Sexual Harassment at the Gym: Legal Protections for Personal Trainers

Jun 13, 2025 / Wage & Hour

Attorney advertisement by Joanna Ghosh of Lawyers for Justice, PC, headquartered at 450 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203

The gym is supposed to be a space of empowerment and health, but for many personal trainers, it can also become a place of discomfort, exploitation, or even fear. From unwelcome sexual comments and inappropriate touching to explicit messages and stalking, sexual harassment in gyms is a real issue, especially for women.

Whether it comes from clients, coworkers, supervisors, or gym members, sexual harassment can come from anywhere. If you’re a personal trainer who is experiencing sexual harassment, you have legal rights and options to protect yourself.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Under both federal and California law, the act is prohibited because it violates basic human rights, leads to physical and psychological damage, and in a professional setting, it can create an unfair and hostile work environment.

Due to the nature of sexual harassment, it can happen to anybody regardless of age, gender, race, and sexual orientation; depending on the nature of the incident it can also have lasting professional consequences that can hinder career advancement.

What Does Sexual Harassment Look Like in a Gym Setting?

Considering how gyms promote improved physical appearances, it can sometimes create a hypersexual environment where some people might misinterpret gym culture as an invitation for sexual or romantic advances. Coincidentally, victims often don’t report incidents because they don’t know who to tell, or can’t tell if it’s intentional or a simple misunderstanding.

In fact, some of the most common examples of sexual harassment personal trainers may face include things like:

A client making inappropriate and subtle sexualized comments about your body
Coworkers touching you without consent
Gym patrons following you and/or watching you closely
Repeated unwanted messages through social media or your personal contact info

Whether it is subtle or severe, behavior that even borderlines sexual harassment can interfere with your ability to do your job.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Harassment at the Gym?

Sexual harassment doesn’t only have to come from a supervisor or manager, it can come from anyone who does not respect your boundaires. Whether they are active gym members, third party vendors, or even your coworkers, if someone is making unwanted advances at the gym, they can be held liable for harassment and depending on the nature of the incident, legal action can be taken.

Legal Protections for Personal Trainers in California

1. Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

The cornerstone of anti-harassment law in California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act, applies to all employers with five or more employees and prohibits sexual harassment in both quid pro quo and hostile work environment forms. For personal trainers employed by gyms, it means that they are legally protected if, for example, a manager makes inappropriate comments about their appearance, a coworker repeatedly touches them during training sessions, or a client makes unwanted sexual remarks.

Even if the harassment originates from a client, the employer (i.e., the gym or studio) has a legal obligation under FEHA to take “reasonable steps” to prevent and promptly correct the behavior. It may include warning or banning the client, revising policies, or relocating the trainer away from the harasser. If the employer fails to act, they may be held liable for the harassment the trainer experiences on its premises.

2. Senate Bill 1343

Historically, independent contractors were not covered under most anti-harassment laws, but with the passing of Senate Bill 1343, sexual harassment training requirements is required to all employers with five or more employees regardless of employment status. If a freelance personal trainer is getting sexually harassed by their client or a fellow trainer, the law treats such harassment just as seriously as if it occurred in a traditional employer-employee relationship.

3. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

In addition to state-level protections, personal trainers may also be protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a federal law enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Title VII prohibits sexual harassment in workplaces with 15 or more employees, making it applicable to larger gym chains and fitness franchises.

While FEHA generally offers stronger and more expansive protections than federal law, Title VII is still a viable avenue for personal trainers seeking relief. Trainers may also file complaints with both the EEOC and the California Civil Rights Department simultaneously, should the severity of the harassment require additional attention.

What to Do If You’re a Personal Trainer Being Sexually Harassed

If you are experiencing sexual harassment as a personal trainer, it is important to stay calm and carefully remove yourself from the situation and report the incident to a manager or the gym owner. However, should the harassment come from a direct superior, it is vital to document everything and keep a detailed record of every instance for the company’s HR department.

If the issue cannot be resolved internally, it may be necessary to consult with outside legal counsel for guidance. Depending on the nature and severity of the harassment, a sexual harassment attorney can help remedy the situation and get you compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and legal fees.

Can I Be Fired for Reporting Harassment At The Gym?

Whether you are a full time employee or an independent personal trainer, getting penalized for reporting harassment is unlawful and counts as a form of retaliation. California law protects you from being fired, demoted, reassigned, or harassed further for reporting sexual harassment or even participating in a workplace investigation. If your employer retaliates against you, that could be the basis for an additional legal claim.

You Deserve a Safe Space to Work

No personal trainer should have to tolerate sexual harassment to keep their job or clientele. Whether you work at a corporate gym, a boutique fitness studio, or as an independent contractor, the law protects your right to a safe and respectful work environment.

If your gym fails to respond to harassment complaints, you have the right to take legal action. Sexual harassment isn’t “just part of the job”, it’s a violation of your rights and you should not be forced endure it.