Great Neck Gym Charging Fee For Not Raising Rates

Members of a Great Neck health club are paying an extra fee each year in order not to pay extra fees each year.

Town Sports International, which owns New York Sports Clubs in Great Neck, is assessing members a $29 fee on their bill each January, on top of monthly dues, for what the company calls a "rate lock" payment.

A customer service representative with the company said the charge guarantees contracted members that their monthly dues won't increase as long as they continue to be a member.

The company began in May 2011 to require new members agree to the annual $29 fee.

Prior annual increases in dues translated into as much as $4 a month, according to Town Sports International. With the $29 charge, members save money under the arrangement, said Bob Giardina, chief executive of Town Sports International to the New York Times last year.

TSI owns and operates the Sports Clubs Network of clubs. Since 1974, the network has grown to include more than 150 health and fitness facilities in four major metropolitan areas including New York, Boston, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia with nearly a half million members. 

On Long Island, TSI operates 13 New York Sports Clubs locations in Commack, Deer Park, East Meadow, Garden City, Hicksville, Huntington, Great Neck, Long Beach, Oceanside, Port Jefferson Smithtown, Syosset and Woodmere.

Tell us: What do you think of the fee? Is it a good deal? Would this affect whether or not you join the club?