LIABILITY WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

This waiver applies to:

  1. A Fine Balance Saffron Walden Limited (Company No. 16365303), 1 Emson Close, Saffron Walden, CB10 1HL

  2. A Fine Balance Limited (Company No. 11224414), 173 St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, RM14 3BL

  3. Hannah Horne, operating as A Fine Balance Yoga (the “Instructor”), a freelance instructor providing yoga, Pilates, and related services.

The term “Services” refers to yoga, Pilates, barre, strength, sound and gong baths, workshops, events, retreats, and all other offerings, whether in studio, online, or off-site.

1. Acknowledgment of Risk and Voluntary Participation
I understand that participation in physical exercise and related activities carries inherent risks, including but not limited to muscular or joint injury, falls, stress, cardiac events, or exposure to infectious diseases such as COVID-19. I confirm that I have consulted my healthcare provider if I have any medical concerns and that I voluntarily participate in the Services at my own risk. I acknowledge it is my responsibility to disclose any health conditions to the Instructor or Studio before participating in every class or session.

2. Pregnancy Participation Policy
If I am or become pregnant:

  • I may not attend any A Fine Balance classes, workshops, or events during the first trimester (up to 12 weeks).

  • From 13 weeks onwards, I must provide explicit medical clearance from my healthcare provider before participating.

  • I am advised to attend pregnancy-specific classes unless I have maintained a regular pre-pregnancy practice and consulted with my doctor.

  • I must inform the Instructor before every session of my pregnancy status.

  • Not all classes or movements are suitable during pregnancy; Instructors have the right to refuse participation if deemed unsafe.

  • I understand I participate at my own risk and release A Fine Balance from any liability related to pregnancy.

3. Postnatal Participation Policy

  • I confirm I have received medical clearance from my healthcare provider to resume physical activity postnatally.

  • I understand that 6–8 weeks is the usual postnatal recovery period (or 8–12 weeks following a cesarean), which must be agreed upon with my healthcare provider.

  • I will inform the Instructor of any specific postnatal considerations (e.g., pelvic floor weakness, diastasis recti, prolapse, cesarean recovery).

  • I understand modifications may be necessary for safe participation.

  • I participate at my own risk.

  • For mum and baby classes, I am responsible for my child’s safety and supervision at all times and will bring appropriate care items. I acknowledge the baby remains my responsibility during the session.

4. Health and Medical Conditions
I confirm I do not have any condition that makes participation unsafe. I will disclose any relevant medical conditions including, but not limited to:

  • Cardiovascular issues or high blood pressure

  • Epilepsy, seizures, or fainting

  • Bone or joint disorders

  • Eye conditions such as glaucoma

  • Mental health conditions

  • Respiratory issues

  • Recent surgeries or injuries

  • Implanted medical devices

  • Pregnancy or postnatal status

  • The Studio reserves the right to refuse participation based on reasonable medical risk assessments.

5. Sound and Gong Bath Contraindications
I acknowledge that sound and gong bath sessions involve exposure to intense sound vibrations and may not be suitable for individuals with:

  • Pregnancy (particularly first trimester)

  • Epilepsy or seizure disorders

  • Hearing sensitivities or disorders

  • Certain mental health conditions

  • Recent head injuries

  • Implanted medical devices

  • I accept participation in these sessions is voluntary and at my own risk.

6. Minors and Bookings for Others

  • For participants under 18, parental or guardian consent is required.

  • If booking on behalf of another person, I confirm I have authority to do so and that they have agreed to these terms.

  • I accept full responsibility for any minors or third parties’ participation.

7. COVID-19 and Infectious Disease Acknowledgment
I acknowledge that attendance at in-person sessions may increase my risk of exposure to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases. While the Studio follows recommended health and safety protocols, no environment can be guaranteed virus-free. I voluntarily accept this risk.

8. Waiver of Liability and Release
I release and hold harmless A Fine Balance Limited, A Fine Balance Saffron Walden Limited, Hannah Horne, their employees, contractors, and representatives from all claims, liabilities, damages, or causes of action arising from my participation in any Services, including but not limited to:

  • Personal injury, illness, or death

  • Emotional distress

  • Property loss or damage

  • I understand that this waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law.

9. Right to Refuse or Terminate Participation
A Fine Balance Limited and A Fine Balance Saffron Walden Limited (the “Studio”) reserve the absolute discretion to refuse, suspend, or terminate participation or membership at any time and for any reason, including but not limited to:

  • Failure to disclose relevant health information or pregnancy/postnatal status without appropriate medical clearance.

  • Conditions or behaviours posing a risk to the participant or others’ health and safety.

  • Intoxication or impairment from drugs or alcohol.

  • Disruptive, abusive, or discriminatory behaviour.

  • Failure to comply with Studio policies, including booking, payment, or documentation requirements.

  • Operational or capacity limitations.

This right is exercised in line with the Studio’s duty of care. No refunds or compensation are due in such cases.

10. Photography, Video, and Social Media Consent
I consent to A Fine Balance Limited, A Fine Balance Saffron Walden Limited, and their representatives photographing or recording me during classes, workshops, events, or other activities for promotional, educational, or social media purposes. I understand that these images or videos may be used on websites, social media platforms, printed materials, or other marketing channels.

11. Data Protection and Privacy
By providing personal information when booking or attending Services, I consent to A Fine Balance Limited and A Fine Balance Saffron Walden Limited processing my personal data for the purpose of managing bookings, memberships, health and safety compliance, and communication related to Services.

The Studio will process personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Personal information will not be shared with third parties except as required by law or for health and safety reasons.

I may request access to, correction of, or deletion of my personal data by contacting the Studio. The Studio’s full privacy policy is available on its website.

12. Governing Law and Entire Agreement
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties regarding the subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements.

13. Confirmation and Consent
By booking, attending, or participating in any Services provided by A Fine Balance Limited, A Fine Balance Saffron Walden Limited, or Hannah Horne, I confirm that I have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to this Liability Waiver and Release Agreement in full. I acknowledge that I am over 18 years of age or have parental/guardian consent and understand that I am waiving certain legal rights, including the right to bring claims against the Studio or Instructor arising from participation.