Running a Successful Pilates Business
Legal and Medical Aspects
The two most important documents that you must have every new client sign are a Pilates instructor agreement and a physical activity questionnaire. These two documents will help prevent any legal problems and must always be filled out by the client. The physical activity questionnaire gathers information about a client’s current health and must be signed by the client as an approval to undergo training and absolve the Pilates Instructor of any liability due to injury. When you meet a new client bear in mind the following warning signs that could be an indication of high blood pressure:
- A family history of high blood pressure
- Anyone over 60
- Anyone overweight
- People with high stress levels
Your physical activity questionnaire should include the following questions:
- Do you have a heart condition where you should only undertake physical activities recommended by a physician?
- When you do physical activities do you feel pain in your chest?
- When you are not doing physical activity, have you had chest pain in the past month?
- Do you ever lose consciousness or lose your balance due to dizziness?
- Do you have a joint or bone problem that may get worse due to physical activity?
- Is a doctor currently prescribing medication for high blood pressure, low blood pressure or a heart condition?
- Are you pregnant or post-partum?
- Do you have insulin dependent diabetes?
- Do you know of any other reason you should not exercise or increase your physical activity?
If a client answers yes to any of the above question, ask them to supply a doctor’s certificate authorising them to undertake Pilates with you.
If they anwer no to all questions they may then sign a disclaimer along the lines:
'I have read, understood and completed this questionnaire. Any questions I had were answered to my full satisfaction. I understand that I will be going through a strenuous physical training routine. I am voluntarily participating in this programme and take full responsibility of any risks due to injury that might result. I agree to waive any claim or right to sue XYZ Company, or any agent, employee, instructor or anybody else associated with the training program for injury to myself as a result of the training activity.'
Professional Liability Insurance and LawyersIt is always a good idea to make sure you are insured against professional liabilities. You can search for a good insurer in your area and make sure that the insured amount will be enough to cover any sort of financial liabilities and legal expenses that may crop up. Even though it is unlikely you will ever come across a legal problem during the course of your work, it is always better to be safe than sorry. It is also a good idea to consult a business lawyer before setting up any company as this will help you avoid any legal pitfalls with respect to company formation, payment of taxes and other mandatory business obligations.
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