24-Hour Gym │ Consumer Council: Some Single-Month Fees More Than Double Average Monthly Charges

The Consumer Council received 155 complaints about 24-hour gyms last year, an increase of over 85% year-on-year, the highest on record. In the first two months of this year, nearly 50 complaints were received, 30 more than the same period last year.

The Consumer Council compiled service fees and terms from 11 24-hour gyms, comparing the average monthly fee for 1-month and 12-month memberships. It found that the monthly fee for a 1-month membership is higher than the average monthly fee for a 12-month membership, with some price differences reaching one to two times.

Among them, Anytime Fitness charges not only a basic monthly fee but also an electronic key deposit and a joining fee. After calculation, the average monthly fee for a 1-month membership exceeds twice that of a 12-month membership. Additionally, three gyms—MPower Fitness, 4S Fitness, and EFX24—showed that the difference between the average monthly fee for 1-month and 12-month memberships also exceeds one time.

The Consumer Council pointed out that consumers purchasing longer-term memberships who encounter special circumstances and cannot use the gym for a period can suspend their membership at 10 gyms. However, procedures, eligibility, and maximum suspension periods vary. Some gyms only accept applications for suspension due to pregnancy, illness, or overseas business trips, and require proof.

Proof documents required during free trial period

Furthermore, the Consumer Council visited 22 branches as ordinary consumers and found that two gyms required customers to submit proof with their name or photo for temporary storage during the free trial period. Another nine gyms require facial recognition as the main entry verification method when purchasing a membership, which involves capturing facial or half-body images.

The Consumer Council reminds businesses that when collecting and handling personal data, they must follow the principle of “necessary but not excessive” to comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

Testing reports released in odd months, complaint records in even months

The Consumer Council stated that in the future, two product testing and market survey reports will be published in odd-numbered months, and two complaint records will be released in even-numbered months. This new arrangement aims to make the published content clearer and more focused.