Peabody Gym Accused Of Violating MA Consumer Laws

PEABODY, MA — Members of Work Out World on Route 1 in Peabody were reportedly told they could not immediately cancel their memberships after they were transferred to a different health club, an apparent violation of Massachusetts consumer protection laws.

The gym did not reopen even after coronavirus restrictions were lifted, according to Channel 5 News, which first reported this story. Work Out World transferred about 1,400 memberships to Best Fitness in Danvers. Channel 5 News reported that Best Fitness told those members they would have to give 30 days notice if they wanted to cancel.

But Joseph DiMare, one of the owners of Best Fitness, said the gym was honoring cancellation requests.

"If someone would like to cancel, they would just need to stop down to the club and we will make it super simple for a Workout World Member to cancel their membership at Best Fitness, if in fact they are a member of the club and were transferred over," DiMare said.

Massachusetts law, however, says health club members can cancel their membership as soon as the club closes.