing machine ask for a demonstration and explanation of how the equip ment is used before you sign up Be wary if a lot of equipment is out of order All equipment breaks down once in a while but if a member answers two mon ths when you ask how long it s been since the bike s been out of service watch out Is the club clean Dirty carpets and neglected washrooms can be an early in of financial trouble Is there enough room in the club Schedule a visit at the time you re most likely to attend Aerobics classes should be neither so full no one can move or so empty they may be cancell ed What are the club hours Special times are sometimes reserved for certain activities such as seniors afternoon aqua fit classes or children Saturday swimming lessons Make sure the club s agenda fits yours Consumers with further ques tions about the Prepaid Services Act should call their local Con sumer Services Bureau listed in the blue pages of the telephone directory before they sign on the dotted line Local artist exhibition Batten held his oil painting show at the over 25 years Batten said this was his first show at Cultural Centre Gallery Saturday which attracted the centre and would like to have another in the near many visitors A local artist who has painted for future Herald photo ITS ALL GOT TO GO 80 OFF LISTEDPRICE OF EVERYTHING BLUE JEANS 500 RUNNING SHOES LADIES KNIT SWEATERS 000 LADIES KNIT SKIRTS BOYS UNDERWEAR Reg 36 SKI TURTLENECKS Reg 99 NOW LONG UNDERWEAR tops bottoms 82 JOGGING PANTS T0PS 200 TOYS GIFTS 80 OFF MENS SHIRTS CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS 80 OFF KIDS CLOTHES 80 OFF T SHIRTS 499 SPORTS EQUIPMENT 80 OFF NEW YEAR S PARTY GOODS SWEAT SHIRTS SHORTS TOPS PANTS SHIRTS TRACK SHOES CHILDRENS CLOTHES ALL GIFTS 80 OFF AND MUCH MUCH MORE ALL FIXTURES MUST GO tables racks displays SAVINGS YOU CANT AFFORD TO MISS NINTENDO HO OFF EVERY GAME lots of item 00 TO MENTION NINTENDO RENTALS FOR SALE HOUSEWARE ITEMS 80 OFF CCP LIQUIDATORS ARE CLOSING THEIR RETAIL OPERATION I PRICE or LESS STORE GEORGETOWN SOME ITEMS EXCLUDED