Trading standards chiefs are warning people in Bradford to check the small print on gym membership contracts – or face paying out even if the membership is cancelled.

The New Year is a peak time for joining gyms but people could be hit hard in the pocket once the novelty of an exercise regime wears off, West Yorkshire Trading Standards said.

Graham Hebblethwaite, chief officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: “The key thing, when agreeing to any contract, is to make sure that you have checked the small print carefully and understand what terms are being set.

“A contract with your gym cannot always be cancelled if you have simply changed your mind, and events such as moving home may not provide you with that right either.”

He said gym-goers should carefully read the terms and conditions of membership carefully before signing.

They should not be pressured into signing a contract immediately and should take it away and read it.

Anyone who takes out a credit agreement over the telephone or online, is entitled to a 14-working day “cooling- off” period.

Those taking out an agreement should check the terms for rights to suspend or terminate the membership before signing, get copies of any paperwork and keep it safely. People are also entitled to request a copy of the credit agreement from the finance company.

Anyone wishing to terminate a membership should put it in writing and send the notice by recorded delivery, keeping a copy of all correspondence.

It may be possible to stop a membership within the contract period if the gym fails to provide the services agreed to in the contract.

Bradford Councillor Val Slater, chairman of the Trading Standards Committee, said: “Don’t rush into making any decisions. Read the terms and conditions carefully before signing on the dotted line.”

Further information about rights and advice on solving consumer disputes is available from Consumer Direct on 0845 4040506 or at consumerdirect.gov. uk.