DISCLAIMER: This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a

qualified attorney for specific legal guidance.

 1. Introduction

AI agents are increasingly used in the gym industry for customer engagement, scheduling, membership management, and personal training recommendations. However, their use must comply with federal and state laws to avoid legal risks,

including privacy violations, deceptive practices, and improper communications.

 2. Key Legal Considerations

 A. Privacy and Data Protection

 Federal Law (Applicable Nationwide)

- **FTC Act (15 U.S.C. 45):** Prohibits deceptive or unfair trade practices, including misleading AI-generated communication.

- **CAN-SPAM Act (15 U.S.C. 7701):** Regulates commercial emails, requiring an opt-out option and truthful content.

- **TCPA (47 U.S.C. 227):** Regulates telemarketing calls, texts, and robocalls, requiring consent for automated messages.

- **GDPR (if serving EU clients):** Requires explicit consent for data processing.

- **HIPAA (if offering health-related services):** Applies if the AI handles medical or biometric data.

State-Specific Laws

- **California:** California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) requires gyms to inform members of data

collection practices and allow them to opt out.

- **Illinois:** Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) prohibits collecting biometric data (e.g., facial

recognition for check-ins) without written consent.

- **New York:** SHIELD Act mandates reasonable data security measures.

- **Texas:** Texas Biometric Privacy Act regulates the use of facial scans, voiceprints, and fingerprints.

 AI Communications and Contacting Customers

AI can interact with customers via phone, text, email, or social media, but businesses must comply with:

1. **Consent Requirements**

- **Phone & SMS:** Prior express written consent is required under the TCPA for marketing texts and robocalls.

- **Email:** Must comply with CAN-SPAM rules, including opt-out mechanisms.

- **Social Media Messaging:** Must avoid misleading AI-generated messages.

2. **Do-Not-Contact Lists**

- Federal and state Do Not Call (DNC) registries apply to AI-driven calls.

- California, Florida, and New York have stricter consumer protection laws limiting automated marketing calls.

3. **Truthful and Non-Deceptive AI Use**

- No deepfake or deceptive chatbot marketing (California's Bot Disclosure Law requires AI bots to identify themselves).

- AI must not misrepresent offers or overpromise results.

3. Best Practices for AI Use in Gyms

 A. Membership Management

- **Example:** AI chatbots handling membership sign-ups should clearly disclose terms, renewal conditions, and cancellation policies.

- **Legal Tip:** Ensure AI chatbots do not misrepresent fees or offer unauthorized discounts.

 B. AI-Powered Personal Training

- **Example:** AI-generated workout plans must include disclaimers stating that AI does not replace professional medical or fitness advice.

- **Legal Tip:** Avoid liability by ensuring AI trainers do not make medical claims.

 C. Marketing & Customer Outreach

- **Example:** AI can send appointment reminders, promotional offers, and fitness tips via text/email.

- **Legal Tip:**

- Get clear consent before sending marketing texts.

- Provide an easy opt-out mechanism (e.g., Reply STOP to unsubscribe).

- Ensure marketing AI follows state telemarketing laws (e.g., Florida's Mini-TCPA, which restricts

automated texts).

 D. AI and Gym Security

- **Example:** AI-powered cameras detect unauthorized access or suspicious activity.

-**Legal Tip:**

- **Illinois & Texas:** Obtain written consent before using facial recognition.

- **California:** Provide a privacy notice for security cameras.

4. State-Specific Guidelines for AI Use in Gyms

| **State** | **Key AI-Related Laws** |

| **California** | CCPA, Bot Disclosure Law, TCPA regulations |

| **Florida** | Mini-TCPA (Fla. Stat. 501.059), strict robocall/texting limits |

| **Illinois** | BIPA (strict biometric data rules) |

| **New York** | SHIELD Act (data security), TCPA |

| **Texas** | Texas Biometric Privacy Act, TCPA |

5. Legal Compliance Checklist for AI in Gyms

- Get explicit consent for AI-driven marketing messages.

- Disclose AI interactions clearly in customer-facing communications.

- Avoid biometric data collection without proper consent in Illinois, Texas, and California.

- Ensure AI chatbots are not deceptive in promotions or pricing.

- Provide opt-out options for marketing emails and SMS.

- Use AI securely for customer data storage (especially in states with strict privacy laws).

 6. Conclusion

The use of AI in gyms presents exciting opportunities but must align with federal and state laws.

Gyms should prioritize

transparency, consent, and data security to stay compliant and avoid legal risks.