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  80 votes.

Bally's doesn't seem to be concerned about you physically, but fiscally. They are also focused on getting patrons to sign a contract that claims to permit a one-month membership with a one-month-out clause, but in actuality is an agreement to pay a $1,200 joining fee which must be paid over three years at a high rate of interest.

The February issue of Smart Money Magazine details their latest investigative study of tactics used by salespeople at Bally's. Bally's claims that the story is a "misrepresentation of fact." The FTC and Attorneys General of several states have sued Bally's in the past for fraudulent practices. It's not stopping them from continuing to conduct business in the old ways.

Follow Matatan's tips if you want to join a health club:
-  If you think a particular club may suit you, call the appropriate consumer agency in your
   state to check for outstanding complaints against the club. Tour the facility and ask questions.
-  Never sign a long-term contract. Only consider clubs that permit a month-to-month
     membership.
-  Take the contract home with you and read it thoroughly. Don't sign the contract at the club.
-  Never give a club permission to draft your checking account for monthly fees.
-  Don't fall for verbal promises that make or break your decision to join. These promises may
    tease you into thinking that new equipment is coming, or that you can transfer your
    membership to other facilities with the same name.
-  In most states, you have three days from the day you sign a health club contract to cancel
    without consequence.