Hiscox USA’s Tyler Peterson on How Personal Trainers Can Mitigate Risk

From injury claims to social media disputes, Hiscox USA’s head of professional risks shares how personal trainers can protect themselves and their businesses in an evolving fitness landscape

As personal trainers help their clients achieve peak physical performance, they also face a range of complex risks that could jeopardize their goals, reputations and financial stability. From unexpected client injuries to hidden liabilities such as data breaches or unrealistic social media expectations, the need to understand and address these risks has never been greater.

Here, Tyler Peterson, head of professional risks at Hiscox USA, breaks down the most common scenarios trainers encounter, offers proactive steps to minimize risks and advocates for setting strong professional boundaries.

With over a decade of experience in insurance across various sectors, Peterson highlights what every trainer — from seasoned pros to newcomers — needs to know to stay protected in this fast-paced, client-focused profession.

The following conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Athletech News: The most apparent risk for personal trainers is client injury. What are the most common scenarios leading to liability claims against trainers, and what steps should trainers take to minimize risk?

Tyler Peterson: They say the greatest wealth is health, and personal trainers are the often much-needed voice on our shoulders guiding us to be fitter, stronger and healthier. In that motivational role, there is usually a need to push clients past their comfort zones, and with that, an inherent risk when stretching physical limits. The most common liability claim against personal trainers is bodily injury, whether they’re providing in-home coaching, leading a gym class, training a client for competition or helping them recover from a previous injury.

There are a range of scenarios that can result in claims, and trainers need to take proactive steps that trainers can take to minimize their risk.

• Assess fitness level: Before beginning any training, personal trainers should gather a full picture of a client’s health and goals. This includes collecting information on medical history, past injuries and lifestyle habits, as well as conducting preliminary assessments of strength, flexibility and endurance. These insights are essential for tailoring a safe and effective workout plan.
• Practice proper technique: During training, it’s the trainer’s responsibility to monitor each client’s form closely and correct improper technique or unsafe use of equipment immediately. Poor form is a leading cause of injury and one of the most avoidable.
• Encourage communication: A trainer can’t feel what a client feels. That’s why open communication is key. Clients should feel comfortable voicing discomfort or pain so the trainer can adjust exercises or intensity levels as needed.
• Stay focused: A gym environment can be loud, busy and distracting, but when distractions happen, so do accidents. For example, a trainer not properly monitoring their client during bench presses, and the client trapping and injuring their finger. 
• Invest in insurance: Even with the best intentions and training, accidents happen, and when they do, the financial and legal fallout often lands squarely on the trainer. Clients may get injured following a trainer’s workout plan or while using equipment. Even if the trainer doesn’t own the gear, they still may be held responsible. Trainers can also face claims for property damage, such as dropping a dumbbell during an in-home session and denting the hardwood floor. That’s why it’s essential to carry both general and professional liability insurance. These policies help cover claims related to bodily injury, property damage or alleged negligence. Without insurance, personal trainers could face lawsuits and medical bills that put their business and reputation at risk. According to the 2023 Hiscox Underinsurance Report, 75 percent of U.S. small businesses are underinsured. For trainers, that can be a costly oversight.

ATN: What are some “hidden risks” that personal trainers may not have considered?

TP: Even when a personal trainer has strong safety protocols in place, something can always go awry. Here are a few examples of “hidden risks” personal trainers need to consider when running their business.

• Unrealistic expectations fueled by social media: Clients often arrive with goals shaped by filtered, edited or unattainable online images. Promising dramatic transformations can backfire if results don’t match expectations. Personal trainers should be clear about what’s realistic and avoid guaranteeing outcomes. A well-communicated disclaimer helps manage client expectations and protects you from potential disputes.
• Data breaches and digital risks: From payment details to personal health records, trainers now manage highly sensitive digital data. But what if that data is compromised? A single breach can put them on the legal hook. Without proper protection and recovery systems, personal trainers could be ruled at fault for jeopardizing a client’s data. Hiscox’s 2024 Cyber Readiness Report found 69 percent of U.S. companies saw an increase in cyberattacks year-over-year, underscoring why even solo trainers must shore up their digital defenses.
• Virtual training missteps: Remote sessions are convenient, but they also introduce new liabilities. If a client injures themselves while following your virtual instruction — even though you aren’t there to correct their form in real time — you could still be held responsible. Even technical issues, like a dropped video feed or poor connection at a key moment, could lead to claims of negligence.
• Brand sponsorships and advertising disclosures: Trainers are leveraging social media to grow their businesses. As they attract more followers and higher engagement, brands may sponsor these individuals to promote products on their platforms. However, if a fitness professional publishes promotional content without a clear advertising disclaimer, they can face fines and penalties from the FTC or even lawsuits from their audience or the sponsored brand. 

ATN: With the growing emphasis on holistic wellness, trainers might be tempted to offer advice outside their certified scope (e.g., medical, dietary). How can trainers clearly define and adhere to their professional boundaries, and what are the dangers of venturing beyond them?

TP: A personal trainer’s expertise lies in exercise and not in prescribing diets, supplements or medical treatments. While it’s fine to offer general guidance on healthy habits or nutrition basics, trainers must be cautious not to cross into areas they aren’t certified to address. That line can blur quickly, especially as clients increasingly seek a holistic approach to wellness.

For example, a trainer might be tempted to suggest a weight-loss supplement to help a client meet their goals, but if that supplement triggers a heart condition or interacts poorly with medication, the trainer could be held liable for offering advice outside their certified scope. Similarly, recommending a specific meal plan or diagnosing recurring pain as a muscle strain when it could be a more serious medical issue can put both the client’s health and the trainer’s business at risk.

To stay within bounds, trainers should clearly define their role from the start of the client relationship – ideally under contract: they provide fitness guidance, not medical or dietary prescriptions. Any questions about supplements, chronic pain, food sensitivities or diagnoses should be referred to a licensed dietitian or healthcare provider. Setting those boundaries early and sticking to them helps protect clients’ well-being and ensures the trainer’s practice remains both professional and legally sound.

ATN: Trainers often develop close relationships with clients, which can sometimes lead to ethical complexities (e.g., boundaries, gift-giving). What are some common ethical dilemmas trainers encounter, and how should they navigate them professionally?

TP: Safety and professionalism should be top priorities for every trainer. Before the first session, personal trainers should establish boundaries with their clients to prevent inappropriate behavior or conversation and encourage open communication, so a client feels respected and is comfortable with the activity. Common ethical dilemmas include becoming too personally involved, accepting or giving expensive gifts, or oversharing about personal life during sessions.

There’s also the risk of favoritism or unequal treatment if a trainer socializes more with certain clients. The key is to set clear, professional boundaries from the start. Trainers should maintain open communication, avoid dual relationships (like training close friends), and follow any codes of conduct outlined by their certification organizations. A good rule of thumb is to ask, “Would this decision hold up to outside scrutiny?” If the answer is no – or even maybe – it’s worth rethinking.

ATN: What are the top 5 things to include and/or watch out for in personal training contracts?

TP: Having a solid contract leads to a successful, mutually beneficial partnership between a personal trainer and a client. The top five things in a personal training contract include:

• Scope of work: A scope of work lays the groundwork for the trainer-client relationship. It outlines the specifics on the trainer’s services, client objectives, training methods, session frequency, timeline and location. It also sets the expectations for behavior from the client and personal trainer, ensuring both are aligned on appropriate manners of conduct and communication. 
• Financial terms: This section addresses the cost per session, accepted payment methods (e.g., cash, card, check, etc.), due dates and terms on late payments, cancellations, no-show fees or rescheduling sessions. It determines how a personal trainer will be reimbursed for their services, no matter what. 
• Liability waivers, disclaimers and indemnity clauses: This is a personal trainer’s shield against legal disputes. It defines the risks associated with the activity and equipment and how a trainer will not be held responsible for injuries, property damage or claims of negligence. This section should be well-defined to prevent any loopholes that could cause financial ruin. 
• Client confidentiality: Personal trainers safeguard a client’s medical, health, contact and financial information. A confidentiality agreement ensures this data will not be shared publicly, unless agreed upon otherwise. A high level of privacy is expected from clients, so this section is critical for establishing trust. Remember to check how these regulations apply in your state. 
• Termination: If a client breaches a contract, decides they no longer need a trainer’s services, or fails to pay for numerous sessions, a termination clause specifies how to end a contract and the timeline and costs associated. This ensures both parties terminate a contract professionally.