It is also important to remember, however, that instructors are often thought to possess a great deal of knowledge about health issues. Personal trainer and aerobic instructor certifications are not licenses to practice medicine. Clients who develop injuries or come down with illnesses should always be referred to medical doctors. Likewise, instructors should ask clients with existing medical conditions for permission to work with their doctors in creating a safe exercise program. If medical cooperation is not available or if the client refuses to seek medical advice, instructors must not accept the client's business.
Instructors are also responsible for providing their clients a safe environment to workout in.
Although most health clubs and gyms are well maintained, instructors should disassociate themselves from any facility whose management fails to fix broken equipment in a timely manner. Instructors who work with their clients outdoors should assure access to drinking water and alert their clients to any potential dangers caused by the terrain. Finally, instructors must act in a professional manner when interacting with clients. It is not uncommon for a clients to confide in their instructor. Instructors must respect the privacy of their clients and never reveal confidential information about their clients to anyone nor act upon it for their own best interest.