While using a Health Club is good for you, joining the wrong one can be down right unhealthy – for your wallet. Conscientious consumers should check out health clubs carefully before plunking down money for memberships. If they don’t, they risk getting taken somewhere much worse than the bench-press machines.

The New York Attorney General’s office won an agreement with the giant Bally Total Fitness after more than 600 consumers complained that deceptive ads and high-pressure sales techniques tricked them into signing long-term contracts at misrepresented prices. And Bally is only one.

As more people decide to shape up, problems with spas and health clubs have grown. Some close before they open, customers’ cash disappearing with the owners. Others close without notice, again with disappearing cash.

It has gotten to the point that many states have enacted legislation requiring health clubs to register with the state, giving consumers three days to change their minds after signing contracts and giving the spas just 30 days to refund payments to those who cancelled within the first three days. Contracts cannot exceed 36 months and must be in writing. And money collected before opening must be held in escrow unless the club posts a bond.

If you have experienced a problem with your health club please file a complaint below and share your experience with your fellow fitness buffs.