New Jerseyans paying for monthly gym memberships they can’t use during a global pandemic might get some relief under a proposal introduced by Assemblywoman Angela McKnight (D-Jersey City).
McKnight’s bill would force gyms contracts to include provisions for cancellation and suspensions during an outbreak of an infectious disease like COVID-19 and permit contract cancellations without any financial penalty.
“When gyms reopened, many residents with memberships were uncomfortable with going into a facility, whether it was due to underlying health conditions or just out of caution,” McKnight stated. “However, consumers are tied to a relatively unbreakable contract with automatic monthly payments.”
According to McKnight, “going to the gym becomes next to impossible during a public health emergency such as this one.”
“Some residents may not be able to afford the membership fees due to financial constraints brought on by the pandemic,” the Hudson County Democrat said. “Residents should not have a surprise charge on their bank account, especially if they are not comfortable with going to the gym at this time.”