If you are putting together a business plan for your sports business there are some important elements to remember. No matter what type of business you are setting up, you should have a business plan. A business plan summarises everything about it from objectives and strategies to marketing plans and financial forecasts.

One thing not to leave out of your business plan is the necessity for insurance cover. Get a quote for our Sports Business Insurance today to ensure you and your business are protected should things not go as planned. If you are running an after-school club you should consider our after-school club insurance.

It is an essential tool if you are looking to secure funds from a bank or investor but can also be helpful when talking to new suppliers or customers as it will help to articulate those aspects of your sports business that will be of particular interest. There are lots of online resources to help you to write a plan, but here is a summary of the key points to include:

 

Top Tips:

  1. Outline your objectives – be clear about what you are looking to achieve and how you intend to reach your goal.
  2. Define your business – Provide a clear and accurate summary of your business and what it is about. Outline what produces/services you will provide.
  3. Identify your market – and more specifically your target consumers. Who will you sell to, what are their demographics ie. What age groups, gender are they and what regions of the country do they live in?
  4. Competitive Analysis – what and who could your competitors be? Remember that this doesn’t just have to be direct competitors.
  5. Pricing structure – Be sure to detail your selling price, costs any other investors in the business so you have a clear financial plan. This will help the bank/potential investors to be clear about the opportunity that your business can provide.
  6. Operations – detail the operational side of the business from facilities to employees including management and the structure of the business.
  7. Sales and Marketing – how will you sell your products/services? How will you promote your business and your products? What will the costs be and the expected results?
  8. Demonstrate that you have identified any potential risks and have plans in place in certain scenarios – investors will be more prepared to part with their cash if they can see that a risk assessment has been done.

 

Other top tips:

  • Allow plenty of time – putting together the right business plan can take time. Not only do you need to gather all of the information required but then you need to sit down and put it together in the right way.
  • Start with a template – there are lots of great business plan templates available which are an excellent starting point to help you to build the perfect business plan. Both Princess Trust and Barclays provide great examples.
  • Keep the plan clear, precise and professional. Your business plan represents you and your business so it is important to deliver the right impression
  • Avoid too much detail in the main body of the plan. Many business plans are simply too long! Keep the body of the document clear and accurate and include any supporting information in the appendix (making sure that you reference it).
  • Don’t be afraid to ask advice – review the document with any business colleagues or friends you trust to give you constructive feedback.

 

So get writing your winning business plan and remember ‘A goal without a plan is just a wish’ – Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 is a draft bill set to come into action by the 6th April 2016 making it a legal requirement for all dogs in England to be microchipped by 8 weeks old. This means all dogs and owner’s details will be held on databases such as PetLog (managed by The Kennel Club) to ease reuniting lost pets with owners.

The main aim of this legislation is to reduce the number of abandoned animals, with animal rescue centres becoming more and more crowded compulsory microchipping will ensure owners cannot avoid responsibility for their pets.

 

What is microchipping?

A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is implanted just under a pet’s skin, usually on their back. This microchip contains a unique code which when scanned contains information about the pet and their owners.

This information is stored on databases and is accessible by veterinary centres, the dog warden service and other animal organisations and can be used whenever a pet is lost to trace their registered owners. It is important for owners to keep this information correct and up to date as owners are required by law to inform their microchip database within 21 days of any changes. If owners fail to microchip their dogs or keep these details up to date they may be liable to a fine of £500.

 

How do I become a microchipper?

Contrary to popular belief microchipping does not need to be done by a vet but can also be done by a qualified implanter who has undertaken adequate training.

On the 24th February 2015, changes in legislation meant that all training must be carried out by an approved supplier such as PeddyMark or Tracer.

When looking at different training programmes and deciding where to qualify to make sure they have an approved status certificate which should be displayed on their website or you can ask to see this.

Becoming an implanter is easier than you think, it simply takes four hours of one to one training with a qualified instructor. With PeddyMark, trainers travel to you at a time you have specified to ensure the process is entirely at your convenience. Allowing one to one training also means any questions you have will be answered and you will come away a more confident qualified implanter.

What will I need to become a microchipper?

To set up your own pet microchipping business you will need to have space, the correct qualification, equipment, a customer base and most importantly insurance. Within your training, you will cover what health and safety regulations you will need to comply with in regards to your work area and equipment. There may be an initial investment needed to ensure these are all up to standard. Once you have qualified the next step is to find clients, it is worth networking with local breeders, vets, animal shelters, pet training classes and pet businesses to advertise your services.

It is worth getting the word out about your business early as more and more pet owners will be needing a microchipped.

When you are dealing with other people’s pets it is important to have adequate insurance so that if you are found to be negligent and cause an injury to an animal then you will be covered for any legal costs. Visit our pet microchipping page to get a quote.

If you are looking to start your own pet business, microchipping could be a great way to start with only a small amount of training and investment needed.

However, with changes in this area of law, it is important to keep up to date and ensure your training is adequate to ensure your pet microchipping business complies with government standards.

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

Dog walking is the widely recognised kinder alternative to kennels. It is the perfect way to keep your pet entertained and exercised while you’re busy with work, kids, or just your schedule in general.

In fact, organising a dog walker for you pet can be even less hassle than a kennel, because your dog can be collected for its walk straight from your house – no input required from you! Dog walkers are likely to be dog enthusiasts will understand that your pet’s safety and happiness is your top priority.

With more people working further afield, commuting longer distances, and working longer hours, there is an increasing demand for this kind of service and you’ll be able to find a walker to suit you in your area.

Some walkers take many dogs for a walk at the same time, others prefer to just walk a dog on its own. Many, especially if they belong to a professional business operation, will be licensed and animal first-aid-trained employees and all should have comprehensive dog walking insurance.

We asked about their experience as a professional dog walker in the London region, charging £10 per walk.

 

How did you get into dog walking?

After a 20-year career in logistics, I decided to pack it in and do something I loved. I grew up around dogs and have always had at least one in the family, so always wanted a pet business.

Dog walking fulfils my once-pipe dream of working with dogs and now I get to enjoy my passion every day. It initially began as a hobby (I’d walk the neighbour’s dog for free) but then word of mouth spread and I built up a client base.

 

Describe your typical day

I leave home at around 8.30am with my own dog to get the first pick up. By about 9.15am I’ll have five dogs and we head to the park. The dogs run around for an hour, I often meet with locals to chat about this and that, and then I’ll drop those dogs off before picking up the next group at about 11am. I won’t walk more than 7 dogs at once, it’s just too chaotic and I’ve learnt from experience. When one runs off but you’ve got 6 other dogs to look after, what do you do?!

I like a change of scenery so I’ll head to a different park in the afternoon. The afternoons are a little less manic, the dogs are smaller and the city is quieter. I tend to get home between 5.30 and 7pm and the first thing I do is change my clothes. I may not work in an office anymore but it’s still nice to have some differentiation between your working day and your home life.

 

What is the hardest part of the job?

How hard can it be is a question I get asked a lot and in truth, there is lots to learn.

Every dog is different but it’s your job to keep the dog safe, and the other dogs safe if you are walking a few together.

In London, not only is it important for me to have some physical stamina and knowledge of dog behaviour, but you must also be savvy with your pet first aid know-how, and the rules of the city itself.

I have also learnt a lot about time management, which can be intense at times because every client has a different routine and you must accommodate that. There’s also the dog poo – but you get used to that!

 

What would be your advice to anyone looking to begin dog walking?

I love my ‘job’ as a dog walker and I couldn’t go back to a career behind a desk now, but a note of warning to budding dog walkers that it really is a lot harder than most people think!

To make the most out of dog walking, I think it’s important to consider it a lifestyle rather than a job. Oh, and invest in a good pair of shoes. You’ll live in them all day long so paying a little more is worthwhile. Buy nice not twice!

 

And finally, what’s the best thing about the job?

The freedom, the time spent outdoors, and the daily shower of love by dogs who are waiting for you.

With every lovely day, whether a crisp winter morning or a perfect sunny day I am reminded of the dreary office landscape I left and why dog walking is so worthwhile for me. I’ve met all sorts of people – dog walking is very social – and there is a simple pleasure in watching dogs run around and interact.

 

 

Dog walking is becoming an increasingly popular business as more and more people realize what is has to offer! You can turn a hobby into a money-earner, being paid to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with dogs, often choose your own hours and fulfill what may have been a lifelong ambition to work with animals.

With many dog owners struggling to juggle longer working hours and further commutes with the demands of their pet, it’s a great time to start a dog walking business of your own.

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

Being a personal trainer is an active profession – you are on your feet every day, exercising clients, and using a range of equipment. There is little ‘desk work’ involved which is why many people choose to become a trainer, but it subsequently means it is a career with more risks.

If you were to sustain an injury, albeit in a gym or not, you would be unable to train, work, and make money. On your client’s part, they could sustain an injury or be involved in an incident and chose to file a claim against you or your gym.

We’ve put together a list of features you can expect to find in an insurance policy, to help you decide what sort of cover you need:

 

Public Liability Insurance for Personal Trainers

You may need to know – what is public liability insurance? We have liability insurance for everything – our car, house, even life itself. As personal trainers, protection against a claim is a must. This could arise from inadequate supervision or instruction, equipment malfunction, improper use of equipment, accusations of sexual harassment, and more…so it is essential to be covered!

It provides cover for injury or damage to third parties (e.g. persons other than employees) or their property; includes cover for damage to premise hire, and all legal fees related with defence settlements.

Specialist insurance for personal trainers

Do I need Professional Indemnity insurance?

As a personal trainer, your job revolves around providing expert advice and guidance to clients. But what happens if a client claims that your advice led to an injury, loss of progress, or financial loss?

Professional Indemnity Insurance protects you against claims of negligence, mistakes, or professional errors that could leave a client out of pocket. Even if you’ve done nothing wrong, the cost of defending yourself against such claims can be high. This cover ensures you’re financially protected, so you can focus on helping your clients reach their goals, without the worry of financial setbacks.

Professional Indemnity insurance for sports trainers means you are able to give advice, instruction, and tuition to your clients without worrying about any consequences.

 

Equipment cover

Running a business often means relying on specialist equipment, whether it’s fitness gear, sports kit, or tools of the trade. If something gets lost, damaged, or stolen, replacing it can be costly and disruptive.

That’s where equipment insurance comes in. Policies with Productivity include £500 of cover as standard, with the option to increase it up to £30,000. It covers the sports equipment you use for your work, but not electrical items like laptops or sound systems.

For example, if your weights, mats, or specialist gear were stolen from your car or gym, this insurance could help you replace them quickly, so you can get back to business.

 

Optional Extras

Personal Accident

Accidents happen, especially in hands-on professions where you’re constantly active. If you suffer an injury while working, you could be left unable to train, coach, or earn an income.

Personal Accident cover is designed to help in these situations, offering financial protection for serious incidents like accidental death, permanent total disablement, or temporary total disablement.

For example, if you tear a ligament during a client session and can’t work for months, this insurance could provide financial support while you recover.

 

Overseas Extension

If your work takes you beyond the UK, this extension ensures you’re still covered while working abroad for up to 30 days a year. Whether you’re training clients in Europe or running a fitness retreat further afield (excluding the USA), this add-on gives you peace of mind.

To qualify, you must be a UK resident, but otherwise, it’s a simple way to stay protected when your work takes you overseas. For instance, if you were leading a bootcamp in Spain and an insured incident occurred, this cover would help protect you against potential claims or financial loss.

 

*Answers are based on Protectivity sports business policies.

 

FAQ’s* on personal trainer insurance

I work at a gym that is insured, so do I still need insurance?

It depends if you are an employee or a contracted personal trainer. As an employee you should be covered by the gym owners employers’ liability insurance to provide training in the gym.

If you are employed by the gym as a freelance PT you need your own insurance.

 

I’m providing personal training services abroad – am I covered?

Yes, but only if you add an Overseas Extension to your policy. This allows you to work outside the UK for up to 30 days a year, with the option to choose either Europe or Worldwide (excluding the USA) cover. However, you must be a UK resident for this cover to apply.

If you’re planning to train clients abroad—whether it’s running fitness retreats in Spain or coaching sessions in Australia—this extension ensures you’re protected while working internationally.

 

*Answers are based on Protectivity sports business policies.

 

Affordable Personal Trainer Insurance from Protectivity

Personal trainer cover from as little as £3.86 a month, get a quote today!

At Protectivity, we can cover you for a wide range of training activities, from traditional PT, Aqua Aerobics to Body Balance to Sports Therapy to Kettlebell Training. Simply choose a personal trainer insurance policy and you’ll be protected as personal trainer in minutes.

You’ll find public liability insurance from £1 million included as standard, professional indemnity cover and £500 worth of equipment cover. To reinforce your policy, you can increase your cover or include optional extras, employers’ liability, personal accident and overseas extension.

Please note, you are expected to hold a certified qualification in the activity you are instructing. In the event of a claim, failure to disclose this may invalidate your insurance.

Get Personal Trainer Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

Table of contents

Sports events have the ability to bring together the masses, whether they are record breakers or simply looking to achieve. Often sports events can be used to celebrate, achieve or raise money. Whatever the objective, any sports events require a lot of resources to make it a success.
Here are just some resources that you will need to make your event one to remember. The exact requirements will depend on the size of event, activities that are included and location but these are the basic elements to consider as part of the planning process.

About us

Protectivity is a specialist in niche commercial, leisure, and lifestyle insurance. We cover thousands of individuals and small to medium size businesses across the UK, offering a range of tailored insurance products such as Event Insurance to protect our customers against unforeseen events.

 

  • Venue – ensure that you have all of the necessary permissions to hold an event at the venue you have chosen and that all the relevant authorities have been notified. Contact the local council for details of any licences that might be required.
  • Advertising – Put in place a strategy to advertise the event. Contact the local paper, use social media and promote through sports clubs to reach as many people as possible.
  • Insurance – There will be a minimum amount of sports event insurance required to cover any incidents during the event and protect the organising committee in the event of cancellation for reasons beyond your control. Policies can be tailored depending on requirements, visit our Sports Event Insurance page for more details. You will need at least public liability to cover injury or damage.
  • Staff – don’t underestimate how much support you will need to make your event a success. Depending on the time of the event you are planning, you will need marshalls, first aiders, administrators and security (see below). Ensure that staff you recruit are reliable and hold all of the necessary qualifications (ie. First aiders). Where possible utilise volunteers – get in touch with local schools, universities and sports clubs as these are often a great source of volunteers.
  • Health and Safety – conduct a full risk assessment to consider any potential issues and how they might be overcome. Advice can be found on the Health and Safety Executive site.
  • Security – depending on the size of your event and the profile of athletes attending, you might require a security presence to help manage the event. Ensure that you use a reputable agency for this and that they have all of the necessary licences and insurance in place. .

 

Here are some other great hints and tips to consider too when organising your sports event:

  1. Have a wet weather plan – can the event still go ahead in the event of rain, or even snow?
  2. Invite the local paper – get them to come along and take pictures and get a write up to help raise the profile of the event. This is really helpful for annual events especially as you can drive interest for the next year!
  3. Consider what refreshments you will provide and who will supply them.
  4. Enjoy it! Once all of the planning is over enjoy the event.

So, when you are planning your next sports event, ensure that you have considered the basics and have the right cover in place.

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

There seems to be some consensus that martial arts businesses are more likely to become broke than to succeed, but this does not mean that you can’t have every success with yours. Being broke should not be synonymous to running a martial art school, no matter how many excuses can be made…the economy! You can’t make money in this industry! There’s too much competition! Well, entrepreneur.com reports that martial arts as a sport is second only to golf in terms of number of new participants over the past decade, so if you’re familiar with the ancient rules of supply and demand, we think you’ll see the opportunities in this market! Excuses aside, it is all about mind-set, a good strategy and developing healthy business habits. Competing with established businesses may seem daunting when you’re starting out, but effective marketing can really pay off. Why not try the following marketing strategies to help boost your martial arts business?

 

1. Take stock and prioritise

You may know where you’re going but you have to start at the beginning with the basics – knowing these will help you to know your marketing budget. What are your assets? (Membership payments, savings, anything you own outright.) What are your liabilities? A successful marketing campaign needs a solid platform under it so you must have your finances straight – and be honest with yourself! Prioritise then where you spend your money. Is it a good idea to spend thousands on a big name instructor for a training session? If it’s not essential for generating profit – such as increased membership or a higher profile – get rid of it.

 

2. Set a marketing budget…

…and make it the second cheque you write each month, right after rent. Be sensible with this budget but prioritise it as an individual, separate budget. If it helps, why not make a separate account? At the end of each month, you know to spend every last penny before the month is out. When you set your marketing budget, think about your goals. How many new students do you need to sign up each month to start generating some profit? When you’re just starting out, your business goals need to be centred around promoting and selling, and so prioritising your marketing budget should come before other expenses.

 

3. Modernise your website

To compete with the best, you must have a website. It’s an interface accessible to all, can be made to look professional easily and inexpensively, and most importantly it represents your business online. Customers can find out all about you and your business so you need to make a good impression. Take advantage of your new position in the market – older businesses might have out-dated websites, how can you make your website fresh, exciting and appealing? What are other websites lacking that you can make sure yours has? What do you think your target market would like to see on your website? Make your site clean and clear as it needs to be easy for visitors to find out about your business, for example your team and your prices, and ensure your contact details are obviously displayed.

 

4. Community advertising

If your business takes you out and about in the local area, why not advertise with branding. This may be a van with your company logo, branded jumpers for your staff – anything that gets your business and brand in the public eye. If you regularly visit schools for example, having your company name visible will attract the attention of potential customers. It is also beneficial to attend any community events to promote your business. If your target audience was children or young adults, you could have a stand at school open days, summer fetes, with information about your business and promotional items to give out. Perhaps have incentives to attract people – martial arts demonstrations, a competition? Visual aids are always great and it allows you to interact, engage and advocate your services simultaneously.

 

5. Be professional

Being friendly, chatty and personable is great when drawing potential customers in, but it is important to establish a line between that persona and a professional one, so your customers feel reassured and comfortable while practicing martial arts with you or your staff. Your business’ professionalism is key to supporting this. The professional side of your business can be measured by whether or not you have comprehensive martial arts business insurance that covers third party liability and relevant qualifications, such as first aid training and certification, among others. Display these details on your website and any other promotional materials to demonstrate your experience.

To find an insurance policy tailored to your Martial Arts business, click here to get a quote.

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

To date, most fitness professionals have followed a similar strategy when it comes to marketing their personal training business and one that does seem sensible.

 

Sure, if you’re looking to expand your client base to generate more profit, it makes sense to spend most of your marketing budget on outbound marketing efforts and invest much less into your current clients. Though this is how the game has been played for years, the industry is changing and becoming incredibly competitive. If you’re a startup personal trainer, it’s highly unlikely that your marketing efforts will be more successful than those of chain clubs, so you’ve got to think smart!

So the acronym goes: GAME ON – Gain Advantage, Monetise Everything, Overlook Nothing.

Powerful isn’t it, so pay attention!

 

1. Refocus and referral

It’s time to invert the personal training marketing equation and think about investing most of your budget into your existing clients. It may sound narrowing and we know you want to aim big, but the return on this investment will put you in good stead. Make a client referral program because marketing strategies are, in fact, most effective when presented to people that already know, like, and trust you. When your clients send business your way, reward them… everyone responds well to incentives and if your client knows there’s something in it for them – a free session or health vouchers, for example, they will be willing to help you out.

 

2. Don’t be afraid to ask

There is no shame in promoting your business to current clients. After all, it’s them who know best what you can do and how good you are, so it is natural to talk about advancing yourself in their company. Make sure your client is aware of the scope of your ability – you might be helping them with a fat-loss program but can you also help athletes with endurance training? People who do exercise are likely to have friends who do exercise, so forget the idea that it’s ‘cheap’ to ask for referrals, and ASK!

 

3. Transformation challenges

Never underestimate the value of visual impact when it comes to planning how you will market your personal training services.

It’s all very well and good telling your client you can help them shift those unwanted pounds in 6 weeks, but if you can show them how your other clients have done just that, it will have far more resonance!

If you find willing clients who are prepared to share their transformation journey, whether it be through photos of testimonials, it will make a great addition to your website or even to your sales pitch in conversation.

 

4. Social Media

Its next to impossible to ignore its daily relevance, presence and power, so if you think old school marketing will work today for your personal training business, think again! Not only can social media marketing reach a wealth of people, it’s really very easy and simple. You can create a business account on FacebookTwitter and Instagram. Do you know what we said about visual impact? Instagram, in particular, is great for this…you can draw people in with ‘6-pack workout’ and desirable image, and then direct them to your website. Daily posts will promote your presence and make your business accessible to the masses.

 

5. Positioning

As we’ve said, the personal training industry is hugely competitive. Everywhere you turn there’s a ‘fitness expert’ ready to sustain the world’s rising interest in health and fitness. There is also now added competition from home workouts and fitness apps, so it’s essential that your business focus is to create a competitive advantage.

Know what your client does not have and wants, know what you need to offer to make yourself the best choice in the market place, and know how to play your strengths. If you shift your business to rely on those strengths, you’ll be well positioned in the market to reap the benefits of a unique service.

 

6. Stay ahead of the crowd

Information is now so accessible that you must be ready to provide the information that is not easily accessible. No one wants to pay to be told something they could have read about in Fitness Weekly.

If you can satisfy your client’s curiosity they will keep coming back for more, and whatever you do don’t think that client education will mean they will eventually not need your business anymore!

A client will always come back for new programs and tougher workouts so long as you stay at the top of your game, and help them to achieve and further their goals.

To do so, you must also always be looking for ways to educate yourself whether that’s attending fitness events, talking to the best in the industry, or just pooling ideas.

 

 

7. Be professional

At the end of the day, personal training involves risk. You’re dealing with potentially unfit clients who are not accustomed to exercise, you’re supervising their handling of equipment and machines, and you yourself must stay fit…when you yourself are your business, it pays to be responsible. Promoting a friendly and approachable persona is great, but the professional side of your business can be measured by whether or not you have comprehensive personal training insurance. This needs to cover third-party liability and relevant qualifications, among others. Display these details on your website to demonstrate your professionalism, responsibility, legitimacy and experience.

If you have your own gym – highlight this and it’s equipment, and mention that you have gym liability insurance in place to give customers peace of mind.

Aside from the seven points above, it’s important to remember you will need full cover when operating as a personal trainer. Click here to get a personal trainer insurance quote from £4.29 a month.

Get Personal Trainer Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire is designed to determine an individual’s safety when starting a new exercise plan. Most people can start a exercise plan without worry; however, some people may require a preliminary health check to ensure that they are taking on the right level of activity for their medical condition.

Personal trainers often use the PAR-Q to identify any reasons why their client shouldn’t start a course of physical exercise. A PAR-Q highlights any medical conditions or physical inabilities that a client may need to speak to their GP about and that the trainer may need to take into consideration during training. From a liability point of view, the PAR-Q reduces the risk of client injury, illness and even accident.

About Protectivity
Protectivity is a specialist in niche commercial, leisure and lifestyle insurance. We cover thousands of individuals and small to medium size businesses across the UK, offering a range of tailored insurance products such as Personal Trainer Insurance that protect our customers against unforeseen events.

 

What does a PAR-Q include?

A PAR-Q will typically include questions such as:

  • Do you have chest pain when performing physical activity?
  • Are you pregnant or have you given birth in the last 6 months?
  • Do you have a bone or joint problem that causes you pain when exercising?
  • Have you had recent surgery?
  • Do you have any other limitations that must be addressed when developing an exercise plan (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, back problems etc.)?

If a client answers yes to any of these questions, they may be an unsuitable candidate for your training. The client should seek medical clearance from their GP before continuing with your exercise programme, or seek advice about their limitations for exercise.

 

Why do clients need to complete a PAR-Q?

It is advised that each personal trainer or business should produce their ow PAR-Q relating to the type of activity they provide, as well as a set of guidelines stating what action should be take is a client gives a ‘negative’ response to the PAR-Q. This might include advising the client to speak to their GP or adapting the exercise plan to incorporate the client’s specific requirements. In extreme cases, you may have to deny a client your services to prevent client injury or incident.

If you failed to ask your clients to complete a PAR-Q and they suffer an injury due to a previous condition or troublesome body part, problems could ensue. You could be blamed for asking a client to undertake an activity that they were not physically able to do so. This may be seen as negligence on your part.

 

Where can I get a form?

We have provided a basic template which can be used as a guide for your own PAR-Q. Be sure to adapt this basic template to reflect your specific business activities and create a separate set of guidelines to manage any ‘negative’ responses to the form.

View our example Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.

Our Personal Trainer Insurance is available from just £4.29 a month – get a quote today!

 

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

The fitness tracking market is booming, with hundreds of apps and gadgets tracking your daily exercise, diet and fitness goals. But this isn’t exclusive to humans; there is also a huge range of apps and gadgets for pets.

From basic medical advice to tracking your dog’s daily activities, there are plenty of apps to help you look after your pets. We’ve tracked down the top 5 for perfect pet health.

 

Pet First Aid

Created by the American Red Cross, this app is a comprehensive guide for everyday pet emergencies. There are videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice explaining health essentials, what to pack in a pet first aid kit, how to do pet CPR and more.

Carrying this information around in your pocket means you’re fully prepared if your pet does get into trouble.

Available on IOS and Android.

 

Tagg — The Pet Tracker

This app uses a lightweight GPS Tagg tracker that easily attaches to your pet’s existing collar and supplies tracking info to your phone. Detailed charts let you keep up to date with your pet’s daily activity so you can ensure she’s getting the right amount of exercise.

You can also set a designated Tagg zone and if your pet leaves this you can quickly pinpoint her on a map, allowing you find her easily. By monitoring your pet’s movement every day you’ll be able to pick up on any health issues and keep her safe.

Available on IOS and Android.

 

Pet Phone

Organise all of your pet’s health records in one place with this app. Keep up with Vet appointments, track your pet’s weight, store notes about any allergies or food preferences your pet has and manage their medication.

You can also sync the app with your calendar to get reminders for Vet appointments and medication doses. Pet Phone lets you manage every aspect of your pet’s health so you can be sure you’re doing everything to help him live a happy and healthy life.

Available on iOS.

 

Dosecast

If your pet is on a course of antibiotics, it is essential they have the right dosage at the right time for the medication to work properly. Although this app is designed for humans, it can also work brilliantly for managing your pet’s medication. You can set reminders, schedule medication on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, and customise the dose amounts so you’ll never miss a med.

The app is particularly handy if your pet is on multiple medications.

Available on IOS and Android.

 

Aquarimate

There are a lot of factors involved in maintaining a healthy ecosystem in your aquarium. This app helps you organise tasks, keep track of tank conditions and note changes in fish health and growth. There is also a livestock library of Freshwater and Saltwater fish, coral, invertebrate and plant species so you can easily find information.

Ensure your fish live in the optimum environment by setting up tank parameters and tracking your activities.

Available on IOS and Android.

These apps are great for giving pet owners peace of mind about their pet’s health. Give your business the support it needs with a comprehensive pet business insurance policy – whether you’re a pet sitter, dog groomer or walk dogs for a living, get a quick quote for your business’ requirements.

Our Pet Business Insurance is available from just £5.62 a month – get a quote today!

Get Pet Business Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

Becoming an established fitness professional doesn’t mean you should stop driving for success. Increasing your business growth and achieving career goals will only make you a stronger personal trainer. Unlike other industries, health and fitness don’t have a set career path, and as such you’re able to go in whichever direction you want.

Working towards goals will keep you motivated and increase what you can offer clients. Why not boost your skill set to the following:

 

Training and Development

Keeping your skills and qualifications up to date maintains your professionalism and ensures you’re delivering the best possible service to your clients. There are various continuous professional development courses, workshops and further instructor courses available’ so you can pick and choose what you think will help your business and boost your fitness knowledge. Having these qualifications also helps you get onto official fitness registers.

 

Diversify

You may have chosen a field to specialise in, but this doesn’t mean you can’t diversify. Further instructor courses will increase your skills so whether you specialise in antenatal women, rehabilitation, or people with disabilities why not branch out? You could start offering nutritional advice with diet plans or specialist yoga for your clients, the more you can earn. It won’t hurt your reputation either!

 

Enhance your area of interest

The best way to be good at something is to do what you love. If football is your one true passion, you could set up football coaching or training sessions in your local park. Or you could build on your personal training speciality to utilise your existing customer base and start a group class. Be creative and try to do something that no one else offers to make your business stand out from the crowd.

By constantly learning and building up your business, you’re increasing your training experience and expertise, which is invaluable for freelance personal trainers. Make sure you’re fully covered for any new ventures with fully comprehensive personal trainer insurance. Get instant online cover with Protectivity. Get a quick quote now.

Whatever your discipline in personal training, you’ll need to be covered so make sure you’ve got adequate liability insurance just in case the worst happens. Find out how little it could cost for a comprehensive policy with Protectivity.

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date.