Control Freak Council Members in DC Trying to Regulate Gyms Out of Business
The freedom-stealing statists on the Washington, D.C., city council – one of the most heavily regulated enclaves in the country – have a new target: personal trainers. The council apparently has so little else to do and so few problems to address in the historically violent city that they have time to focus their energies on an industry that seeks to combat obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Reuters reports that the regulatory regime being proposed in the nation's capital is likely to reverberate around the country, putting the kibosh on scores of gyms and personal trainers who work in a $24 billion-a-year industry.
The council actually passed legislation last year calling for the new regulations, but some critics had hoped that perhaps members would come to their senses between then and now. The council has named an obscure city regulatory panel, the Board of Physical Therapy, to write new rules for trainers who guide health-seekers through regimens of weightlifting, aerobics and other exercises.
Reuters further reported:
The board is set to vote on the new standards on Sept. 22. After a 30-day period for public comment followed by possible revisions, the rules would take effect.
Backers of regulation say consumers need protection against unqualified trainers and problems that can range from injury to sexual misconduct. Opponents reject the move as government meddling in an innovative business.
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