What form is legally binding but does not excuse a fitness professional from negligence?

A consent form is a legally binding document that signifies an individual's agreement to participate in fitness activities after being informed of the potential risks involved. However, it does not absolve a fitness professional from the obligation to provide a reasonable standard of care or to act safely and responsibly.

This means that if a fitness professional demonstrates negligence—such as failing to provide a safe environment or not addressing known risks—they can still be held liable for any resulting injury, even if the participant signed a consent form. Consent forms acknowledge the risks but are meant to foster informed decision-making rather than serve as a shield against legal accountability for negligence.

While the other options, such as PARmed-X and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, serve to assess readiness and safety for physical activity, they do not hold the same legal implications regarding liability as a consent form does. The physical activity waiver form is also intended to limit liability, but like the consent form, it does not completely eliminate a professional's responsibility to act without negligence.