Personal Training Waiver

Because a trainer is actively directing your exercise, which creates higher liability than self-directed gym use. If a trainer prescribes an exercise that causes injury, they're potentially liable for negligent instruction. A PT waiver documents that the client disclosed their fitness level and medical history, and that they consented to the training program.

For clients who are sedentary, over 45, or have known medical conditions — yes. ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) guidelines recommend medical clearance for these groups. Your waiver should ask whether they've been cleared and document their answer. If they haven't been cleared and you train them anyway, your liability increases significantly.

Document everything: what exercise they were doing, what happened, their response, and any first aid provided. Your signed waiver showing they disclosed their medical history and assumed the risks is your primary defense. Most PT injury claims involve either undisclosed pre-existing conditions or exercises that were clearly inappropriate for the client's level.