NYC Targets Gyms Over Subscription Traps, Warns 187 Facilities

NEW YORK, NY — Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection have initiated a compliance effort targeting gyms and health clubs.

The DCWP issued warning notices to 187 facilities across the city, including PureGym, Planet Fitness and Equinox.

These notices instruct businesses to adhere to state law concerning membership cancellations and the city’s Consumer Protection law.

This law prohibits deceptive advertising, such as bait-and-switch pricing, that intentionally complicates the cancellation process.

This action aligns with Mamdani’s executive order, which directed the DCWP to lead a citywide crackdown on hidden junk fees and subscription traps.

“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.”

Gyms commonly require consumers to navigate complex procedures to cancel memberships. Examples include offers that appear free but lead to unexpected fees, or administrative requirements that delay cancellation requests. The DCWP received numerous complaints in 2025 from consumers experiencing difficulties canceling gym memberships.

Mamdani’s executive order on subscription traps mandates the DCWP to “monitor, investigate, and enforce violations related to subscription tricks and traps.” This includes practices that make the cancellation of subscriptions or memberships intentionally difficult for consumers.