What Is a Personal Training Contract?
A personal training contract is a written agreement between a trainer and a client. It explains the terms of the training services and each party’s responsibilities. It may also include general details about the training program, such as fitness goals and training focus.
It also helps:
- Cover the services, including session type, schedule, and location
- Set payment terms, such as pricing and refund policies
- List cancellation rules, including notice time and a no-show policy
- Set clear expectations for both the trainer and the client
- Help protect both parties, especially when used with a liability waiver
What to Include in a Personal Training Contract
Most personal training contracts include the same basic details, but you can adjust them to fit your needs. Below are the common sections you can include in your contract:
Party Information
Include the full names and contact information for both the personal trainer and the client. This can include mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. This helps clearly identify who is entering into the agreement.
Services Provided
Describe the training services that the personal trainer will provide. This may include:
- Workout guidance
- Fitness coaching
- Basic physical assessments
- Session type, such as one-on-one or group training
- Session schedule and frequency
- Location where the sessions will take place
Include the responsibilities of both the personal trainer and the client in this section. The trainer’s responsibilities may include leading workouts, demonstrating exercises, providing guidance, and tracking progress.
The client’s responsibilities may include attending sessions, following instructions, following any facility rules, and communicating any injuries or concerns to the personal trainer.
Payment Terms
Explain how the personal trainer will be paid for their services. You can include price per session, package, or program, and specify whether the payment schedule is due per session or monthly. For example, personal trainers may charge an hourly rate, a per-session fee, or a monthly package.
You should also list the accepted payment methods and refund policies for missed or canceled sessions.
Use a free invoice template to request and keep track of payments.
Cancellation Terms
Include how long the agreement lasts and how either party can end it. Set clear rules for canceling or rescheduling your training sessions. Include how much notice is required to cancel, what happens if a client misses a session, and whether missed sessions are refunded or forfeited.
Liability Acknowledgment
A personal trainer contract often includes a liability acknowledgment. This explains that physical activity involves risk and that the client agrees to participate voluntarily. For additional protection, many trainers use a separate release of liability form. You can also use a confidentiality agreement template to protect your personal information.
Additional Legal Clauses
You may include other terms to protect both parties. For example, you may include an indemnification clause specifying who is responsible for any claims or injuries that occur during training sessions. You can also include insurance requirements if the trainer carries liability coverage.
Signatures
Both the trainer and the client should sign and date the personal training contract agreement. The contract becomes enforceable once both parties agree to the terms and sign.
How to Cancel a Personal Training Contract
Canceling or ending a personal training contract depends on the terms in your agreement. Here are some steps you can take to end your personal training contract properly and avoid extra fees:
- Review the cancellation clause: Check how much notice you need to give and whether there are any conditions for ending the agreement.
- Put your request in writing: Send a written notice by email or signed document. Include the date you plan to end the contract, as well as any remaining sessions or payments.
- Check for fees or refund terms: Some personal training contracts may charge cancellation fees or fail to refund unused session fees. Review your contract to confirm what you may still owe or what you may still receive.
Sample Personal Training Contract
See a sample personal training contract template below to get a better idea of what a typical personal trainer contract might look like. You can use this sample personal trainer contract template as a reference when completing yours.
Once you’re ready, use Legal Templates’s guided questionnaire to complete it, then download your personal training contract in PDF or Word format.
