Personal trainers in Wyndham have been slow off the mark to apply for permits that will allow them to hold outdoor fitness classes.
From July 1, a new Wyndham council policy will require personal trainers wanting to hold classes and fitness sessions at council-run parks to hold a valid permit.
But Star Weekly has been told few trainers have actually applied for a permit.
Wyndham council databases reveal almost 100 commercial fitness providers are using open spaces within the municipality.
Wyndham councillor and sport portfolio holder Peter Maynard said the permits would help ensure that personal trainers using council’s open spaces had current and appropriate public liability insurance and were using only venues assessed as appropriate.
Under the new rules, personal trainers must pay an annual fee of $120 for sessions with between one and eight participants, while those running groups of between nine and 20 will fork out $240.
Trainers will also be restricted from using certain parks and reserves for training.
Tarneit-based personal trainer Melissa Moorfoot said she was concerned about the repercussions the policy would bring to fitness providers.
“My concern with the cost for a permit is that it may be passed on to participants,” Ms Moorfoot said.
“There’s a lot of competition out there, so if we’re having to put up our prices for group training, it might deter people.”
The permit application form can be found here.
