Independent Contractor Legal Questions - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Carol]

I am about to start my own personal training business. I have been asked to teach a fitness class at a martial arts center. I understand that there is a fine line between the duties of independent contractor or an employee. I am trying to fiqure out the liability responsibilities of this position. Here are a few questions:

1) Is the liability the same for a personal trainer and a group instructor (pre-exercise screening or assessment)?
It is my understanding that my due diligence as a personal trainer is to perform fitness assessments prior to any exercise program, but my role for this job seems more like a group fitness instructor?

2) Am I liable for all of the clients (I am told that the center will provide waivers to clients that they obtain, I will provide waivers to my clients)? Can I be liable if a client is hurt under my instruction if they signed a liability waiver through the center and not me?

Any advise is apprieated.
Thanks,
Carol

[healthfitness2009]

Signing waivers don't mean a thing in court. Most likely people who come to your group fitness class will be covered by gym insurance but it's always a good idea to get that in writing.