Hi, I have two questions…
1) I am a cert pilates instructor and cert health coach, and I’m starting my own business offering both health coaching and fitness training…in order to privately train individuals beyond pilates (using weights, cardio, etc), am I required to get a Personal Trainer certification? 2) I have registered my business as an LLC…am I required to get additional liability insurance or is the LLC sufficient?
Well, you ask 2 very good questions. Here is my personal take on both. I just recently went into business for myself also. I also incorporated into an LLC but I also took out a Professional/Commercial liability policy just to be on the safe side.
As for getting certified to instruct clients in other modalities, it is also a good idea. Not because you are legally required to do so, but because you wish to give your clients the best and safest experience possible. One question that is always asked by the courts is “what would a reasonable and prudent person do?” So ask yourself, is it reasonable and prudent to instruct clients in exercise modalities that you have not demonstrated a competency in?
Basically, I’m saying let your conscious be your guide. Ask yourself, would you want to be trained by someone who didn’t really know what they were doing? Do you really have a passion to lead others to a healthier, more active lifestyle or are you just after a quick buck?