Wisconsin has a specific law for fitness center contracts (Wis. Stat. 100.177), and it gives you real protections. You can cancel until midnight of the third operating day after you sign, by a written notice mailed or delivered to the gym. Your payments are then refunded within 21 days, minus a user fee of no more than $3 for each day you actually used the gym.

A fitness center contract can't run longer than two years, and the gym has to give you a copy of the contract when you sign it. If the facilities or services become unavailable, you owe only for the time that has passed and are entitled to a refund of the rest, or you can choose to finish the contract at another location the same business runs. The same pay-only-for-time-used rule applies if you die or become disabled.

The law doesn't promise a refund if you move away, so ask about that before you sign. For questions or problems, the state consumer protection hotline at DATCP is (800) 422-7128.