Lund

The modern health or fitness club is a place where a person can attain physical health and fitness. It is also a place where a person can get hurt. For this reason, most, if not all, health clubs require patrons to assume the risk of physical injury associated with body building and aerobic conditioning. As we shall explain, here the waiver and release of liability operates as an effective written assumption of the risk which bars recovery.

Ellen Lund appeals from the judgment of nonsuit granted to respondents Bally’s Aerobic Plus, Inc., and Bally’s Total Fitness (collectively, Bally’s) after the presentation of her evidence at the trial of this personal injury case. Lund unsuccessfully contends the trial court erred when it concluded her claims were barred by a waiver and release form, she signed when she became a member of a Bally’s gym.

Facts and Procedural History

In late 1989 or early 1990, Lund injured her cervical spine and had surgery to fuse two vertebrae in her neck. In February 1994, she joined a Bally’s health club in Simi Valley. In December of 1994, she paid Bally’s $375 in addition to the cost of her membership for 20 sessions with a personal trainer,…