Issue #358 – February 2, 2022
Legal Essentials for Pilates Studio Owners & Teachers
by Corey Sterling
Note from Pilates Intel: This article provides general information on common legal issues of interest to our subscribers. It may not be applicable to your particular situation or in your particular geography and it is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult a licensed attorney on all legal matters.
It’s no secret that our world has completely transformed over the last two years. COVID has changed the way we approach almost every aspect of life. This holds true for Pilates studio owners and teachers alike. Many teachers have moved parts or the entirety of their business offerings online.
Every business, large or small, is grappling with the task of how to safely and responsibly operate their business in 2022 and beyond. This includes an increasing awareness of the law and adhering to new rules and regulations for business operations.
But fear not! We are here to help you through that and ensure your business is safe, secure and protected in the new year. At Conscious Counsel, awarded Most Innovative Health & Wellness Law firm of 2021, we’ve helped countless Pilates professionals with their legal agreements. We’re on a mission to transform the way legal services are done, and we’re here to support YOU.
If there is one thing to take away from this article, remember: communication is key!
The more open, honest and upfront you are about communicating with your clients, employees or anyone else you do business with or meet in life, the fewer issues you’ll have and the easier it will be to handle any issues that do come up.
Here are three legal agreements you should think about implementing when teaching your classes online or in person:
1. Do you have a waiver of liability?
Why: To protect your business in case anyone is injured while you are practicing Pilates together or if someone contracts COVID-19 at one of your in-person classes. Essentially, a waiver protects you from being held liable if you get sued.
Have you clearly outlined what the Pilates practice you will be undertaking with clients will include?Have you communicated the risks of Pilates and related activities to your clients?
Have your clients agreed to sign away their legal rights to sue you for the Pilates practice you are about to engage in together?
2. Do you have a service or membership agreement?
Why: To lay out the terms for practicing at your studio or practicing with you online. This includes things like price, offerings, policies, etc. and any terms that you want to include!
Do you clearly outline how and when payment is collected?
If you use recurring automatic payments, do your clients know when and how often they are charged?
Do you let your clients know how they can suspend and cancel their membership?Do you outline what will happen in case of studio closure due to extenuating circumstances (such as COVID-19)?
3. Do you have a privacy policy, terms and conditions and social media disclaimer?
PRIVACY POLICY
Why: If you have a website or if you’re offering online classes, then it’s important to outline how you collect personal information and everything else involved with a person’s use of the website, in order to comply with privacy laws and clearly outline what people can expect from your services.
Do you ask individuals to agree to the collection of their personal information?Do you state what information you collect and how you use it?
Do you outline what third party sites and applications you work with/use?
Do you need to describe how you comply with Global Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and/or California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)?
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Why: To outline under what conditions materials on your website can be downloaded and used.
Have you outlined that your work is protected by copyright?
Have you clearly outlined your policies for cancellations, refunds and/or returns?
SOCIAL MEDIA DISCLAIMER
Why: To explain your qualifications and the scope of your expertise to your clients.
Do you state that you cannot provide guarantees for specific results regarding your practice
Do you let your clients know that it is their responsibility to ensure they are healthy before they practice using your online material?
Do you let your clients know that the representations on your platform are your opinion?
I know this is a lot of information and it can seem daunting at first. I also created this brief Pilates Legal checklist so that you can easily inform yourself. Remember, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me cory@consciouscounsel.ca.
With Love & Protection,
Cory Sterling
Free Legal Checklist for Pilates Professionals
Conscious Counsel: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca
Cory Sterling is the founder of the heart-leading law firm Conscious Counsel, ranked #1 Most Innovative Health & Wellness Law Firm of 2021 (Legal Elite Awards.) They provide a simple, informed, and approachable way to get customized legal agreements (waivers, membership agreements, etc.) that actually protect your business. A lawyer, yoga teacher, and group fitness instructor, Cory is committed to teaching about the law in a FUN and practical way. He wrote The Yoga Law Book and has served hundreds of yoga, Pilates & wellness professionals and studio owners around the world (275+ 5* Google reviews.).