Do You Need Insurance to Train Clients Outside?

Training an outdoor fitness class is a great way to spend time outdoors, stay active, and make some money. Find out if you should have additional insurance coverage to do so.
For many personal trainers and fitness instructors, offering outdoor workout classes is a great way to appeal to clients. Enjoying the beauty of nature, while staying active and taking in fresh air and sunshine, can be much more attractive than working out in an indoor space.
In this article, we’ll be looking at what insurance policies are best for outdoor trainers, as well as a few other commonly asked questions, including:
What are the benefits of outdoor fitness classes?
Should you offer outdoor fitness classes?
Are outdoor fitness classes allowed in Canada?
What kind of insurance do you need to teach outdoor classes?
Need Insurance for Your Personal Training Business?
FAQs About Insurance for Outdoor Workout Classes
What are the benefits of outdoor fitness classes?
While the answer to this may be different depending on where you are, outdoor exercise has multiple general benefits, such as:
Emotional Wellbeing: Studies have shown that physical exercise outside has been linked to participants feeling more motivated and positive, so your clients will have a better chance of coming back for another class.
Longer Workouts: Due to increased motivation and happiness, people tend to work out for longer periods when they’re outside. This means you can have more impactful results in the same amount of sessions.
Vitamin D Exposure: Being outside means getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D from the sun – even if it’s overcast! This important vitamin has been linked to increased immunity, bone strength, and even mood and energy regulation.
Should you offer outdoor fitness classes?
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding on whether or not you should start offering fitness and personal training classes outdoors.
For instance, if you’ve got an established client base in a brick-and-mortar gym or studio, offering outdoor fitness classes can be a great way to expand your session types and attract more clientele.
Related read: How to start your personal training business
On the other hand, starting a business that solely offers outdoor fitness classes can be a great way to avoid paying costly fees, such as monthly rent, maintenance, and upkeep. Since you don’t have a physical building, you can undercut the competition and charge less for your services.
Keep in mind that outdoor classes are almost always weather dependent. If it gets rainy or cold, you may have to cancel or reschedule your classes. Also, if you live in a northern city with more extreme winters, you may have to come up with creative ways of keeping your outdoor fitness class going year-round.
Related read: Insurance Tips for Running a Gym Out of Your Home
Need Insurance for Your Personal Training Business?
Are outdoor fitness classes allowed in Canada?
Depending on where you live, most places in Canada allow outdoor fitness classes. However, if you are offering your group fitness classes in a public area, such as a park, you may be required to get a permit before you can book the space. Private spaces, such as apartment building rooftops, may require you to have proof of insurance and some accreditation.
Whether you’re booking a public or private area, be sure to do your research so you don’t hit any snags once your class starts.
Related read: How to Be a Self-Employed Personal Trainer
What kind of insurance do you need to teach outdoor classes?
Depending on what you specialize in, there may be a number of different policies you should have. However, there are generally two main policies included in insurance for outdoor instructors:
Professional Liability Insurance: This liability coverage protects you from any claims of negligence during the course of your class. For instance, if someone feels that an exercise you instructed them to perform hurt them, they could come after you for damages.
Commercial General Liability Insurance: This type of insurance can help cover legal expenses if a client sues you for an injury that wasn’t directly related to you. For instance, if you’re holding an outdoor class after a rainfall and one of your clients slips and hurts themselves during an exercise.
Related read: How to Protect Your Fitness Career With Fitness Insurance
Having the correct outdoor fitness insurance is important for you to protect your assets and save you from having to pay out-of-pocket in the event something goes wrong.
Start an online application with APOLLO now, and you could be insured in the next 15 minutes. It’s Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer Insurance made effortless!
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Originally published September 29, 2022, updated August 25, 2023
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