Gym does more harm than good (From Surrey Comet)

Gym does more harm than good

9:56am Friday 24th February 2006 in

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Keeping fit can be a pricey business, especially if your New Year's resolution to stick to an exercise plan never got past joining a gym.

But when Dr Mike Robinson found himself trapped in a scenario familiar to many when he attempted to cancel his £73-a-month membership, he got so incensed he was prepared to go to court to fight it.

He had not used Esporta in Richmond Road for months and various facilities such as the sauna had not been operational when he did attend. So he simply cancelled his direct debit to Esporta without informing the gym's membership department. Eventually he was threatened with doorstep collectors.

He said: "There comes a point when you just have to say no'. I'm sure many people who join health clubs cease using them within a few months but they're not in the hands of local people so you have no power at all."

When the Comet phoned Esporta last week, manager Mark Mayhew denied chasing Dr Robinson for money, saying his records showed that no debt was outstanding. He said: "That's completely wrong, he doesn't owe any money at all."

But that didn't stop Dr Robinson receiving a letter from a debt collectors Scotcall on February 9 demanding payment of £98 within seven days and the company confirmed the debt was still owed on Friday.

When the Comet phoned Esporta on Monday, it said it had cancelled the debt against Dr Robinson and said that the sauna was working fully for all eight months he was a member.

But Dr Robinson wants an apology for his experience and he's not alone in thinking he is getting less than full value for money. According to researchers Mintel, one in five members use their gym less than once a month.

Entrepreneur Ben Dunne listed as Ireland's 45th richest man in the Sunday Times rich list has plans to open a series of low-cost fitness centres in Worcester Park. He believes the industry is too inflexible and inaccessible. He said: "They try to make the fitness business like the golf clubs in bringing snobbery into it and I want to change that. There's a lot of people who would want to exercise but who can't afford it because prices are crazy."

Mr Dunne runs three gyms in Dublin with 30,000 members and an average price of £400 a year. When members join, if they wish to quit, they can simply cancel their direct debit.

He said: "When you give people more choice you work harder to keep them so everyone benefits."

sgreenwood@london.newsquest.co.uk