FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Straight Blast Gym worked with the National Consumer Authority when designing our membership agreement. To make your choice of MMA gym simple we've listed and answered the 10 questions which they advise consumers to ask before choosing their gym, while adding FAQs from our callers.

1.Can I visit a gym before becoming a member?

Straight Blast Gym is a private members club however we can (and recommend), by appointment, organise a club trial. We also recommend that you take the opportunity to speak to our existing members and find out why Straight Blast Gym is the preferred MMA gym.

2.What is included in the membership fee?

Our membership fee includes full use of all our facilities including over 24 classes per week.

Personal training, specialised courses and retail products are available at additional costs.

3.How do I pay for my gym membership?

A choice of half-yearly, annual up-front payment or monthly subscriptions by standing order is available.   Plus, there is NO joining fee.

4.How can I work out the cost of joining a gym?

It's a simple formula. Ask yourself how many times a week you are going to visit the club and divide that by the monthly cost. There are no negative costs to making health and fitness part of your lifestyle. Don't forget to factor in all the benefits of membership! You control the value of your gym membership, we make sure you enjoy it.

5.How long is the contract for?

Unlike many other clubs, Straight Blast Gym does NOT ask you to sign a 12 month contract. Instead we simply ask that you give us 2 months notice to cancel. This gives you the flexibility to fit your membership around your lifestyle whilst allowing us to be able to forecast membership numbers more accurately to avoid overcrowding.

However, we understand that in the case of medical/redundancy reasons 2 months notice is not always possible. Under these circumstances we can cancel or suspend your membership immediately.  Doctor’s note/proof of redundancy required.

You need to be aware that if you sign a contract to join ANOTHER gym (for say a "minimum period of 12 months"), you are most likely to be committed to paying for a year's membership. If this is the case, you may not be able to cancel the contract. This can be the case, even if you pay by instalments or by direct debit. Once you have signed the contract you are legally committed to paying for the minimum duration. In cases where the membership subscription has been made in advance ("up front payment") you may not get a refund/partial refund. Straight Blast Gym will issue a proportionate refund if requested for annually paid subscriptions. While it is open to you to stop your direct debit at any time, you should be aware, that this would not remove your payment obligations under the contract.

6.Do I have to give notice to cancel?

As we do not have a 12 month contract we ask for 2 months notice to cancel, unless it is due to medical/redundancy reasons in which case immediate cancellation is possible if supported with documentation.

The 2 month notice period is clearly highlighted on the Membership Application form when a member signs with us.

7.What action can a gym take if I miss a payment?

Approaches may vary from club to club. Consumers should be aware that cancelling a direct debit linked to a minimum membership period, does not cancel any debt that may exist between the gym and the consumer. Remember gyms may be within their rights to follow up on missed payments, as the signed contract agreement is a legally binding document.

When you cancel a gym membership and if you have been paying by monthly instalments, you should check you bank/credit card statements to ensure that subscriptions have ceased. Remember it is your responsibility to check your statements.

8.Understanding the wording of the membership agreement

There is no hidden small print in our agreement.  As a result, the agreement is very clear and unambiguous. You do not need legal advice to understand the terms and conditions. Take time to read the contract through, so that you fully understand what the club expects of you and what you can expect of the club. If you do not understand any of the conditions, or if the meaning of the term is unclear, ask questions and get your answers before signing. That way you will be more likely to not only get fit but also know you are getting a fair deal!

9.What if Gyms say they are not liable for injury claims

Under the provisions of the European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) Regulations 1995, a clause is considered potentially unfair if it states that the supplier is not responsible for death or personal injury to the consumer "resulting from an act or omission of that supplier".

You should bring this to the attention of the gym owner/manager.

10.Redress:

If you have a disagreement with the gym in relation to the services, you should first try and resolve the matter by directly approaching the gym owner/manager. It is advisable to keep copies of all correspondence.

In the event that the dispute cannot be resolved, it is open to you, to refer the issue to the Small Claims Court at www.courts.ie. Claims involving amounts up to €2,000 may be processed through this procedure at a cost of €15.

11. Can I train at both SBG Longmile and SBG City Centre with one membership?

No, the one membership is not transferable between gyms as they are under different management.  We advise you avail of the free trial to determine which gym suits your needs taking in the location and times of classes.

12.And finally...

Whatever gym you are considering joining we recommend that you take the opportunity to speak to its existing members and find out if they are satisfied with the service the club provides. Be aware of potentially unfair terms. Ask the 10 questions recommended by the NCA and set out above and satisfy yourself that their agreement meets your requirements. No matter where you choose, we believe that everyone should make health and fitness part of their lifestyle.