In a sweeping push against shady gym practices, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani’s administration fired off compliance warnings Thursday to 187 gyms and health clubs citywide, including big names like PureGym, Planet Fitness, and Equinox.
The letters from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) demand adherence to state cancellation laws and the city’s Consumer Protection law, which bans deceptive ads such as bait-and-switch pricing and hurdles that make ditching memberships a nightmare.
This blitz stems from Mayor Mamdani’s January executive orders targeting hidden junk fees and “subscription traps”—schemes where signing up is a breeze, but canceling feels like a triathlon.
“New Yorkers shouldn’t need a personal trainer to cancel a gym membership,” Mamdani said. “If a company makes it easy to sign up but nearly impossible to walk away, we will enforce the law and protect your time and your money.”
DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine echoed the sentiment: “Going to the gym is good for your health, but having to jump through hoops to cancel an unwanted membership is a waste of your time and money. Our citywide warning makes it clear that DCWP will not hesitate to take aggressive enforcement action.”
Common gripes include “free” trials that morph into surprise charges, hidden fees without clear warnings, and endless admin red tape. Last year, DCWP fielded dozens of complaints from frustrated New Yorkers stuck in gym purgatory.
The mayor’s orders empower DCWP to hunt down and punish these tricks, signaling tougher days ahead for non-compliant chains.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
