To protect consumer rights, the Department of Consumer Protection (hereinafter referred to as the DCP) of the Executive Yuan conducted a joint inspection of fitness centers in May 2024. The inspection covered 21 fitness centers in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Taichung City, Tainan City, Chiayi City, and Yilan County. The findings were as follows: 7 establishments failed to meet requirements for building safety management, 1 for fire safety management, 10 for environmental safety management of drinking water equipment, 14 for standard contracts for fitness centers, and 15 for standard contracts for fitness coach services. Relevant agencies-in-charge have been requested to urge local governments to press operators to promptly rectify deficiencies identified during the inspection.
With increased health awareness among the public and the easing of pandemic restrictions, visits to fitness centers have become a frequent occurrence. To ensure public safety and protect consumer rights, the DCP conducted a joint inspection of fitness centers across the aforementioned special (Executive Yuan-governed) municipalities and counties (cities) in May 2024. The inspection results are summarized as follows:
I.Building safety management: 7 establishments failed to meet requirements, with the main deficiencies being failure to conduct declarations of building public safety inspections, failure to obtain permits for alterations of use, and failure to secure permits for interior renovations.
II.Fire safety management: 1 establishment failed to meet requirements, with the deficiency being failure to report changes in fire safety managers to the local fire department.
III.Environmental safety management: 10 establishments failed to meet requirements for continuous drinking water supply equipment. Main deficiencies included failure to maintain drinking water equipment at least once a month with corresponding maintenance records, failure to conduct water quality testing as required, and failure to place testing and maintenance records in a visible location by the equipment for inspection by the relevant agencies-in-charge.
IV.Standard contracts for fitness centers: 14 establishments failed to meet requirements. Main deficiencies included a lack of recognizable reviewing period provisions, failure to disclose public liability insurance coverage information at a visible location on-site and on websites, and failure to post warning labels for potential hazards associated with improper use of various equipment.
V.Standard contracts for fitness coach services: 15 establishments failed to meet requirements. Main deficiencies included a lack of recognizable reviewing period provisions, failure to disclose public liability insurance coverage information at a visible location on-site and on websites, failure to state that no penalties or fees of any kind may be charged for contract termination due to reasons beyond the control of the operator, and imposing additional restrictions on the reasons for the suspension of coach-led classes.
The DCP hereby calls on fitness center operators and consumers to take note of the following:
I.When using standard contracts, business operators must ensure compliance with the “Mandatory and Prohibitory Provisions of Standard Contracts for Fitness Centers” and the “Mandatory and Prohibitory Provisions of Standard Contracts for Fitness Coaches” set forth by the agencies-in-charge. In addition, business operators must provide consumers with sufficient time to review contracts thoroughly.
II.Before signing a contract, consumers must carefully review the terms, particularly when signing coach contracts. Consumers should confirm whether a specific coach is assigned and avoid purchasing too many sessions upfront to prevent disputes over contract termination refunds if the coach resigns, changes, or if sessions cannot be completed. Additionally, consumers should report any improper course sales tactics by business operators to the agencies-in-charge in a timely manner.
III.Business operators should ensure proper maintenance of indoor air quality and drinking water equipment in fitness centers to protect the health of the public.