Wolf’s Fitness Center

Great gym — dubious contract — buyer beware
Boilerplate adhesion form contract that falls short of traditional contract theory & doctrine in that both parties ‘should’ have ample information & equal bargaining power. Contract contains unconscionable exculpatory clauses relieving the gym (the drafting party) of liability for their own negligence, which may be enforceable in business-​friendly, conservative SC courts. Therefore, it’s in the consumer’s best interest to review & edit the contract before signing. Unfortunately, they apply time pressure, discouraging the consumer from any serious, thoughtful reviews.
3 obvious issues:
1. Time pressure: read & sign compulsively, no time for serious review.
2.) Unreasonable customer cancellation rights.
3.) Hold harmless legal waiver (s).
As written, it’s very difficult to cancel unless you negotiate & assert your legal rights — see the SC PHYSICAL FITNESS SERVICES ACT.
SC law currently allows for a 3-​day cancellation period (Right of Rescission) & one arcane line of code in the SC Physical Fitness Services Act allows for «more liberal cancellation rights», ref. 44−79−30(A)(7).
Contract also contains another unreasonable & possibly illegal provision: the member agrees to waive any & all legal action against the gym arising from ‘any’ activity (includes recklessness & gross negligence).
After taking care of the legal aspect, the gym is actually a great place to workout. Plenty of cooling fans, well lit, clean, good variety of weight & aerobic machines, dry sauna, music, ample space, tanning, classes & friendly staff.
Resources:
SC PHYSICAL FITNESS SERVICES ACT:
Consumer complaints:
Martha S. Phillips | Staff Attorney
SC Department of Consumer Affairs
2221 Devine Street, Suite 200
PO Box 5757 | Columbia, SC | 29 250‑5757
800.922.1594 | 803.734.4241 | 803.734.4229 (f)
How to Negotiate a Gym Membership Contract: Top 5 Tips:
What are contracts of adhesion?