6 Hudson Valley Gyms Fined Over State Law Violations

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has fined six Hudson Valley gyms as part of the State's investigation into violations of the Health Club Services Law.

The investigation found that 96 gyms from across New York State were guilty of violating New York's Health Club Services Law. According to Clubindustry.com a total of $38,000 were handed out in fines and penalties to the health clubs.

Violations ranged from failure to make certain disclosures to members, compliance with health club requirements and the omission of specific provisions that must be included in every membership contract.

It's not clear which laws were purportedly broken by the Hudson Valley gyms named in the investigation, but all of them were fined the minimum amount of $250. The gyms include All Sport Health and Fitness in Fishkill, Gold's Gym on Main Street in Fishkill, Liberty Fitness Center on Main Street in Liberty, Snap Fitness on Route 94 in Warwick, Sportsplex on 9W in New Windsor and Straub's Fitness on Route 17M in Goshen.

The attorney general says that the investigation is ongoing and may include other health clubs. Club industry.com reports that Schneiderman reminded consumers to be mindful of the requirements that all gyms must follow under the Health Club Law:

No health club contract can exceed $3,600 a year.

No health club contract can be for a term longer than 36 months.

All health club contracts are cancelable within three days of the signing of the contract, and at any time for any of the following reasons: if the health club ceases to offer the services stated in the contract; if the consumer moves 25 miles from any health club operated by the seller; and if upon a doctor's order, the consumer cannot receive the services as stated in the contract because of significant physical disability for a period in excess of six months. Such notices must appear on all health club contracts. The health club must provide refunds within 15 days of such cancellation.

The Hudson Valley gyms that were found in violation of these rules have all agreed to fix member contracts to make sure they are now in compliance.