WAIVER AGREEMENT for working with Karina Gerhardt-Strachan

Why You’re Reading This Document - The purpose of this release and waiver (the “Waiver”) is to openly communicate the possible benefits and risks associated with the services and have you release Karina Gerhardt-Strachan of any liability. Please be aware that if you do not sign this Waiver and agree to its terms, you will not be able to benefit from her Services.

If you are under the Age of Majority in the Province of Ontario (18 years old), your legal guardian must also sign this Waiver on your behalf.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, UNDERSTAND FULLY, AND ASK QUESTIONS IF ANYTHING IS UNCLEAR. I AM HERE TO SUPPORT YOU. MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THIS WAIVER.  BY SIGNING THIS, YOU AGREE YOU ARE SIGNING AWAY YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ALL THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT.

1️⃣ Parties. We will refer to Karina Gerhardt-Strachan, a Sole Proprietorship based in the Province of Ontario as “Karina Gerhardt-Strachan”, “us”, “we”  or “our”, and we’ll refer to you, the undersigned (electronically or by hand) or person who has clicked “I Agree” to this Waiver, as “you” or “your”.

2️⃣ The Services. While with Karina Gerhardt-Strachan, you may receive the following peaceful and personalized services (the "Services"):

2.1. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)/Tapping, nutrition and/or health and/or mindset coaching, spiritual development, Reiki, or energy work.

2.2. Stretching and flexibility training, including yoga poses, body weight and strength exercises, breath work, meditation, and relaxation.

2.3. The Services may involve hands-on assists, adjustments or tactile cueing if the service is held in person. If you have any questions about what the Services entail, please ask before signing this.      

2.4. The Services also apply to any Services made available for online streaming and participation or take place outside of Karina Gerhardt-Strachan’s facilities, including outdoors or at your home.

2.5. Please note that this list may not be comprehensive. Health and wellness coaching is an evolving field in which practitioners continually learn new and improved techniques and modalities. Therefore, this Waiver will apply fully even if you receive a Service not explicitly listed here.

3️⃣ Equipment. In the course of the Services, you will use a variety of equipment, which may include but is not limited to yoga blocks, bolsters, straps, mats, resistance bands, pillows, dumbbells, foam rollers, chairs, blankets, and massage balls (the “Equipment”). Please do not use any equipment not instructed by Karina Gerhardt-Strachan. You understand that while we will do everything to maintain the equipment reasonably, it is possible that the equipment may break or fail, and the risks of any such failure may result in the risks outlined below.

3.1. Please note that we may add new and different Equipment in the future in providing the Services that will be similar to the Equipment listed above. You accept the risk of any future and similar related Equipment you may use in the future to participate in the Services. 

4️⃣ Inherent Risks. You understand that receiving the Services may pose inherent risks, some more serious than others. These risks can result in serious harm and injuries that could change your quality of life, your ability to earn an income and, in very rare and extreme circumstances, could even result in death.

4.1. Risks from Physical Exercise. While physical exercise is an important part of your overall health, it is important to know your own body and not push yourself too far, too fast. Some common risks associated with physical exercise may include soreness, muscle tears and strains, sprained ligaments, bruises and broken bones (from falling), dizziness and fainting, and nerve injury. While very uncommon, it is possible for someone pushing themselves too far to have a heart attack or other serious ailment. Please be careful and listen to your body.

4.2. If you are pregnant or post-natal, as with any physical activity, there are additional risks to the health of your fetus and your body, including but not limited to pregnancy loss, low birth weight, early delivery and postpartum complications.

4.3. Participating in the Services online poses additional risks, as no in-person supervision or space is provided. You will, therefore, need to ensure the safety of the Services by using your judgment on how to best practice them, not pushing yourself too far, and not attempting anything you feel unsure how to perform.

4.4. Additional risks exist when performing the Services outdoors, such as tripping or colliding with humans or natural elements, sun exposure, dehydration, insects, and exposure to infections, diseases, pollutants and other environmental factors. You understand and agree that it is your responsibility to ensure a safe space and environment for the Services.

4.5. Risks from diet change, supplements, and detoxes. Whenever you put something new into your body, there is a risk. Here, we list some relatively common and some uncommon but very serious inherent risks.

4.5.1. Relatively Common Risks. While many people experience no side effects when changing their diet, taking new supplements, or detoxing, others do. Some relatively common risks and side effects include headaches, diarrhea, loose stool, stomach/gut pain or inflammation, vomiting, exhaustion, sleep issues, and over-supplementation or improper supplementation of nutrients. 

4.5.2. Allergies. You may have a previously unknown allergy to a new food or supplement. Specific symptoms and side effects of allergic reactions can be unpredictable and can range from mild discomfort and nausea, to fever and rash, to hospitalization and death. It is simply impossible to list every risk of an allergic reaction. Therefore, if you have strong allergic reactions, please be aware of the ingredients of anything we recommend and consult your doctor or other medical professional as necessary. 

4.5.3. Pre-existing Medical Conditions. As with allergies, we cannot list every possible medical condition and the associated risks. However, if you have any liver or kidney conditions or diseases, type 1 diabetes, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we do not recommend detoxing and suggest you be very careful about diet changes or starting new supplements. Additionally, if you have had a stroke, heart or circulation issues, gallbladder problems (or removal), blood clots, or have had your stomach stapled, you should be extra cautious and consider talking to your doctor before commencing any change in your diet, supplements, or detoxing. 

4.5.4. Interaction with Pharmaceuticals. If you are taking pharmaceuticals, you should be aware that they can be counteracted, enhanced, or otherwise affected by the food and supplements you take. Some particular pharmaceuticals of concern include blood thinners, blood pressure medication, and heart medications, but there are many more. If you are uncertain about how any food or supplement will interact with a pharmaceutical you are taking, we suggest that you discuss this with your pharmacist or doctor beforehand.

4.5.5. Take a deep breath. You made it through the list!

5️⃣ Life and Health Coaching. Life and Health coaching can touch many areas of your life, including mental health, career, family, friendships, and more. In receiving life and health coaching services, you may begin changing your life in many ways. For example, you may confront difficult issues and realize suppressed thoughts, emotions or feelings. There is a risk this could lead to distress, cognitive dissonance, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. You could experience non-ordinary states of consciousness, which may contribute to the disorientation of self, lifestyle and worldview. You may also experience changes to your relationships, both positive and negative, as you reevaluate your personal interactions. Additionally, you may make changes associated with your career, which could lead to a loss in income. Although we provide you with the best information and support we can, there is a risk that your changes will result in short- or long-term negative effects.

6️⃣ Group Coaching. The risks discussed above may be amplified when receiving coaching in a group setting. Every BodyMindSpirit is different. Solutions that benefit most people may have the opposite effect on you.

7️⃣ Possible Benefits. While you have been made aware of the inherent risks of the Services, I want you to be aware of the possible benefits to your BodyMindSpirit. Positive potential side effects may include, but are not limited to: reduced stress levels, the release of felt distress, decreased anxiety, increased flexibility of BodyMindSpirit, enhanced immune function, feelings of deep relaxation and overall wellbeing, increased sense of personal efficacy, improved self-esteem and self-insight, an enhanced sense of personal empowerment, and self-care tools that you can use on your own for daily stress reduction and emotional self-management.  In the group coaching setting, there is the potential for powerful synergistic effects called Borrowing Benefits, which you can learn more about here.

8️⃣ Affirmation of Health. By agreeing to receive the Services, you affirm that you have sought medical advice and consulted with your primary care physician to determine that these are the right treatments for you and do not pose a significantly increased risk to your health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, physical injuries, weakness, are pregnant or post-natal, you should consult with your doctor first before engaging with the Services. Please communicate and inform Karina IMMEDIATELY if at any point you do not feel well during the Services.

9️⃣ Medical Disclaimer. You fully understand that Karina Gerhardt-Strachan is not a medical or healthcare professional and that the Services and any information, consultation or facilitation provided by Karina Gerhardt-Strachan does not constitute medical treatment or advice. You acknowledge and agree that your use of any dietary, lifestyle or wellness recommendations or information is completely voluntary and you are solely responsible for freely choosing to implement them. Regarding any physical or mental health problems, ailments, conditions, eating disorders, or other diseases, you are now being advised that it is your responsibility to obtain competent medical advice from a licensed medical or mental health professional. You understand and agree that any service rendered by Karina Gerhardt-Strachan is not designed to cure or prevent any disease, pain, deformity, injury, or mental or physical condition. The Services provided by Karina Gerhardt-Strachan are complementary wellness techniques that support the body on all levels (BodyMindSpirit) and aim to promote a state of relaxation and wellbeing.

🔟 Voluntary Assumption of Risk. You have read this Waiver and understand the risks of receiving the Services provided by Karina Gerhardt-Strachan. Your signature - by hand, electronic or by clicking 'I Agree’ - indicates your acceptance of the Services provided by Karina Gerhardt-Strachan and demonstrates your voluntary engagement and assumption of the risks of the Services.

1️⃣1️⃣ Media Release. You’re awesome, the shifts you experience are amazing and Karina may reach out to you for a testimonial! By signing this Waiver, you agree to grant Karina Gerhardt-Strachan the irrevocable right to use your likeness, image, photos, testimonials, public reviews on Google Business, video content and audio recordings captured of you at our facilities, during the Services or that you share with us online (via your own or others posting of you), as part of our online streaming, marketing and sales throughout the world and in perpetuity. You also release us from all claims you may have relating to such use. Please let us know if you ever want us to stop using any of this content of you.

11.1. Video/Photo Release (Group Services). I often record live group calls, classes, workshops or programs for educational purposes and upload the recordings to online learning portals available on my website for current and future clients to view. By enrolling in a group call, class, workshop or program, you give me permission to publish any video/audio footage or photos taken of you during the live calls. You release me from any claims that may arise from the publication of these videos, photographs, or recordings. You will never be recorded without permission.

1️⃣2️⃣ Release, Waiver and Indemnity. You hereby release, hold harmless, indemnify and waive any claims against Karina Gerhardt-Strachan, its members, directors, officers, contractors, employees, volunteers, agents, executors, administrators, successors, family members and assigns (the “Released Parties”) from any liability and damages arising from death or personal injuries, including the contraction of COVID-19 or other communicable diseases or related to premises liability, however caused including as a result of Karina Gerhardt-Strachan’s negligence, during the Services with Karina Gerhardt-Strachan. You are releasing the Released Parties at your own risk and you agree to forfeit any and all forms of legal recourse which may be available to you, including but not limited to any form of damages, as a result of your undertaking of the Services. You agree that these provisions above apply to you, your family, heirs, executors or anyone else who may be able to bring a legal action on your behalf in the future.

1️⃣3️⃣ Continued Agreement. Agreement to this Waiver will act as your continued agreement to all ensuing sessions, workshops and Services whether in person (inside or outside), via phone, online, or video conferencing tool.

1️⃣4️⃣ Valuables. You agree to be responsible for the loss or damage of any personal property you bring or leave at Karina Gerhardt-Strachan’s facilities, or any damage to your personal property that might result while participating in the Services online (i.e. participating in an online yoga class and knocking over your expensive lamp at home).

1️⃣5️⃣ General Legal Provisions. Choice of Laws and Venue. This Waiver will be governed exclusively by the laws of the Province of Ontario. The parties agree to irrevocably submit all claims to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario. Severability. If any provisions of this Waiver are invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions in the Waiver will remain in full force and effect. Entire Agreement. This Waiver constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and replaces any prior agreements. Headings. The headings used in this Waiver are for stylistic purposes only and none of the content in the headings are intended to be legally binding. Online Agreement. We agree that this Agreement may be signed electronically or agreed to by having you click “I Agree”, the effect of which will be the same as signing by hand and the intention of which is that both parties desire to be bound by all the terms of the Agreement.

Whew! You made it!

I recognize that this legal document is long and parts may be unsettling but they cover a wide range of possible situations, many of which will not apply to you. It provides a framework for understanding the possible risks and the positive benefits of the Services you will receive, allowing us to build and move forward upon a strong foundation of openness, honesty and trust. I look forward to working together! ~Karina

Last modified: March 7, 2025