Can I train clients in my apartment’s gym?
So I currently am a personal trainer at a gym in the same neighborhood as the apartment i live in. I am hoping to go independent soon. Can I bring clients into my apartment’s gym (which by the way is beautiful, it’s not small, includes a swimming pool, yoga fitness room, pool tables, etc) if i charge them a lower rate?
Also, other getting permission from the building? What else do i have to do legally? I know i need liability insurance, where would i get that from? Nasm’s webiste?
Would i have to hire a lawyer to help me make a waiver, for my clients to sign before training?
Hi Tyrone!
Most communities will allow you to train at their gym as long as you don’t bring more than two guest at a time. But keep in mind that you should have Insurance and a waiver ready to go before you do so. There are many options when it comes to liability insurance, I personally use K&K fitness Insurance but if you are an IDEA member go to the insurance tab on top for more info. About the waiver you could create your own, you can even find templates online to give you an idea of what would need to be written on it.
PS. You won’t need to lower your rates, clients pay for your knowledge not the location. You will need to get new clients since it is not ethical to take the current gym clients with you. 😉
Hi Tyrone,
your profile has not been completed so I am not sure where you are starting. Have you already established a business? It is not required when you work for a gym but you need it to operate as a trainer by yourself. You definitely need permission from the apartment manager. Personally, if I were them, I would request from you proof of professional liability insurance, and Brenda gave some good advice on that. I also would have more than just a liability waiver but a personal training contract with health and exercise history questionnaire and your rates and payment requirements (also late cancellation policy) spelled out.
Check with the gym at which you currently work whether you have signed a non-compete agreement with them, particularly since your apartment building is in close proximity to the gym. Those non-compete agreements often specify that you should not train a client from the gym within a certain distance from the gym.
Good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.KarinSingleton.com
Hello Tyrone B,
Clients should not have a problem going to your apartment gym if that is your training locality. Brenda and Karin also give you great advice I agree with for this matter. Yes, have a lawyer go over your drafts to make sure all waivers are legal in your area and for your business.
Thank you,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.