Like other licensed professionals, gym instructors and personal trainers should be regulated to protect their clients, said a lawmaker, who has filed a bill creating a Board of Fitness Professionals to maintain standards in the fitness industry.

“Despite the mushrooming number of health clubs, fitness centers and training studios, a law regulating personal [trainers] and group fitness instructors has yet to be enacted,” Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas III said in filing House Bill No. 6378.

Vargas said the bill would fill a gap amid the boom in fitness activities as Filipinos shift to a healthier lifestyle anchored on exercise and sports training.

The fitness industry needs to adopt a code of ethics and standards of practice for licensed fitness professionals to check abuses, he said.

The board created by the bill will certify the credentials of fitness professionals to ensure full transparency in their transactions with clients. It will also issue and renew the licenses of duly qualified fitness instructors and require them to register with the Board every two years.

Under the Vargas bill, the board will set the fees for the issuance of licenses and of examinations and inspections. It will also prepare, administer and approve the licensing examination and establish the procedures for reexamination.

The board will be empowered as well to investigate related consumer complaints; conduct random and targeted health and safety inspections of exercise facilities; issue subpoenas, orders, stipulated agreements and any other administrative remedies necessary; conduct disciplinary proceedings, impose sanctions, and assess fines for violations.

According to the bill, the board will establish minimum safety standards for exercise facilities and fitness professionals, as well as standards for their continuing education.

The bill would fine violators P100,000.