Want to protect yourself from liability for client accidents during workouts? But don’t know how to write a liability waiver using this specific language? We invite you to today’s article, in which we show you what a waiver in the fitness industry should look like and give you a free waiver template to download!
Key Takeaways
- Liability waiver is a written agreement which serves as legal protection for the gym owner in case of accidents and injuries during training.
- A free and downloadable gym waiver template is at your disposal in this article if you don't know how to write such a document yourself in the appropriate legal language.
- However, if you are tired of paperwork, trust gym software management, because then the client will conveniently sign all consents and waivers with one click, and you will save time and minimize administrative tasks.
What is a Gym Waiver of Liability?
It is a legal document that members sign before using fitness facilities. It helps protect gym owners by making sure the clients understand the risks involved with exercise. Members also agree not to hold the gym responsible if they get hurt while working out. It’s a way to ensure everyone’s aware of their personal responsibility for their safety.
What Should a Gym Waiver Look Like?
Below we present the most important points of content that a gym waiver must absolutely contain. Without them, you are not protected enough by this legal document as a gym owner. And it is definitely worth having an option against unexpected risks and accidents that may result in accusations from your clients.
These elements collectively help protect the gym and ensure participants are informed and aware of their responsibilities and potential risks when engaging in fitness activities.
1. Acknowledgement of Risks
This section outlines the inherent risks of physical activities in a gym, including injuries, accidents with or without the equipment at the gym, and other hazards. It ensures the participant understands and accepts these risks.
2. Assumption of Responsibility
The participant agrees to take responsibility for their own safety (read also about gym health and safety) and acknowledges the possible risks involved in their workout or participation in gym programs.
3. Health and Fitness Confirmation
The participant affirms that they are physically fit and mentally capable of participating in gym activities, as well as committing to disclose any health or medical issues that may affect their participation.
4. Release of Liability
This clause releases the gym, its staff, and affiliated parties from any legal responsibility for injuries, accidents, or damages resulting from participation in gym activities. It also protects the gym from future claims.
5. Indemnification Clause
The participant agrees not to hold the gym or any associated individuals responsible for any losses or legal claims arising from their activities at the gym.
6. Voluntary Agreement
The participant confirms that they are signing the waiver voluntarily, understanding its content, and without any external pressure. It’s a clear statement of consent.
7. Parental/Guardian Consent (for Minors)
For participants under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign the liability waiver, acknowledging their responsibility for the minor’s safety and participation in training sessions, workshops or gym events.
8. Emergency Contact Information
A section where the participant provides contact details in case of an emergency, ensuring someone can be reached if needed during participation.
9. Date of Agreement
A place for the participant’s signature and date, confirming they are bound by the terms of the waiver.
How to Make the Gym Waiver Signing Easier?
Get a Free Gym Waiver Template
So you don’t know how to write the right form that will protect you sufficiently from potential client claims in case of a serious injury? Don’t worry, our specialists at WodGuru have done it for you!
Below we provide you with a completely free template of a waiver that you can download, print and distribute to all your clients for signature.
Introduce Gym Management Software
Ok, but is a printable waiver template smart enough? To make the gym waiver signing process even easier, a super effective idea is to introduce gym management software that streamlines the process.
Let a SaaS Solution Take Care of the Gym Liability Waiver
Gym membership software by WodGuru includes a registration module where new customers can quickly bulk-click through all necessary legal consents and waivers during their first online registration.
This way, the paperwork is done in advance, and the customer only needs to sign once, saving time during their first visit.
Do not store signed waivers among the many documents you have, exposing them to loss and risking a breach of GDPR rules!
Check WodGuru gym software now, with no credit card required and no additional conditions!
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Use a Member App
Let your clients click and accept the liability waiver and other essential consents, like GDPR, easily and quickly in their membership app! The life of a fitness club member and gym owner has never been so easy!
Remember the possibility of creating a custom branded fitness app, which, in addition to its obvious functionalities, will include your logo, colors and the entire visual identification. Elements that solidify the image of your company in the memory of customers.
FAQ
Yes, a gym owner needs a liability waiver to protect the business from legal claims related to injuries or accidents that may occur during exercise or participation in gym activities. Remember that clear terms of cooperation contribute to your positive, consistent image. As a result, gym member retention and revenues also increase.
To write a fitness liability waiver, clearly outline the risks associated with gym activities, include an assumption of responsibility clause, and have participants agree to release the gym from any liability for injuries. Make sure to include sections for personal health confirmation, emergency contact details, and signatures.
A fitness liability waiver should include acknowledgment of risks, assumption of responsibility, a release of liability, health and fitness confirmation, an indemnification clause, a voluntary agreement statement, and for minors, a parent/guardian consent. Emergency contact information and a signature section are also essential.
On the WodGuru blog you can find a detailed description of what a fitness business waiver template should look like, as well as download a ready-made document that you can print out and give to your clients to sign.
