January 4, 2008
 

Charlotte, NC--  Did you know Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department operates eight fitness centers with modern conditioning equipment for public use?  These centers are in Park and Recreation facilities around Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and they are available for modest membership fees or per use charge. 

This opportunity, provided by Mecklenburg County, is something to think about when the local Better Business Bureau has just issued a warning like the following:

Joining a Gym? Complaints to BBB about Fitness Clubs
 Have Increased by 90% in Last Five Years
Media Contact:  Janet C. Hart, (704) 927-8617

Charlotte, NC – January 2, 2008 - Complaints received by The Better Business Bureau about fitness clubs have increased more than 90 percent in the last 5 years. According to a new analysis conducted by the BBB, the most common complaints consumers have about fitness clubs focus on two related areas, contract disputes (41.5 percent) and billing issues (31.7 percent). The BBB has also seen a rise in complaints about fitness centers that sold memberships, only to go out of business a few weeks later (15.1 percent), leaving disgruntled customers behind trying to recoup their advance payments...More than 15 percent of complaints came from consumers whose fitness center either closed up completely or changed management shortly after they joined.

This kind of thing will not happen at fitness centers operated by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. These centers do not require contracts.

After the first of the year, when many people get a little out of weight during the holidays, Park and Recreation invites the public to try out county-owned fitness centers. They offer cardiovascular, weight resistance, and free weight equipment at considerable value.  Some centers have a fitness coordinator on site to help you shape-up. Some offer exercise classes. Fees vary at each site depending on equipment available. Click here for locations.