setting up a boot camp - JP Fitness Forums

rsmith31 · 03-04-2008, 01:00 PM

I am planning on starting running boot camps late in the spring. As far as I have found with my research no one else in the tucson area is running outdoor fitness boot camps. I was wondering what all forms and releases i should have my camp participants fill out prior to our first physical session. Also how would you go about doing client assessments since it is a laerger group. Ive done some market research and im certain of filling all 20 of my planned spots very quickly. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to email me with any help if you feel inclined. bodyzen@live.com

kuri · 03-04-2008, 02:50 PM

Good thread. I'm also looking at starting up something similar soon and am wondering about the legal forms necessary as well.

Tom@foresight · 03-04-2008, 07:11 PM

Not sure about what the law is in the US, but here you are covered as long as your clients fill out a PAR-Q, which would identify any major health problems and have signed a standard waver.

Personally when i do group classes I get all new members to arrive a little early let them fill in a PAR-Q and if that brings up any major health issues I will have a little chat and dig a little dipper on the issue. On the rare occation I have not felt comfortable with a new client joining a class due to medical issues I would arrange a consultation with them to hammer out the issue, alternatively I would send a doctors note.

As long as you have shown and most improtantly recorded a duty of care over your clients, you are covered.

TOM

rsmith31 · 03-06-2008, 01:32 PM

well besides a par-q does anyone know of any other legal forms id have to get in order to protect myself legally. If anyone is running a camp id appreciate some feedback.

Jean-Paul · 03-06-2008, 02:42 PM

If they'll attach, I'll share one of my forms with you with legal protections in it.

Mind you, it took a lot of man hours to put together all of the forms that I use. I'll let this one be a freebie. I have the an entire binder for my boot camp system. Makes them run really smoothly.

rsmith31 · 03-06-2008, 06:22 PM

Thanks for the form. I really appreciate it. I also am putting together a binder im trying to make it as structured, challenging and fun as possible. You have alot of experience in this field and any pointers you can give im very appreciative of as far as boot camps

swat fitness · 03-16-2008, 12:39 AM

Wow - I'd go back and re-research, R. There are MANY fitness boot camps in Tucson. Anyway - From a legal standpoint (as one of the fitness boot camp trainers in Tucson myself) and from experience, I would suggest that you FIRST have at LEAST one national certification as a personal trainer, and better yet one as a group fitness instructor. Make sure you have followed all the proper and legal procedures for securing the location. THEN get professional liability insurance and put every possible location you might even think of holding a camp on your "Additionally Insured" list. Have Par-Qs filled out ahead of time. Have them sign a Boot-Camp Fitness waiver (separate from the Par-Q), and try to get as much experience as you can in a controlled environment. Like have a couple of "freebie" sessions or something to test your skills (and their responses) before you sign up a bunch of people that are hard to manage and have them for 6 weeks. Start Small. And if you really want to get some experience with this kind of thing, or have any questions - call me!

rsmith31 · 03-16-2008, 10:01 AM

Well ive taught martial arts back in missouri for a number of years and had seperate fitness classes on the side to aid in their performance,so i do have some experience with teaching large groups of people. I have done more research and found the other boot camps. I just tested for my certification and passed. I have my par-q, and my group fitness waivers, and my liability insurance will cover me wherever i hold my sessions. I checked with the parks and rec department and from what i gathered as long as your not using the park fields during peak hours your ok. I just checked out your website and was highly impressed with your reputation and your business setup. I would appreciate any advice or assistance you can give me since you have much more experinece in this field. Email me at bodyzen@live.com if you have a free moment.

Jean-Paul · 03-16-2008, 07:27 PM

Hey guys, if you're giving/getting free advice here, why not share it with everyone. That is the purpose of this forum afterall.

swat fitness · 03-16-2008, 08:28 PM

You got it, JP. I'm new to the forum and just getting to know my way around. Wow - your knowledge and expertise is really good. We have a lot we can learn from you.

Jean-Paul · 03-16-2008, 08:49 PM

Welcome to the forums, SWAT.

BTW, you are welcome to put a live link to your site in the sig line area. It's a good way to promote your own site, especially if you give good advice, which so far sounds to be the case.

GqArtguy · 03-21-2008, 06:25 PM

Swat (or anyone else) is there any insurance that you would reccomend as far as flexibility of coverage for different activities as well as affordability?

Jean-Paul · 03-22-2008, 09:40 AM

I recently posted about insurance. I'm not sure where it is, but it is in this subforum somewhere. I'll try to track it down.