Poland’s fitness industry is drawing renewed attention from consumers and legal experts as complaints about contract terms, debt collection and service quality continue to circulate. At the same time, official data and past regulatory decisions point to a sector that has already faced scrutiny for how its largest operators conduct business.

Zdrofit, part of the Benefit Systems group, is among the country’s leading fitness brands, with more than 100 clubs nationwide, including a flagship location in Warsaw’s Westfield Mokotów shopping centre. According to the company’s own website, membership plans are promoted as flexible, with access to facilities across Poland. However, users posting on online forums have reported difficulties canceling contracts, citing unclear procedures, automatic renewals and subsequent demands for payments. In some cases, individuals stated they were contacted by debt collection agencies such as Kaczmarski Inkasso after attempting to terminate their memberships.

The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) confirmed in 2021 that it had fined several operators, including entities connected to Zdrofit, more than PLN 32 million for engaging in anti-competitive agreements to divide local markets. The ruling was partially upheld by Poland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Court. According to UOKiK, these practices reduced consumer choice and distorted competition between fitness chains.

Additional financial stress is evident across the sector. Data published by the National Debt Register (KRD) shows that by 2025, Polish fitness operators carried arrears of more than PLN 36 million, compared with PLN 30 million two years earlier. Analysts told local media that such indebtedness may increase pressure on companies to enforce contract terms more strictly, potentially contributing to disputes with customers.

Criticism has not been limited to contract terms. Comments posted on consumer review sites and social media point to overcrowding, broken equipment and locker security issues, although these are anecdotal accounts rather than verified findings. Employee reviews reported by platforms such as GoWork and Glassdoor also describe staff facing heavy sales pressure and stretched resources, suggesting wider operational strains in some clubs.

Despite these concerns, Zdrofit and other chains continue to expand. Benefit Systems announced the opening of new clubs in Warsaw and other cities in 2025, underlining the brand’s ongoing presence and investment. The company has not publicly responded to the recent wave of online complaints.

While there has been no new investigation into fitness chains’ consumer practices, legal experts note that contract features such as automatic renewals or unclear cancellation procedures could fall under UOKiK’s remit on unfair commercial terms if proven systemic. A spokesperson for UOKiK recently reiterated that consumers should first turn to local ombudsmen for assistance, but added that if widespread abuses are documented, the regulator has the power to launch further inquiries.

For now, Poland’s fitness industry remains a legitimate and expanding business sector, but its history of antitrust violations and a steady flow of consumer complaints point to vulnerabilities. Whether the next intervention comes from ombudsmen, courts, or regulators may depend on how many more clients formally challenge the fine print of their contracts.

Poland’s 2026 Draft Budget Sets Record Spending, Debt Levels to Rise

Poland’s government has approved a draft state budget for 2026 along with new legislation to support its implementation and a medium-term borrowing plan. The package points to record public spending on defence, health care and social support, while at the same time projecting higher levels of debt.

The budget sets out total revenues of about PLN 647 billion and planned spending of PLN 919 billion, leaving a shortfall of PLN 272 billion. Under the official national measure, public debt is expected to climb to just under 54 percent of GDP in 2026, while using European Union definitions the figure could exceed 66 percent. The forecasts assume Poland’s economy will expand by around 3.5 percent next year, with inflation averaging 3 percent and unemployment near 5 percent by December.

The largest single increase is in military funding, which will reach more than PLN 200 billion, roughly 4.8 percent of national output. Health care will also receive a record allocation of PLN 248 billion, including expanded financing for fertility treatment and new crisis support lines. Social policies continue to take up a major share of the budget: the Family 800+ benefit is expected to cost nearly PLN 62 billion, while two extra annual pension payments will total about PLN 32 billion. Additional commitments include pension indexation of roughly PLN 22 billion, a higher funeral benefit, new housing subsidies, and support for maritime training and research.

On the revenue side, the government expects stronger tax receipts, particularly from consumption and corporate taxes. Value-added tax is forecast at PLN 342 billion, while income from excise duties is projected at PLN 103 billion, partly due to higher levies on alcohol, tobacco and electronic cigarettes. A new electronic invoicing system is scheduled to roll out in 2026, which authorities say will help reduce tax evasion.

The accompanying legislation includes modest salary increases for teachers at the start of their careers and managers of state companies, as well as provisions allowing greater flexibility in responding to emergencies such as natural disasters or security threats.

The debt strategy for 2026–2029 aims to ensure borrowing needs are met while keeping financing costs in check. It also pledges to maintain the credibility of the government bond market.

The draft budget highlights the government’s priority of maintaining high levels of social and defence spending, but it also reflects the cost of those choices in terms of growing debt. For households, the measures mean continued support programmes and higher pensions, while for the economy as a whole they signal more pressure on public finances in the years ahead.