Doctor certificate for gym

keiran

Hi guys,

I am going to subscribe in a local gym which asked me to provide a doctor's certificate.Basically they just need sth stating that I am healthy enough to do excercises in a gym (without heart problems,etc.)

My question is that if I could get such a cert from somewhere else than a GP's.I wouldn't like to spend 50-60 euro extra for that.

Any advice will be appreciated!

Roper

I've never heard of that. Basically the law is that if you undertake to do an exercise programme you are doing so if your own free will and those training you, as long as they're properly qualified and aren't negligent, are freed from any liability. It's certainly a good idea to get yourself seen to however, but I've never heard of a gym asking for a certificate.

Which gym is it?

itsallaboutheL

Roper wrote: »

I've never heard of that. Basically the law is that if you undertake to do an exercise programme you are doing so if your own free will and those training you, as long as they're properly qualified and aren't negligent, are freed from any liability. It's certainly a good idea to get yourself seen to however, but I've never heard of a gym asking for a certificate.

Which gym is it?

I've seen it happen quite a bit lately regarding people of a certain BMI , i'm no where near positive but i think there was either legislation brought in or a precedent was set somewhere,,, i vaguely remember a conversation to that effect

Roper

itsallaboutheL wrote: »

I've seen it happen quite a bit lately regarding people of a certain BMI , i'm no where near positive but i think there was either legislation brought in or a precedent was set somewhere,,, i vaguely remember a conversation to that effect

So people who really need the gym are given yet another disincentive to join?

itsallaboutheL

Roper wrote: »

So people who really need the gym are given yet another disincentive to join?

Seems So

Sangre

As a law talking guy that is news to me. I'm open to correction though. I would be very surprised if some bill to this effect was promulgated without the media catching a sniff of it.

I would be equally surprised if there case law to this effect. It would call into question liability waivers for multiple activities with gyms being a small minority.

flywheel

keiran wrote: »

I am going to subscribe in a local gym which asked me to provide a doctor's certificate.Basically they just need sth stating that I am healthy enough to do excercises in a gym (without heart problems,etc.)

hi, was this before you sat down and did a Medical / Health Screening with them?

The Davestator

It is common place if your blood pressure is high etc. but asking for a cert before they've checked you out is a new one on me.

In Total Fitness UK, they employ a full time doctor to check out all clients as they know that the incentive of a free check up from a doc leads to more sales and covers its own costs. (they did in 06 anyway)!

Mellor

Roper wrote: »

Basically the law is that if you undertake to do an exercise programme you are doing so if your own free will and those training you, as long as they're properly qualified and aren't negligent, are freed from any liability.

I imagine its not a case of liability and rather a case of public relations.
They might not be liable if somesody gets hurts seriosuly on site, but stories in papers (and Ben Dunne's next radio ad) won't exactly be good for business

OP, did you tick any boxed on the form saying you have/had epilepsy/high blood pressure/any other medical condition past or present - if you did, this is why you need to get checked out. It's not a bad thing, go and do it. It's for your own good. Unfortunately, you do have to chuck 60 Euro at more than likely, an overweight family doctor to tell you that you're good to go.