Booking/Payment Policies

Reservations/Payment Policy

All classes must be paid for and booked at least 30 minutes before the start of class. If no one is registered for a class by 30 minutes prior, the class will be canceled.

All payments must be made in full online via the website, lauramerkel.com. You can purchase a single class via the “Book Now” page or purchase a 5- or 10-pack of private sessions or classes through the “Pricing Plans” page.

Cancellation

If no one is registered for a class by 30 minutes prior, the class will be canceled.

In the event that you cannot attend a class or private, the cancellation policy is as follows:

If you do not show up for a class or private session without prior notice, you will forfeit the class or private session and will be charged in full.
If you email me at least 2 hours prior to the start of the class or private to let me know you need to cancel, I will cancel you without charge and move your payment to another class or time of your choosing.
Full reimbursements will only happen on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to me at LauraMerkelFitness@gmail.com for more information.

Transfers

Class packages can be made for up to 5 people at a time, provided all participants have filled out their own liability waiver ahead of the start of class.

If your circumstances change and you would like to transfer the remainder of a class pack or private session pack to a friend or family member, please contact me directly via LauraMerkelFitness@gmail.com to do so.

Renewals

All class and private session packages expire after 2 years. While I am confident that 2 years is plenty of time to utilize these packages, I understand sometimes things happen! If, for some reason, you do not use all of the classes or private sessions on your pack within two years, I am happy to extend them as needed. Please reach out to me at LauraMerkelFitness@gmail.com for more information.

Refunds

Business policy is that refunds are given in the form of credit for future classes or sessions. If extenuating circumstances apply, please reach out to me at LauraMerkelFitness@gmail.com to resolve the situation.

New Clients

If you are taking a class or session with Laura Merkel Fitness LLC for the first time, please be sure to fill out the liability waiver ahead of class. Join the zoom meeting at least 5 minutes prior to the start of class time.

Please wear comfortable clothing that you can move in such as yoga pants, leggings, athletic shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, or sweatshirts. It is a myth that fitness professionals can only offer you corrections if you’re wearing form-fitting clothing. Please wear what makes you most comfortable and like yourself! Sneakers are not needed for any class, but of course you can wear them if you have an injury or condition that requires you to do so. If you choose to wear socks to class, please ensure that they have grips for safety.

Required props/equipment is listed for each class on the booking page. Most classes require little to no props. I have included on each page a list of optional additional props that you can use if you have them on-hand or are looking for an excuse to increase your fitness equipment collection. Ha!

I suggest everyone have a bottle of water handy and your indoor temperatures set to a comfortable setting.

Zoom Etiquette

Video

For classes, you may choose to leave your video on or off, though please note I can only offer personalized corrections to participants whose videos are on.

For a private session, you must have your video on.

Sound

In small classes, you may leave your sound on so you can communicate easily during class. That said, if you are in a location that has a lot of background noise, I ask that you mute yourself and only unmute if you have a question. In larger classes, I may automatically mute everyone to ensure everyone can hear the cues.

For private sessions, again please keep your sound on.

Other Notes

Please refrain from using cell phones during class. I understand there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that require you to have your phone nearby. I ask that if that’s the case, please keep yourself muted so a call doesn’t disrupt the rest of the class. Same goes for if you expect children to potentially interrupt your session.

Account

In order to book and purchase classes and packages, you must create a secure account. With this account, you can easily access your past and current bookings and purchases, comment on blog posts and track your experience. You may choose to securely save your credit card information for future checkouts, but you do not have to.

LIABILITY

All clients participating in classes or private sessions are required to sign this liability waiver. The liability waiver language is below:

I, the undersigned, wish to participate in PRIVATE PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS AND/OR FITNESS CLASSES (“Program”) offered by LAURA MERKEL FITNESS LLC. As a participant, I represent and agree as follows: I agree to disclose to LAURA MERKEL FITNESS LLC any physical limitations, disabilities, ailments, or impairments which may affect my ability to participate in said fitness program. I understand the nature and purpose of the Program, and am aware that any participation in strenuous activity involves certain risks. I assume the risk of any and all accidents or injuries of any kind, which may be sustained by me, by reason, or in connection with my participation in the Program. I release, discharge, and absolve LAURA MERKEL FITNESS LLC, its officers, directors, employees, its parties, and agents and each of their affiliates, and subsidiaries from any and all liability or responsibility for any such accident or injury. This release shall be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.

Please consult your physician before joining any new fitness program.