Gym cancellation notice period

A question about : Gym cancellation notice period

Hi

I'm about to change gym from a very flexible fitness centre where you pay for sessions that you use rather than a monthly fee, to a more traditional model with a monthly membership fee (only because the latter has a swimming pool!). For this I will be signing up for a 12 month contract (fine) but it states that I must cancel that contract after 9 months or I will be liable for a further year. I'm aware 3 month notice periods are still standard except in certain circumstances (I read the OFT ruling of last year) but if it's a year's contract and you don't cancel after 9 months can they really then demand another 15 months worth of fees from you?!

Best answers:

• Yes - these so-called 'break points' we're very common for the early mobile phone contracts but slowly evolved. They are what you agree, so if you dislike the terms don't sign up to it.
  As long as you diarise the window to leave then it is never going to be a problem - only if your circumstances change, and then it is no different from any other commitment.
• Ok - thank you. Seems a bit old-fashioned and punitive, but if it's legal then we either sign or cut our losses! Thank you for your advice.
• Can you give notice to cancel the contract immediately after signing up, then retract the cancellation if you change your mind and do want to stay for a second year?
• Hi
  I am cancelling my gym membership with Nuffield with the correct notice period and due to relocation where I can not access the gym. They have asked for some sort of proof, which I provided my tenancy agreement! They are now asking me to provide a signed tenancy agreement?? Can they do this? No where in the contract does it even mention that proof will be needed. I feel they are being quite invasive.
  I am now tempted now to just cancel my DD so they don't even get my last months payment out of me, as I won't be using the gym anyway.
  Any advice or tips would be appreciated.