Survey: Overweight overwhelmed about exercising in front of others

Have you made your New Year's resolution? If it's to get in shape, you're not alone.

By: Amy Kibler | WNCT
Published: December 29, 2009

Have you made your New Year's resolution? If it's to get in shape, you're not alone.

Millions say they'll make an effort to get fit in 2010.

But a survey found many overweight men and women are overwhelmed by the thought of exercising in front of others.

Experts say the best thing to do is take baby steps and work your way up, instead of taking an all or nothing approach.

And if you're one of those people ready to hit the gym, there are some things you need to know before you sign up to lose more than just weight.

The Better Business Bureau says fitness center contracts and memberships are one of the agency's top complaints.

Around 400 people in our state alone filed complaints this year, most about the terms of contracts.

The agency says before signing up, ask friends for recommendations and read the contracts carefully.

Don't sign up on the spot unless you are sure. And don't take the salesperson's word for it.

"More times than not, it's just the consumer didn't read carefully all the small print. Or we often find too that promises that the salesperson makes, sometimes aren't made into the written form," said Beverly Baskin of the Better Business Bureau of eastern North Carolina.

The Better Business Bureau has reports on dozens of gyms in the state.

For a link to that website, just click here.