The Attorney General's Health Club Unit

 

Under Maryland law, businesses that sell health club services (health clubs and gyms, weight loss centers, and self defense schools) must register with the Consumer Protection Division, except for certain nonprofit, government and academic facilities. Any club that collects more than three months' fees in advance or more than $200 in initiation fees must be bonded with the Consumer Protection Division. If the club closes, members may make a claim on the bond to get back some of the money they paid for services they didn't receive.

Closure Updates from the Health Club Registration Unit

We are dedicated to continue providing services to Marylanders who need assistance with health club issues. Because of the COVID-19 crisis, if you call the office at (410) 576-6350, you may have to leave a message but you will get a response as quickly as possible. Additionally, you can always reach us by email at healthclub@oag.state.md.us.​

All persons who sell health club services are required to register with the Health Club Registration Unit. A Fitness Center cannot sell health club services until it is registered. If your health club is not registered, you can register through this website.​

A Fitness Center that offers online options during a closure cannot require members to accept an online option but rather must provide one of the options mandated in 14-12B-04. The section does not preclude a club from offering online services during a closure and, for any member who wants online services, club owners who are charging for online services must price those services according to the value of the online services.​