Personal trainers weigh up liability costs
It has been revealed that personal trainers who conduct their classes in public grounds will have to pay public liability fees.
However, one fitness instructor said that the new policy will fail if the scheme is not vigorously regulated and policed.
From the beginning of March 2nd, personal trainers who use public spaces to conduct their fitness classes will need to pay the council a yearly fee.
The scheme was launched due to allowing equitable access to public places, to address personal injury concerns and to reduce to impact of such areas.
A council spokeswoman commented that the programme was launched due to: “an increase in inquiries and demand for open space by local commercial trainers.”
Those who have groups of one to five participants will pay under half what those with six to 10 applicants will pay.
However, one fitness instructor said without proper policing the programme will flop. He stated: “The oldest trick in the book is for a trainer to say they are just there with their buddies.
“But if that happens they should check ID, then just keep telling them to move on or pack up, and if that happens often enough then the clients won’t want to train with them.”
The worker, who trains upwards of 60 people per session on a beach three days a week, said financial difficulty was no excuse for trainers who planned to avoid the rules.
“Realistically paying rent is part of doing business and if you are training 60 people per session, which most do, then you’re crazy if you can’t put a little away for this cost. But still some major companies won’t even bother trying to get a license; they will just run the risk.”
Exercise and costs not working out
In similar news, fitness groups in Phoenix Park, Ireland, are outraged by the fact that they are being charged up to €600 per year, to train there.
Fitness trainers and Boot Camp members are angered that they will now have to start coughing up €10 a day for use of the public park.
The Office of Public Workers (OPW) stated that they must meet these fess, as the park is being used for commercial purposes.
One frustrated trainer, Cathy O'Connor, originally from Australia, cannot afford to pay her fee of €610 because she is still trying to get her personal training business off the ground.
She stated: “I lost my construction job two years ago and have since attempted to start my small business in the fitness industry.
“Last year the fees didn't exist; this year the OPW has advised they are looking for €610 paid upfront, and this is only from April to October.
“I started it last year and it's going okay, but I was banking on doing it from April to October. I can understand the permits and regulating where people are, but there aren't even toilets or drinking water. There are no facilities - it's just a patch of grass.”
However, the OPW remains stubborn and claimed it’s €10 per day fee will not budge, along with the usual conditions such as sending in a copy of public liability insurance, compensation claims issues and signing the Phoenix Park indemnity form.
An OPW spokesperson said the amount “came about when it was found that organisers of these groups were charging participants fees of €5.50 to €10 each to take part in each fitness training session.”
Updated on 04/03/2010