A FITNESS PROFESSIONAL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT CLIENTS KNOW HOW TO USE EQUIPMENT PROPERLY AND HOW TO PERFORM EXERCISES SAFELY. ment properly and how to perform exercises safely. It is also a key element of a fitness professional’s job to ask lots of questions when working with clients. Everything from, “How do you feel today?” or “What have you been doing today?” to “Do you have questions on any of the exercises that we have gone over today?” is important when working with a client. If a trainer does not ask how the client is feeling each day before they begin the workout they may miss key information about a client’s health, energy level or what other activities that they have already engaged in that day that might impact their workout. Ask questions and be prepared to change a client’s workout accordingly to prevent injury. Fitness professionals should not hesitate to back off on a workout and recommend that the client see their physician if the individual is not feeling well. Being cautious is the best way to prevent claims. When chatting with clients, however, always remember to keep conversation encouraging and professional.
WET SURFACES All wet areas are a potential source of claims every day in the fitness industry. Wet areas include showers and changing areas, as well as group exercise floors and hot yoga rooms that get wet from sweat. Fitness business owners need to make sure that all shower areas have appropriate non-slip flooring and/or mats in place every day. Group exercise and yoga instructors need to check the floors and wipe up wet areas continuously throughout the day and even during classes to prevent injuries. It is important to understand that a slip-and-fall claim can be very expensive and even fatal for fragile participants or those with medical conditions. A broken hip can cost well over $100,000 in medical costs plus more for physical therapy. Anytime an individual is hospitalized other complications can occur that can increase health risks and expenses as well. Document safety precautions that you take for the wet areas in your business.
PREVENTION Preventing claims before they happen will save your business a lot money and potentially save your business’ reputation as well. Implement the use of maintenance plans. Regularly train employees on proper use of equipment. Verify that fitness professionals have current certifications. Document the purchase of safety equipment and train all staff in safety procedures. Prevention is always the best plan to protect your clients and your business.
Jennifer Urmston Lowe graduated from the University of North Carolina in Business Administration. She worked for Eastman Kodak in sales then managed personal training and corporate fitness centers. She joined Sports & Fitness in 1998 and is currently Underwriting Supervisor, National Account Manager and Marketing Manager. She is founding board member of AFS, member of WIFA, and included in the 2018 Insurance Business America Elite Women.
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