Photo by Richard R on Unsplash
If you are a Microgym owner or planning to start a microgym with your home gym, it is essential to understand the importance of drafting policies to safeguard your home-based business. Poorly drafted policies can lead to increased liability and legal fees you may not be able to afford in the unlikely case you find yourself in a bind. Below we will discuss 8 touchpoints that gym owners can use when creating their policies:
1) Include a general statement about your gym and how it's operated
Microgyms should always create and implement policies that are specific to their business. These policies should detail where your gym is located, how it operates, and who has access to the facility. Also, include a statement that their policies are subject to change. Remember it is important to write in the correct tense. Always write your policies in the present tense.
2) Put in simple terms how your microgym is intended to be used
Microgyms should clearly outline what their facilities are intended to be used for. Consider including a statement that prohibits the use of the equipment and facility by persons under 17 or 18 years old without parental supervision. You may also want to create specific guidelines about how long users can stay, whether or not you want to detail what type of shoes and clothing their users must wear while utilizing your microgym (ex: shoes required).
3) Mention how members should access your microgym
Any guests who might be dropping in for the first time must understand how to access the microgym. Is there a side door entrance? Do you have a sign at the microgym's entrance? Make it clear to your members how they are expected to access the Microgym.
4) Explain where you want your guests to park
In many cases, this is quite obvious — park in the driveway. Unfortunately, for others, it is not so simple. Microgyms should address where their guests are expected to park. Is there somewhere you do not want them to park? Is there a public lot close by? Ensure your guests aren't confused by letting them know where to go.
5) Let guests know about your bathroom policy
Are your microgym's bathrooms public or private? Microgyms should make their bathroom policy clear to guests from the start. If you have a separate restroom for women and men, let them know this in advance, so they aren't confused when accessing one of your restrooms.
6) Say in simple terms whether children are permitted
Microgyms should address their microgym's children policy from the start. Are children allowed in your Microgym? If so, what age is considered a child (check your state's position on this), and at what point are those individuals no longer welcome as guests of your Microgym? Make it clear to your guests whether or not children are permitted.
7) State that they must agree to your terms of service
Microgyms should establish their terms of service with each guest by building it into the process of signing up for a membership, drop-in, or appointment. The terms of service should be clear, concise, and easy to understand, as well as obligating them to adhere to your policies.
8) Layout your cancellation and refund policy
Microgyms should include their microgym's cancellation and refund policy so guests are aware of what they can expect. Microgyms may want to address different situations this may apply, such as whether or not you have a mandatory 24-hour cancelation notice period if there are any fees associated with failing to cancel. Guest's should know how long they can wait before canceling their workout.
Conclusion
Microgym owners have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their members and visitors and protect themselves from liability claims that may arise. That's why microgym owners should always create and implement policies that are specific to their business.
Did you find this post helpful? Check out the rest of our posts on our blog page, and follow @gorxfitness on Instagram for all things microgyms.