State cracks down on questionable gym

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A local gym that has yet to open was forced by state officials to stop pre-selling memberships. The gym is now promising refunds to those who already signed up.

Call 12 for action started hearing from frustrated members of Workout World in East Providence. Now, the clubs owner is asking for their patience.

Owner Steve Borghi says construction problems and permit issues are causing big delays, and now says the plan is to open before Christmas.

"Now having said that maybe sooner, lets run with that number so we won't get any body mad at us," said Borghi.

But Borghi faces other issues. When call 12 for action did some digging at the attorney generals office, we learned the owner never registered with the state, nor did he get a permit to pre-sell memberships. But close to 3,000 people signed up, the state has asked the club to stop charging new members until the club opens.

"We weren't trying to avoid the process, we were expanding, and I'll take fault on that, when other companies are going back, we're expanding. So it was just a question of not getting the t's crossed and the i's dotted," said Borghi.

According to the state because the club was never registered, any member who wants a refund can get one.

"If you are unhappy with the time line, we will refund any money back to you," said Borghi.

Bottom line, Borghi says, if those members who have signed up stay patient, the gym will open.

He said, "We're not smoke and mirrors, we're the real deal, and we bring in a real affordable price, at 10or 19 dollars a month."

Other tips to think about, consider your budget. Don't give in to pressure and take the contract home and read it thoroughly. Also know the membership details, especially when it comes to payment plans.

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