What Should Be Included in a Gym Waiver?

Whether you're opening your first studio or running a full-scale fitness facility, having a gym waiver isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential. It protects your business, sets clear expectations, and helps you avoid messy legal situations if something goes wrong.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Be sure to consult with a qualified attorney to ensure your waiver complies with local laws and regulations.

But what exactly should you put in a gym liability waiver?

Here’s a breakdown of what to include (and why it matters), plus a few tips to make sure your waiver isn’t just legally sound but also easy for members to understand and sign.

First: What Is a Gym Liability Waiver?

A gym liability waiver is a legal document that members sign to acknowledge the risks involved in physical activity and release your business from certain types of liability. It’s designed to protect your gym, your trainers, and your team from lawsuits related to injuries or accidents during workouts, training sessions, or use of equipment.

👉 Want a ready-made template? Check out this gym and fitness waiver that you can customize in minutes.

1. A Clear Assumption of Risk Statement

This is the heart of any gym waiver. It should clearly explain that working out carries some level of risk, including injury or even serious health complications. Your members need to understand that they are voluntarily participating and accepting those risks.

Make it specific. Mention things like:



• Weightlifting injuries
• Slips and falls
• Overexertion
• Equipment malfunction
  
• Personal training sessions
  
  

This isn't about scaring people. It’s about transparency.

2. A Release of Liability Clause

This section says that the member agrees not to hold your gym legally responsible if they get hurt. It typically includes:



• Waiving the right to sue for injuries
  
• Releasing the gym, owners, employees, and contractors
  
• Covering all claims related to the use of facilities or participation in services

You might see this referred to as a “release and waiver of liability,” and it's arguably the most important paragraph in your entire form.

3. Health and Fitness Acknowledgment

Include a statement where members confirm that:

• They are physically fit to participate in gym activities
  
• They’re not under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  
• They’ve disclosed any relevant medical conditions
  
  

Some gyms also encourage members to consult a doctor before starting a new fitness program. Including that language in your waiver shows that you're taking reasonable precautions.

4. Emergency Contact and Medical Consent

This part is optional but smart. Ask for an emergency contact and include a line that authorizes your staff to call for medical help if something serious happens.

It shows you’re looking out for your members and it can protect your staff in emergency response situations.

5. Photo and Video Release (Optional)

Planning to snap some gym photos for social or promo use? Consider adding a section where members give permission for their image to be used. This isn’t required, but it avoids awkward misunderstandings down the road.

Want to see how this looks in practice? Here’s a solid gym liability waiver example you can review.

6. Digital Signature and Date Fields

Make sure your waiver ends with a space for members to sign and date the form. If you’re using a digital waiver platform like WaiverSign, the process is mobile-friendly and secure. You can even bundle it with your membership agreement or onboarding process.

No more paperwork headaches. Just clean, trackable records.

Include Your Trainers

If your gym offers personal training sessions, it’s a good idea to have a separate personal trainer waiver in place. This ensures your trainers, whether in-house or contractors, are covered and helps them feel supported by your business.

Why It Matters

Your gym waiver isn’t just a form. It’s the foundation of a safer, more professional experience for you and your members. When it’s clear, specific, and easy to sign, it builds trust, protects your business, and keeps the focus where it belongs - on fitness.



Want help putting together a digital waiver that checks all the boxes? We’ve got you. Start a free trial with WaiverSign and we’ll even build your first waiver for you.