Final answer:
A certified personal trainer should maintain accurate records for 5 years. This ensures compliance with legal requirements and allows for reference in case of audits or disputes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A certified personal trainer should maintain accurate financial, contract, appointment, and tax records including original receipts for 5 years.
This timeframe allows for compliance with legal and business requirements. It also provides a sufficient recordkeeping period in case of audits or legal disputes.
For example, if a client files a lawsuit claiming negligence, the trainer can refer to their records for information on the client's training sessions and any signed waivers.