With the new year, many people are heading to the gym to get started with their resolutions.

The Department of Consumer Protection is alerting people to educate themselves before signing a contract with a health club.

The agency says it received more than three dozen official complaints about health clubs in 2023.

Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli says the public should refrain from signing up for a gym online.

"We really do want to encourage people to make those resolutions and follow through with them to adapt to healthy lifestyles,” Caffereli said. “But go in with your eyes wide open to the contract you're entering in to so you can have a good experience with the health club that you pick."

He says you should visit the gym around the time you plan on working out. 

Cafferelli suggests asking about payment and cancellation fees without fear.

According to Connecticut state law, the consumer has a three-day right to cancel after signing up.

Cafferelli says all health club agreements must be in writing, and they can't auto-renew each year without the consumer's consent.

The state is also reminding consumers to make sure their gym has an AED, which is an automatic external defibrillator, in case of emergencies.