In these very different times where \u2018work from home\u2019 and \u2018complying with social distancing\u2019 have become familiar terms, many fitness providers have turned to virtual classes and sessions.<\/p>\n
These services have often been developed in quick response to the ever-changing environment, while trying to maintain a strong level of customer focus.<\/p>\n
While delivering exercise online for people to do in their own homes can help to maintain contact with customers, there are consequences to consider.<\/p>\n
A risk management strategy is an important factor and could begin with an evaluation to identify the potential risks, whether they be physical, financial or legal, and then by developing strategies to mitigate those risks.\u00a0The risk assessment\u00a0is an essential component of your health and safety procedure. Educating your customers is an important consideration and can help decrease the risk of injury.<\/p>\n
As a trainer, open the class with a statement\u00a0and some guidelines\u00a0for users to practise health and safety while they are participating in workouts in their homes.<\/p>\n
Some of the following suggestions are precautions that you should already be familiar with from delivering in-person training, while others are more specific to virtual delivery:<\/p>\n
It is important that\u00a0you provide a disclaimer at the beginning of each virtual class. The disclaimer should reinforce that the instructor is not responsible for any injury or harm caused as a result of participation in the session and the participant takes part at their own risk.\u00a0If you have a website through which clients access online programmes, it is\u00a0also\u00a0recommended to have a written disclaimer\u00a0clearly displayed\u00a0on the site.<\/p>\n
It should be remembered that many people\u2019s physical activity\u00a0and exercise habits\u00a0over the past few months have changed. They may just be starting regular activity or resuming it after a hiatus. Quite often,\u00a0people try to do too much too soon,\u00a0so we recommend gradually increasing the level of activity over a period of time.<\/p>\n
It is\u00a0a good idea for personal trainers to\u00a0have the right insurance\u00a0to\u00a0include\u00a0Public Liability and Professional Indemnity cover, in order\u00a0to protect against unexpected claims from clients and participants.<\/p>\n
The insurance will provide indemnity to the insured for legal liability to third parties for damages in respect of accidental bodily injury, illness, disease and for any loss or physical damage to physical property not belonging to you or in your charge or control.<\/p>\n
At the end of the day, it is important to balance the level of risk associated with potential insurance claims made against instructors versus the cost and peace of mind of being insured.<\/p>\n
However careful and cautious you\u00a0are,\u00a0incidents can occur; therefore, in the current environment, it is\u00a0particularly\u00a0important\u00a0for personal trainers\u00a0to have the right insurance protection in place.<\/p>\n
Should an issue arise, you should contact your insurer\u00a0for assistance\u00a0at the earliest possible opportunity.<\/p>\n
For more information about the insurance coverage that FitPro provides CLICK HERE<\/a> or contact a member of our insurance team via info@fitpro.com<\/a> or\u00a0+44 (0)20 8586 0101<\/p>\n