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The Department of Consumer Services is offering tips to people who have weight loss on their list of New Years Resolutions. The department is encouraging people to do their research before joining a gym. And as Whitney Ray tells us, they’ve set up a hotline for people to find out if the gym has had complaints filed against it.

These fitness enthusiasts aren’t waiting for the ball to drop to get in shape. They’re sweating it out at Good Friends Fitness Group, a Tallahassee fitness boutique, started by Allie Fleming two years ago.

“You are getting a more specialized service; smaller classes more one on one instruction,” said Fleming.

New Years is the Black Friday of the fitness world. Many people looking to live healthier in 2012 will join a gym next week, and the Department of Consumer Services wants to make sure they’re informed.

The Department has set up a hotline for people to call for tips about how to find the right health club and to find out which gyms have received consumer complaints.

They’ve also set up a website with tips. It suggests visiting the gym during the time you plan to workout, and don’t sign a contract on your first visit.

“It’s important to make sure you are confident with your decision, not only so that you know what you are signing because it is a contract, but also so that you know that the heal studio has the amenities you are looking for,” said Sarah Criser, a spokeswoman with the Department Consumer Services.

It’s also a good idea to check out the qualifications of the staff and trainers.

“Good Friends Group Fitness makes sure all of our trainers are not only certified in what they are training, they has CPR certification, and they have some sort of AFAA certification so they can teach a group fitness class,” said Fleming.

This gym offers several types of memberships and contract lengths. Consumers are encouraged to explore their options to find the best fit for their fitness plan. The number to the hotline is 1 800 HELP FLA (435-7352). And the website is www.800helpfla.com/pdfs/brochures/healthstudio.pdf.