A NICE tan is not the only thing many of us dream of as the summer approaches. With that longed for holiday in the sun beckoning, many of us also want to ensure we get into shape for that perfect beach body.

That often means a trip to the local gym - good for your image and good for your health too.

Most gyms these days require you to be a member. There is nothing wrong with that, it may just be worth checking the membership terms and rules before you sign up.

"The effects of the membership form you sign at the gym or health club could last longer than your new trainers, so stop and think before you sign on the dotted line," says the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), which has just brought out a new guide to health club membership terms, entitled Are They Fit To Join?

The leaflet, the OFT says, aims to "help you spot unfairness, whether you are simply thinking of signing up to an agreement, or if you have concerns about a current membership".

The leisure industry is big business. In 2002, consumers spent over £3.5 billion in the UK alone. So it's wise to make sure you get the most for your money.

There are a number of things you should be thinking about before you sign or renew any contract, the OFT says.

Here are its tips on how to put your gym contract through its paces - plus a few of your questions answered.

Speak to existing club members to see if they are happy with the service before committing yourself

If you do not understand anything, ask and do not sign until you are happy the club has explained everything properly

If the staff offer you anything different from what is in the contract, make sure you get it confirmed in writing

Most importantly, read the contract thoroughly before you sign up to anything and make sure it covers everything.

Q: What are my rights when cancelling and renewing my membership?

A: Quite often your contract may be for a set period of time, perhaps a year and you will be committed to pay up for that full period, so be aware of what you are agreeing to. Rolling membership agreements, with no fixed minimum period, also require notice to cancel so you will have to continue to pay for that notice period. Be aware some clubs may try to automatically renew your membership without your permission, or try to get you to renew it long in advance of your current membership expiring. This may be an unfair term, so get advice if you have been caught out by a term like this.

Q: What if the service changes?

A: You are entitled to receive a service that is, in all important aspects, the one you signed up for. You do not expect certain gym facilities like saunas or pools to be permanently closed, or have much shorter opening times. Question any terms that allow your club to significantly change the service they provide.

Q: Are they liable if I injure myself?

A: By law a gym cannot limit or exclude responsibility for death or personal injury caused by its own negligence. It can also be unfair if the club tries to avoid any responsibility if you have property lost or damaged due to the club's actions or negligence.

Q: Have I signed a credit agreement?

A: When you agree to a joining fee or payment on a monthly basis you may also be committing yourself to a credit agreement with a finance company that you will be liable for even if you change your mind about being a member later on in the agreement. Think carefully before you enter into a credit agreement and check the small print before you sign.

You can download the OFT's leaflet on unfair terms in gym contracts from OFT website at: www.oft.gov.uk

Updated: 08:48 Thursday, July 22, 2004