I try to get regular exercise, primarily running, biking, and lifting weights. My local athletic club is about 10 minutes from my office and 5 minutes from my house…so I really don’t have a good excuse not to work out!
During my last trip to my athletic club I ended up talking with a young college graduate who is working for the club as a personnel trainer. I was shocked to learn the trainer was required to sign a non-compete agreement before being employed by my club. The non-compete prevents the employee from working as a personal trainer within 50 miles of my city for a period of one year after leaving the current position.
I seriously doubt the agreement is enforceable. Why does an athletic club need to prevent a personal trainer from working in the surrounding area? Certainly not to protect a legitimate business interest. I can see if the club wants the employee to agree not to open a competing athletic club within 50 miles for one year…but not to limit their job opportunities in their chosen profession.
Caveat Number 1: Read the employment agreement before signing!
Caveat Number 2: Just because your employer tells you the employment agreement prevents you from working where you want doesn’t make it true!