NYC Targets Gyms Over 'Subscription Trap' Tactics

Mayor's office issues compliance warning to nearly 200 gyms over deceptive cancellation policies

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has launched a compliance effort targeting gyms and health clubs, sending warning notices to 187 businesses over deceptive advertising and membership cancellation practices. This action follows an executive order by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani directing the DCWP to investigate and address hidden junk fees and subscription traps.

Why it matters

This crackdown on deceptive gym membership practices signals a broader effort by the Mamdani administration to protect consumers from unfair business tactics. By specifically targeting an industry with a history of consumer complaints, the city is setting a precedent that could extend to other subscription-based services.

The details

The DCWP letters urge compliance with state law and the city's Consumer Protection law, which prohibit deceptive advertising practices such as bait-and-switch pricing and burdensome administrative requirements that intentionally make membership cancellations difficult. Targeted gyms include national chains like PureGym, Planet Fitness, and Equinox.

  • In 2025, the DCWP received dozens of complaints from New Yorkers struggling to cancel their gym memberships.
  • On February 20, 2026, Mayor Mamdani and the DCWP launched the compliance effort, sending warning notices to 187 gyms.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who issued an executive order directing the DCWP to investigate and address hidden junk fees and subscription traps.

Sam Levine

The commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

PureGym

A gym chain that received a warning notice from the DCWP as part of the compliance effort.

Planet Fitness

A gym chain that received a warning notice from the DCWP as part of the compliance effort.

Equinox

A gym chain that received a warning notice from the DCWP as part of the compliance effort.

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What they’re saying

“New Yorkers shouldn't need a personal trainer to cancel a gym membership. 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.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor (newsy-today.com)

“Going to the gym is good for your health, but having to jump through hoops to cancel an unwanted membership is a waste of your time and money. Our citywide warning to gyms makes it clear that DCWP will not hesitate to take aggressive enforcement action against gyms using deceptive tactics that hurt consumers, as well as honest businesses playing by the rules.”

— Sam Levine, DCWP Commissioner (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

As the DCWP begins its enforcement efforts, it remains to be seen how gyms will respond and whether further action will be required to ensure fair and transparent cancellation policies for New York City consumers.

The takeaway

This crackdown on deceptive gym membership practices signals a broader effort by the Mamdani administration to protect consumers from unfair business tactics, setting a precedent that could extend to other subscription-based services in the city.