Japan’s consumer safety watchdog called for the creation of industrywide standards for personal trainers in a report Wednesday, after finding that accidents during one-on-one fitness instruction are on the rise.

The report, published by the Consumer Safety Investigation Commission, said businesses and industry groups should systematize the knowledge, skills and experience required of trainers, as the rapid spread of personal training among general consumers has outpaced safety practices.

According to the report, there were 196 recorded accidents involving personal training between January 2019 and December 2025, with 44 recorded in 2025. Injuries requiring at least one month of treatment accounted for 41% of the total, at 81 cases, the commission said.

The most commonly injured areas were the lower back and hips, at 30%, followed by the knees, feet and other parts of the lower body at 22%, and the shoulders and arms at 10%. Reported cases included lower back fractures, meniscus tears in the knee and ruptured shoulder muscles.

In one case cited in the report, a person in their 30s felt discomfort in their calf muscles during heel-raising exercises and told their trainer, but was encouraged to continue. The person was later diagnosed with an injury to the right triceps surae muscle.

Personal training, once mainly used by athletes, has become increasingly popular among people in Japan seeking to lose weight, improve fitness or maintain their health. The commission estimates that users now number in the millions.

However, no nationally recognized certification is required to work as a personal trainer in Japan. The commission’s report said there are more than 100 private fitness-related certifications and numerous industry associations, making it difficult for consumers to judge whether trainers have sufficient expertise.

A commission survey of 1,336 people who had used personal training services found that 428 had “frequently” or “occasionally” felt their trainer’s instructions were unreasonable. Of those, 70 said they endured the situation and continued training.

The commission said accidents were caused in part by trainers’ insufficient knowledge and experience, inadequate safety checks and a tendency to underestimate risks. It also pointed to an environment in which users may find it difficult to speak up or stop exercising because they want results or have paid high fees.

As users become more diverse, trainers must be able to choose appropriate exercises for each individual, the commission said. It urged industry groups to lead efforts to develop common standards, improve trainer education and management, and share accident information across businesses.

The commission also called on relevant government entities, including the industry ministry and the Consumer Affairs Agency, to encourage trainers to prioritize safety and provide consumers with guidance, such as starting with manageable loads when weight training and stopping if in pain.