When gyms can demand the full contribution

Many restrictions on public life are relaxed. Gyms are also opening again. However, the offer is often limited. Do members still have to pay in full?

Mainz (dpa / tmn) - sport is possible again: fitness studios can also reopen in many places. Due to official requirements, only a limited offer is currently possible. Showers, for example, may not be used, and the saunas remain closed.

If you don't get the contractually agreed services, you don't have to pay the full price, says Jennifer Kaiser from the Rhineland-Palatinate Consumer Center in an interview with the dpa themed service.

When can I reduce my contributions?

Jennifer Kaiser: It always depends on what has been contractually agreed. There are very different options: one has a contract for training on the equipment, the other can also take part in courses and the next has an all-inclusive contract, which also allows use of the sauna and swimming pool.

In our opinion, those who cannot use some offers such as the sauna or courses due to the restrictions do not have to pay for it. Because there is a so-called partial impossibility. That means: the fitness studio cannot offer some of the services. But it cannot ask for contributions.

What do I have to do now?

Kaiser: It is best to talk to the studio operator. Many come to meet customers and offer vouchers, for example, or reduce their contributions. However, some of them also cross. In this case, you should calculate yourself how much you can reduce the contribution. If, for example, half of the offer is canceled, you only have to pay half of the contribution.

You should inform the provider in writing - preferably by registered letter. If you have set up a standing order, this must be changed accordingly. If a direct debit has been issued, it can be revoked and you transfer the contribution.

Can I now also terminate the contract?

Kaiser: There is no special right of termination in this case because there is no legal basis for this. And there is also no extraordinary right of termination here. That would only be possible if the continuation of the contract were unreasonable for you. However, since the studio operator is not responsible for the situation because it is due to the pandemic, this possibility no longer applies.

If you want to cancel, you have to adhere to the agreed deadlines. It is important to note that the contract is not automatically extended by the time that the studio was closed. This is only the case if this has been agreed.