Having legal forms in place is important for any reputable personal training business.
Personal trainers must have a legal "duty of care" to clients to reduce the likelihood of accidents, even when training sessions are held on a third party's premises.
It’s recommended that several forms be completed and signed by clients before physical activity can commence minimising the risk of injury and potential liability.
Disclaimer form
This is a legal statement designed to limit one party's liability to another. It is one of the most important personal trainer legal forms to have in place, as it can help underscore the risks and importance of proper technique from the outset. Personal trainers should ask new clients to sign a disclaimer before they start their first session and with adequate time for them to read and review it.
If you have a website, blog, or social media channel in which you promote any type of exercise or movement prescription, make sure you link to a personal trainer disclaimer form that warns of the health and safety risks.
Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
A Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) is important because it helps personal trainers identify any potential health concerns or risks that a client may have before they engage in physical activity. The PAR-Q is a detailed questionnaire that asks clients about their medical history, current health status, and any pre-existing conditions that may affect their ability to participate in the exercise.
By completing the PAR-Q, clients can disclose any health conditions, injuries, or illnesses that might affect their ability to exercise safely.
This information is critical for personal trainers, as it enables them to design a training program that is safe and effective for each individual client.
Personal trainers can use the information from the PAR-Q to tailor a program to a client's specific needs and goals, while also minimizing the risk of injury.
In addition to protecting clients, the PAR-Q is also important for personal trainers themselves. By collecting detailed health information from clients, personal trainers can reduce their own liability and demonstrate that they took reasonable steps to identify and mitigate potential health risks.
Fitness assessment form
A Fitness Assessment Form is an important tool for personal trainers to ensure that they provide safe and effective training programs to their clients. It enables them to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust the training program accordingly, while also minimising legal risks.
The Fitness Assessment Form typically includes measurements of height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). It may also include resting and active heart rates, blood pressure, and other health-related data. The form can be used to track changes over time, set goals, and monitor progress.
In addition to tracking progress, the Fitness Assessment Form can also serve as evidence of a client's health status and fitness level in case of any legal claims or disputes. If a client suffers an injury or has a health issue related to their training, the Fitness Assessment Form can help the personal trainer demonstrate that they took appropriate measures to monitor and adjust the training program to prevent injury.
Emergency contact details form
This form helps personal trainers obtain a client's emergency contact and medical information, which should be readily accessible in case of serious injury.
Client-trainer service contract/agreement
A Client-Trainer Service Agreement or Contract is important because it outlines the terms and conditions of the training program and sets expectations for both the client and the personal trainer. The agreement establishes a clear understanding between the parties regarding the scope of services, fees, cancellation policies, liability, and other important details.
By signing the agreement, the client acknowledges their responsibilities and obligations, including any health concerns or limitations that may affect their ability to participate in the training program. The client also agrees to comply with the program's requirements, such as attending scheduled sessions and following the trainer's recommendations.
For the personal trainer, the agreement sets out the services they will provide, including the scope of the training program, any limitations, and the agreed-upon fees. The trainer can also use the agreement to limit their liability and set out expectations for the client's behaviour, such as arriving on time and not engaging in any unsafe or inappropriate behaviour.
The Client-Trainer Service Agreement can also help to minimize the risk of disputes or legal claims. If a dispute arises, the agreement can be used as evidence of the terms and conditions agreed upon by both parties. It can also help to avoid misunderstandings, as all aspects of the training program are clearly spelt out in the agreement.
Online forms
Personal trainers should ensure that clients complete all standard personal trainer forms, even when holding remote training sessions. This can be achieved through various third-party web form providers that can integrate with the trainer's website or online training session provider. Alternatively, forms can be sent out, completed, and returned before the first training session.