One of the major legal concerns for a personal fitness trainer is potential liability. Some basic, common-sense steps can be followed to lower this risk.
The Do's
Obtain a recognized certification from a reputable organization. This should be considered the basis for your protection.
Get liability insurance. No matter how cautious your approach as a personal trainer and no matter how wonderful your relationship with your client is, a claim of personal injury, bodily injury or sexual harassment can occur at any time. Just one claim can threaten your career and place all your financial assets at risk.
Obtain and maintain current CPR certification. This is a basic requirement to not only protect yourself from additional financial or legal liability, but also to help your client in the event that a heart-related incident occurs.
Make sure you have all the proper business licenses and permits if you go into your own business. Your liability insurance may not cover you if you are found to be operating a business without the proper license.
The Don'ts
Never offer medical advice. Do not try to diagnose, treat or offer your opinion about any medical condition or disease. If the client has an injury or illness that might adversely affect his progress in an exercise program, it is your responsibility to refer her to a physician.
Never overestimate your knowledge or abilities. You gain nothing by doing so and risk injury to the client. If you need to, get a second opinion from a trusted mentor or a fellow personal trainer.
Do not dispense nutritional advice unless you’re trained to do so. This means either earning a specific certification or acquiring software that will allow you to offer more personalized nutritional advice without crossing the line. Most nutritional programs available in the market today were created by nutritionists and dietitians and are administered under a “template” design, ensuring that you work within pre-determined guidelines.
Avoid private interactions with clients, such as dating or developing personal relationships outside your fitness training.