District Of Columbia § 3-1209.08 - Personal fitness trainer.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 3-1209.08 — Personal fitness trainer., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-1209.08. Personal fitness trainer.
3-1209.08For the purposes of this section, the term “personal fitness trainer” means a person who develops and implements an individualized approach to exercise, including personal training and instruction in physical fitness and conditioning for an individual and a person who performs similar physical fitness training regardless of the designation used.
A person who practices or offers to practice as a personal fitness trainer in the District shall register with the Mayor on forms prescribed by the Mayor, renew the registration at intervals the Mayor may require by rule, and pay the registration fee established by the Mayor.
Nothing in subsection (a) of this section shall be construed as preventing or restricting:
The lawful practice of a licensed health care professional under the scope of his or her license;
Self-training by an individual or the gratuitous personal fitness training services provided by a friend or family member who does not represent himself or herself as a personal fitness trainer;
The lawful practice of an athletic trainer licensed by the Mayor provided, that the person does not represent himself or herself as a personal fitness trainer or provide personal fitness training services; or
Coaches and physical education instructors, health or recreation directors, health club or spa instructors, and water safety instructors who are supervising athletic activities, exercise, aerobics, weightlifting, water safety, and other recreational physical activities; provided, that the person does not represent himself or herself as an athletic trainer or provide personal fitness trainer services;
The activities of a personal fitness training student acting under the direction of a personal fitness trainer registered with the Mayor provided, that the student is designated by a title that clearly indicates his or her affiliation and status as a personal fitness training student.
A person registered with the Mayor pursuant to this chapter as a personal fitness trainer may use the letters “PFT” or “RPFT” in connection with his or her name to denote registration under this chapter, and an unregistered person is prohibited from using such letters in connection with his or her name and business activity, or the words “personal trainer,” “trainer,” “registered personal trainer,” and “certified personal trainer,” or “licensed personal trainer.”
A registered personal trainer may not use the letters “RPT,” or “PT” in connection with his or her name to denote registration under this chapter.
A person holding a valid physical therapy license under this chapter is exempt from the provisions of this section.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 3-1209.08
What does D.C. Code § 3-1209.08 cover?
Section 3-1209.08 ("Personal fitness trainer.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 3-1209.08?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 3-1209.08" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 3-1209.08 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.