A fitness disclaimer is a legal statement on your website telling readers and users that the content is for educational and informational purposes only. If your site offers health and fitness content, a fitness disclaimer is advised.
What Is a Fitness Disclaimer?
A fitness disclaimer is a legal notice that helps reduce liability for informational content around health and fitness. It states that your content shouldn’t be used as a substitute for professional advice, and suggests readers consult a medical professional before starting a new diet or exercise regime.
Like other disclaimers, it helps reduce liability should a reader pursue legal action based on your content. It isn’t mandatory, but it’s advised if you cover these topics.
Who Should Use a Fitness Disclaimer?
Any website covering health and fitness content should carry one, including:
- Fitness and health blogs: blogs suggesting new exercise routines or eating plans should disclaim that readers shouldn’t treat this as personalised fitness or medical advice.
- Gym websites: sites advertising gyms and memberships often publish fitness and health articles, and should carry a disclaimer covering that content.
- Fitness trainer websites: like most modern business sites, a trainer’s website likely includes a blog or articles on fitness and health, and should disclaim accordingly.
- Government fitness websites: public fitness agencies publish general guidance and typically disclaim that they aren’t liable for loss or damage arising from a user’s own reliance on the site.
Examples of Fitness Disclaimers
Below are a selection of examples of fitness disclaimers taken from a variety of fitness websites. They show how important it is to include a disclaimer on this type of site.
Fitness and Health Blogs
Below is an example of a fitness disclaimer found on FM Fitness and Nutrition’s blog
Gym Websites
This is part of the disclaimer found on the website pinkgym.com.
Fitness Trainer Websites
Here is an excerpt taken from the disclaimer of well known tv fitness trainer Jillian Michaels.
Government Fitness Websites
Lastly here is the disclaimer found on Fitness Australia (government) website.
Conclusion
Fitness disclaimers help reduce a website or blog’s legal liability. They’re advisable for any site publishing health and fitness content: fitness and health blogs, trainer websites, gym websites, and government fitness bodies alike.
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter, and does not create a lawyer-client relationship.
