Losing weight consistently ranks as a top New Year’s resolution for Americans. Each January, people seek gym and health club memberships to help them reach their newfound fitness goals. Your BBB encourages you to not rush into signing a fitness contract, as it may end up costing more in the long run.

In 2011, your BBB received more than 10,000 complaints nationally about gyms, health clubs and fitness centers, making it one of the top 20 most complained-about industries. If you’re in the market for a gym membership, don’t let your enthusiasm get in the way of smart buying. Be sure to check out prospective gyms and health clubs with your Better Business Bureau by visiting www.bbb.org or calling (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.

Take the following actions before signing up for a membership:

Find out the terms of any introductory offers. Gyms often use special introductory offers to lure you in. Make sure you understand the terms and what the price will be once the introductory period is over.

Determine if your membership will renew automatically. Read the fine print carefully, as some gym membership contracts renew automatically annually.

Know how you can get out of the contract. Many times, specific actions are needed to cancel, such as submitting a cancellation request in writing 30 days before the requested cancellation date.

Ask the gym to explain what will happen to your money if it suddenly goes out of business or how moving will affect your membership.

Ask yourself if you’re feeling pressured to join. Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics to join immediately. A reputable gym will give you enough time to read the contract thoroughly, tour the facilities and make an informed decision.

Lastly, determine if you’ve gotten everything in writing. Read the contract carefully and make sure verbal promises are in writing. What matters is the document you sign; don’t just take a salesperson’s word for it.

John North is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau.