Article 1 (Terms and Scope of Application)

1. These terms and conditions apply to the use of fitness clubs (hereinafter referred to as "Clubs") and derived services operated under the "STRONG Pilates" trademark by franchisees (hereinafter referred to as "Franchise Stores") operated by STRONG Pilates Japan Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "FC Headquarters"), which has entered into a master franchise agreement for "STRONG Pilates" in Japan with Strong Pilates Franchising Pty Ltd.

2. These terms and conditions apply only to clubs in Japan and do not apply to clubs outside Japan.

Article 2 (Definitions)

The terms used in these Terms and Conditions are defined as follows:

1. User: Any individual who uses the club, including members, individuals who use the club through usage tickets, invitations, or other temporary usage such as free trials, as well as any individual not a member but recognized by the club as eligible to use the facilities.

2. Member: An individual who has completed the membership registration procedure as defined in Article 5 and has entered into a usage contract with the club.

3. Membership Registration: The process of registering the user’s information on the reservation site after agreeing to these terms and conditions, including any other commitments.

4. Membership: The process by which a user who has completed the membership registration proceeds to complete the club’s membership procedure and signs a usage contract with the franchisee operating the club.

5. Affiliated Club: The club where the user has completed their membership registration.

6. Membership Fee: The joining fee set separately by each club.

7. Monthly Fee: The membership fee set separately by each club.

8. Usage Ticket: A ticket that allows the user to attend classes at the affiliated club on a per-session basis.

9. Reservation Site: The website or app provided by each club that allows users to view class schedules, make class reservations, and purchase usage tickets.

10. Class: The STRONG Pilates classes provided by each club.

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Article 3 (Operational Independence)

1. All clubs are operated by franchisees who have been granted permission to use the trademarks from the FC headquarters, and are independent entities from the FC headquarters.

2. Members understand that each club is operated by the franchisee, not by the FC headquarters, and agree to use the club accordingly.

3. Members understand that each club is managed at the discretion of the franchisee operating it, and that there may be differences in operating hours, business days, membership fees, prices, facilities, products, class content, and regulations at each club.

4. Members acknowledge that the services provided by the affiliated club are determined by the franchisee, and that not all services listed in these terms may be available at every club.

Article 4 (Membership Registration)

1. The club operates on a membership basis.

2. All users are required to register as members, unless explicitly stated otherwise by the club.

3. Membership registration can be completed by entering the required information on the reservation site and agreeing to the terms, including the Terms of Service and other commitment terms.

4. Membership registration involves submitting the necessary information for managing the user’s membership, but completion of registration does not automatically grant membership.

5. After registration, users must proceed with the membership application outlined in the next section. Upon signing a contract with the franchisee operating the club, membership will be officially recognized.

6. In principle, individuals who have not registered as members cannot use the club. However, exceptions may apply if the club specifically approves.

7. Members will belong to the club they registered with.

8. If any registered information changes, users must promptly update the details on the reservation site.

9. Notifications or announcements from the FC headquarters, franchisees, or clubs will be made via display on the reservation site, postings in designated areas within the club, or via email or other electronic means.

Article 5 (Membership Enrollment)

1. Anyone wishing to join the club must understand and agree to the terms outlined in these regulations, and apply for membership in the manner specified by the club they wish to join. Membership will be granted once the user signs a usage contract with the franchisee operating the club. However, the following individuals are not eligible to join or use the club:

     a. Individuals who cannot agree to the terms outlined in these regulations

     b. Individuals who cannot adhere to the rules set by each club

     c. Individuals who have been expelled from any club under Article 8

     d. Individuals whose information provided during registration cannot be confirmed as their own

     e. Individuals who are prohibited from exercising or have exercise restrictions by a doctor or other health professional

     f. Individuals who may be unable to perform the exercise properly or who are at risk of injury if they participate in the club’s activities

     g. Individuals who are prohibited from joining the club by the school or organization they belong to

     h. Individuals whom FC headquarters, the franchisee, or the club reasonably believe may fall under any of the above categories

     i. Any other individuals whom FC headquarters, the franchisee, or the club reasonably determine to be unsuitable for membership

1. Upon joining, members are required to pay the membership fee as specified by the club.

2. At the time of joining, members must pay the membership fee for the current month and the following month.

3. The membership contract between the franchisee and the member will remain in effect from the date the club accepts the membership until the contract ends due to cancellation or termination.

4. Notwithstanding the previous provision, if a member joins through a promotion or campaign by FC headquarters, the franchisee, or the club, there may be additional conditions regarding the duration of the contract and cancellation, and in such cases, those conditions will take precedence over the terms of this agreement.

5. Membership is non-transferable and is only valid for the member. It cannot be transferred, lent, sold, or changed to another name.

6. All users, including members, recognize that exercise and sports inherently carry some degree of risk, and they are responsible for monitoring their own health and safety while using the club.

7. All users, including members, are required to be mindful of and show consideration for the safety of themselves and others to prevent injuries or accidents.

8. Pregnant users are generally not allowed to use the club. However, this restriction does not apply if FC headquarters, the franchisee, or the club gives special permission.

Article 6 (Prohibited Activities)

Users are prohibited from engaging in the following behaviors when using the club:

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1. Acts in violation of these terms and conditions

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2. Touching equipment or apparatus without explicit permission or instructions from club staff (this includes activities both during and outside of class times).

3. Violating the dress code set by the club, including but not limited to:

     a. Wearing clothing, footwear, accessories, or ornaments that could damage the club’s facilities, equipment, or tools.

     b. Wearing clothing, footwear, accessories, or ornaments that are difficult to stretch, slippery, or could get caught in equipment.

     c. Wearing clothing, footwear, accessories, or ornaments that may cause injury to oneself or others.

     d. Wearing clothes that are inappropriate (e.g., bare upper or lower body, full nudity, underwear only, or clothing with excessive exposure).

     e. Wearing unclean clothing or being in a dirty state upon entering the club.

     f. Wearing any attire, footwear, accessories, or decorations that the club or franchisee reasonably deems unsuitable for club use.

1. Verbal abuse, defamation, loud noises, or shouting at other users or club staff.

2. Violence towards other users or club staff, such as hitting, kicking, pushing hard, grabbing forcefully, pulling clothing, or any other form of physical violence.

3. Touching others’ belongings without a valid reason.

4. Engaging in unauthorized commercial activities, interviews, solicitation, petitioning, distributing flyers, political activities, religious activities, posting notices, borrowing or lending money, conducting surveys, filming, etc., inside the club.

5. Entering the club under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated.

6. Stalking, following, verbal abuse, harassment, forcing personal relationships, or engaging in any other disruptive or inappropriate behavior towards other users, members, club staff, franchisee staff, or FC headquarters staff.

7. Throwing objects, breaking things, hitting, or engaging in any actions that could make other members or staff feel threatened.

8. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, inside the club.

9. Bringing animals into the club, unless specifically permitted by the club.

10. Unjustly monopolizing equipment or specific areas in the club for an extended period without permission.

11. Using the club while feeling unwell or experiencing health issues.

12. Lingering in the studio for an extended period after class ends.

13. Requesting long meetings, phone calls, or written documents from FC headquarters, the franchisee, or the club.

14. Bringing dangerous items, such as knives, or illegal substances into the club.

15. Repeatedly canceling reservations without a valid reason.

16. Entering staff-only areas, such as the staff room or reception desk.

17. Persistently demanding unreasonable requests from other users or club staff beyond what is legally or socially acceptable.

18. Disrupting the order within or outside the club.

19. Interfering with other users’ access to club facilities, equipment, or supplies.

20. Disrupting the reputation, credibility, or integrity of FC headquarters, the franchisee, or the club.

21. Providing false information during membership registration as specified in Article 4.

22. Any other actions deemed inappropriate for the proper operation of the club by FC headquarters, the franchisee, or the club.

Article 7 (Prohibition of Entry and Exit)

If the franchisee or club determines that a user falls under any of the following circumstances, they may prohibit the user from entering the club, participating in classes, using all or part of the club’s facilities, or may order the user to leave the club. The user must comply with these orders. Furthermore, in such cases, the franchisee or club will not be liable for any damages resulting from the user’s inability to use their usage tickets or other services.

1. Providing false information during membership registration as specified in Article 4.

2. Falling under any of the circumstances listed in Article 5, Section

3. Engaging in prohibited actions or actions that could potentially lead to prohibited actions as defined in Article 6.

4. Being unable to properly participate in lessons due to illness or injury, or if participating in the lesson could worsen the symptoms.

5. Being pregnant (unless the club has been informed of the pregnancy and explicitly permits participation).

6. Having a contagious disease or an illness that poses a risk of transmission to others.

7. Failing to pay the membership fees, usage tickets, or other charges, in whole or in part.

8. Any other situation where FC headquarters, the franchisee, or the club reasonably determines that it is appropriate to prohibit the user from entering or instructs the user to leave in order to maintain the normal operation of the club.

Article 8 (Expulsion)

If an affiliated store or club determines that a member falls under any of the following items, the affiliated store or club may immediately expel the member from the affiliated club and force the member to withdraw from the club.

1. If a member is determined to not meet the membership eligibility requirements set forth in Article 5, or if the member is determined to have lost the eligibility after joining

2. If a member is found to have engaged in any of the acts prescribed in Article 6, or has been repeatedly banned from entering the facility

3. If the person is repeatedly barred from entering the facility or ordered to leave as specified in Article 7

4. The expulsion will be effected by notifying the member verbally or in writing. If the expulsion is effected verbally, a written confirmation will be sent at a later date.

5. When a member has engaged in an act that violates laws, regulations, or public order and good morals, whether inside or outside the club, and is deemed to have the potential to affect the operation of the club

6. If a member is deemed to have spread false information about the club verbally, through social media posts, emails, etc., and engaged in conduct that damages the honor, credibility or dignity of the FC headquarters, affiliated stores or the club.

7. The treatment of tickets and other items held by a member who has been expelled from a club will be in accordance with the regulations set by each club.

8. A member who has been expelled from a club will be unable to use any clubs from the time of expulsion.

9. If a member is expelled from the club, the affiliated store will not refund any prepaid or already paid membership fees, etc.

10. Once a member has been expelled, he or she will be barred from joining any club for an indefinite period of time.

11. If a member is expelled, the membership contract between the affiliated store and the member will be terminated immediately upon expulsion.

Article 9 (Loss of Membership)

If any of the following events occur to a member, he/she will lose his/her membership.

1. If a member withdraws

2. If a member is expelled

3. When a member dies

4. When your corporate membership contract ends

5. If an affiliated store dissolves or an affiliated club closes

Article 10 (Membership Suspension)

1. A Member may take steps to suspend his/her membership if the circumstances fall under those specified separately by the Affiliated Store.

2. A Member may suspend their membership on a monthly basis by either themselves or a representative with verifiable legal authority to do so by visiting their Club or submitting a Membership Suspension Notice to their Club via the designated method on the reservation site and obtaining the Club's approval.

3. The procedure for suspension of membership as stipulated in the previous paragraph must be completed by the 10th of the month preceding the month in which the member wishes to begin the suspension, in which case the suspension will be effective from the 1st of the month in which the member wishes to begin the suspension. If the procedure for suspension of membership is completed after the 11th of any month, the suspension will be effective from the 1st of the month after the following month.

4. A member who takes a leave of absence must pay a leave of absence fee as set by the club.

5. If the suspension procedure set forth in this article is not completed, membership fees will be charged regardless of whether or not you use the club.

6. The expiration date of any tickets or other items held by a member who is on hiatus will not change, and no refunds will be made even if the expiration date has passed during the period of hiatus.

7. Members who have been on leave will automatically be considered to have rejoined the club after the leave period stated in the leave notice has expired.

8. In the case of the preceding paragraph, a reinstated member shall pay the same membership fee for the membership type before the suspension from the month of reinstatement.

9. The period of leave that can be taken, the number of times that leave can be taken, and the conditions regarding leave may vary depending on the rules of your club.

Article 11 (Membership Termination)

1. If a member wishes to cancel their membership, they must follow the cancellation procedures set by the franchise or the affiliated club.

2. In this case, the member, or an authorized representative who can confirm legal authority, may submit a cancellation request to the affiliated club in the prescribed manner. The member will be considered to have cancelled their membership on the cancellation date defined in the following section.

3. The cancellation procedure completion date and the cancellation date are as follows, and the membership contract will end on the cancellation date:

     a. If the cancellation procedure is completed by the 10th of the month (or the next business day if the club is closed), the cancellation date will be the last day of that month.

     b. If the cancellation procedure is completed after the 11th of the month (or the next business day if the club is closed), the cancellation date will be the last day of the following month.

1. Members must pay the membership fee for the period up until the cancellation date, regardless of whether they use the club or not.

2. If the cancellation procedure has not been completed as outlined, the member will continue to be considered enrolled, and membership fees will continue to accrue, regardless of whether the club is used.

3. Members must pay any outstanding fees, charges, or other payments by the cancellation date.

4. No refunds will be given for membership fees or unused tickets that have already been paid or held by the member at the time of cancellation.

5. If a member joined the club using a specific promotion or campaign, the terms of that promotion will take precedence, and there may be restrictions on the cancellation date or additional fees incurred at the time of cancellation.

Article 12 (Membership Fees, etc.)

1. The membership fees, usage ticket prices, and other costs (hereafter referred to as “fees, etc.”) are determined by the franchisee, and members understand that these fees may vary by club.

2. Members are required to pay the fees, etc. via credit card through the reservation site.

3. Membership fees will be automatically charged on the 20th of each month for the following month’s usage.

4. If a member completes the membership type change procedure by the 10th of each month, the membership type will be changed starting on the 1st of the following month.

5. If a member completes the membership type change procedure after the 11th of each month, the membership type will be changed starting on the 1st of the second month thereafter.

6. Once paid, fees, etc. are non-refundable, except as specified in these terms.

7. The usage tickets purchased by a user can only be used by the purchaser and cannot be sold, transferred, lent, or changed to another name.

8. The franchisee may outsource the processing of fee payments to banks or payment service providers.

9. The franchisee has the right to revise the fees, etc. in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In such cases, the franchisee will notify members at least two weeks before the first payment date of the revised fees, and the new fees will apply from then on.

Article 13 (Class Reservations and Cancellations)

1. If a user wishes to participate in a class, they must complete the necessary procedures on the reservation site to make a prior reservation.

2. Users who have not made a reservation will not be allowed to participate in the class.

3. The club may set restrictions on the number of reservations a user can make in a single day.

4. If a user wishes to cancel a reservation, they must follow the cancellation procedure set by the affiliated club.

5. Depending on the timing of the cancellation and the terms of the user’s usage ticket, a cancellation fee or the consumption of a usage ticket may apply, as determined by the affiliated club.

6. If a user fails to cancel their reservation and does not attend the class (hereafter referred to as “no-show”), a cancellation fee or the consumption of a usage ticket may apply, as set by the affiliated club.

7. If a user repeatedly no-shows, the franchisee or affiliated club may impose reservation restrictions on the user.

Article 14 (Sales of Products, etc.)

1. Users can purchase STRONG Pilates-related products (hereinafter referred to as “products”) such as apparel and goods sold at the club’s storefront.

2. Sales of products are limited to in-store purchases only, and mail order or product delivery services are not available.

3. Payments for the products will be made via credit card.

4. If a user wishes to purchase products, they must inform the club staff at the storefront of their intent to purchase and proceed with the purchase process through the reservation site.

5. Once the user completes the purchase process in the previous step, and the club staff confirms payment completion, the products will be handed over at the storefront.

6. If a user wishes to return a product, returns will only be accepted if requested within 8 days of the purchase date at the storefront. However, returns will not be accepted if the product falls under any of the following conditions:

     a. Opened products

     b. Used products

     c. Products with removed tags or labels

     d. Lost accessories

     e. Products in a condition different from when they were purchased (including packaging, damages, stains, smells, etc.)

     f. Hygiene-related items such as underwear, swimwear, cosmetics, or food and beverages

     g. Sale or outlet items

1. If a user wishes to return a purchased product, they must follow the return procedure as prescribed by the affiliated club where the product was purchased.

2. Once the return procedure is completed, and the club staff confirms the purchase date and condition of the product, a cancellation or refund will be processed through the credit card used at the time of purchase. The refund schedule may vary depending on the user’s credit card company, so please contact the card company for details.

3. If the purchased product is defective, users should report it to the affiliated club within 14 days of purchase. If the club staff confirms the defect, the product will be exchanged. However, if the same product is out of stock, an exchange for a similar product or refund may be offered.

4. Unless specified in the previous paragraph, exchanges for products are generally not accepted. If the user wishes to exchange the product for a different one, they must first return the original product and then proceed with purchasing the new product.

5. The FC headquarters and franchisees do not guarantee the quality, materials, functions, performance, or compatibility with other products for the items sold at the club.

6. The FC headquarters and franchisees are not responsible for any damages, losses, or disadvantages caused by the above-mentioned products.

Article 15 (Business days and business hours)

1. The operating days, closed days, and business hours of each club are determined by the franchisee operating the club.

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2. The dates and times mentioned in the previous section may be subject to change without prior notice.

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3. The franchisee or club may restrict the use of all or part of the club or change its operating days or hours (including closure) for the following reasons. In such cases, the club will not provide refunds for membership fees or other charges unless stated in these terms or separately defined by the club.

     a. If the franchisee or club deems that it is difficult to operate due to weather, disasters, accidents, power outages, water supply disruptions, or other issues that affect the safety of users or club staff.

     b. If there is a need for inspection, repair, or renovation of the club’s facilities, interior, equipment, etc.

     c. If changes in laws, administrative guidance, strikes, public transportation disruptions, or other unavoidable circumstances occur.

     d. During year-end and New Year holidays, spring season, or certain periods of closure, or other instances deemed necessary by the franchisee or club.

     e. If the facility housing the club decides to change its operating hours or close.

     f. If the franchisee or club reasonably determines that normal operations of the club are difficult.

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     g. For any other reason deemed necessary by the franchisee or club for closure.

1. If the use of all or part of the club is restricted or the operating days or hours are changed as per the above, the club will provide advance notice through the reservation site or other means. However, in cases such as disasters where advance notice is difficult, the club will make efforts to provide notification as quickly as possible.

Article 16 (Club Dissolution and Closure)

1. A franchisee may, at its discretion, dissolve or close the club.

2. If the franchisee decides to dissolve or close the club, they must notify users at least 3 months in advance. However, this does not apply in cases of dissolution or closure due to disasters, government orders, force majeure, or other unavoidable circumstances.

3. In the event of a dissolution or closure of the club, FC headquarters, the franchisee, and the club will provide no compensation to users.

Article 17 (User Responsibilities)

1. Users acknowledge that the club is a facility used by a large number of people and agree to manage their personal belongings responsibly to avoid loss or theft at their own risk.

2. Users understand that certain activities at the club may involve risks, such as injuries, sudden changes in health, the onset of severe health issues or diseases, damage to equipment, and slips or falls due to wet floors, as well as various personal and property accidents or related dangers.

3. Users who are concerned about their health, or who are taking medication or undergoing treatment, should consult a doctor and exercise at their own risk, based on the doctor’s advice.

4. Users should exercise caution to prevent injuries or accidents to themselves or others, taking into account their own physical condition and circumstances.

5. Users must follow the instructions and requests from club staff or instructors to avoid injuries or accidents.

6. If injuries or accidents occur due to actions between users, the users involved will resolve the issue at their own responsibility and expense.

Article 18 (Compensation for Damages)

1. The FC headquarters, franchisees, and clubs are not responsible for any theft, loss, injury, or other accidents that occur within the club, except in cases of intentional misconduct or gross negligence by the FC headquarters, franchisees, or clubs.

2. The FC headquarters, franchisees, and clubs are not responsible for any damages incurred by users in relation to the use of the club and online services, except in cases of intentional misconduct or negligence by the FC headquarters, franchisees, or clubs.

3. If, under these terms or otherwise, the FC headquarters, franchisees, or clubs are liable for damages to the user, the maximum amount of compensation will be limited to the fees paid by the user over the last year. However, this does not apply in cases of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

4. If a user causes damage to the FC headquarters, franchisees, clubs, club staff, other users, or third parties due to their own fault, the user is required to compensate for the damage.

5. The FC headquarters, franchisees, and clubs are not involved in any disputes between users, and users are expected to resolve these matters among themselves.

Article 19 (Handling of Personal Information)

1. The FC headquarters, franchisees, and clubs will handle personal information obtained from users in accordance with the separate Privacy Policy (https://www.strongpilates.jp/privacypolicy).

2. Users agree that FC headquarters, franchisees, or clubs may use or publish videos or photos taken within the club on the FC headquarters, franchisees, or club-operated websites, reservation sites, or social media platforms.

Article 20 (Revision of Terms and Conditions and Regulations)

1. The FC headquarters may, at its discretion, revise these terms and conditions.

2. The franchisees may, within the scope that does not conflict with these terms, establish or revise the rules for the clubs they operate as needed.

3. The revisions mentioned in the previous two sections will apply to all members from the latest revision date.

Article 21 (Notice)

Notifications regarding these terms and the circumstances of the club will, in principle, be made through the reservation site, the STRONG Pilates website, or designated locations at the franchisee’s premises, or via email and other electronic means.

Article 22 (Governing Law and Exclusive Jurisdiction)

1. These terms and conditions shall be governed by Japanese law.

2. Any disputes between the FC headquarters, franchisees, or clubs and users shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the court located in the area where the FC headquarters, the relevant franchisee, or the franchisee operating the club is based, which shall be the court of first instance.