Published: 18 March 2025 | Updated: 25 December 2025 (Reviewed annually) | Reading time: 4 minutes
By Dr Simon Shaw | Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Fit Certify
Dr Simon Shaw is the founder and medical director at Fit Certify — a worldwide provider of online sports medical certificates.
If you’re joining a gym, enrolling in fitness classes, using a swimming pool, or taking part in recreational physical activity abroad, you may be asked to provide a medical certificate for non-competitive sports.
While Italy is one of the places where this certificate is most commonly requested, it isn’t limited to Italy. The same type of medical certificate is widely used in many countries and can be adjusted to match the requirements of your gym, sports club, or activity — whatever and wherever that may be.
In this short guide, I’ll explain what a non-competitive sports medical certificate is, why gyms and sports facilities commonly ask for it, and who typically needs one, with a particular focus on Italy where requirements are often stricter. I’ll also outline how you can obtain this doctor-signed certificate online quickly, without the need for appointments with Fit Certify.
A non-competitive sports medical certificate is an official document signed by a licensed doctor confirming that you are medically fit to take part in recreational or leisure-based physical activity.
It is commonly requested for activities such as:
Unlike certificates for races or competitive events (such as marathon or cycling competitions), this certificate focuses on general fitness and safety, not performance.
You may be asked for a medical certificate for non-competitive sports if you’re joining a gym, swimming pool, or sports facility, enrolling in fitness classes, or taking part in organised recreational activities — particularly when living, studying, or travelling abroad. Many gyms and clubs request the certificate at sign-up, before starting a new activity, or as part of their annual registration process to confirm that it’s safe for you to take part.
The requirement depends on the country and the facility’s policies. Some examples include:
While not all countries enforce this, many sports clubs and gyms still recommend having a medical certificate as a precaution.
Italy is one of the strictest countries when it comes to sports medical certification. Many gyms, pools, and sports clubs require a Certificato Medico Sportivo Non Agonistico (non-competitive sports medical certificate) even for everyday fitness activities.
Even for recreational or non-competitive sport, gyms and sports facilities have a responsibility to ensure activities are safe for their members. A medical certificate helps them confirm that there are no known health conditions — such as underlying heart problems or other medical issues — that could make exercise unsafe.
In many cases, requesting a certificate also helps facilities meet local legal, insurance, or organisational requirements, particularly in countries where sports participation is more tightly regulated such as Italy. It reduces liability for the facility while creating a safer environment for everyone involved.
For participants, the certificate offers added reassurance that they can take part in physical activity with confidence, knowing that their health has been considered and cleared by a doctor.
Getting your medical certificate online is the fastest and easiest way to meet these requirements — without the hassle of booking in-person GP or doctor’s visits. Here’s how it works with Fit Certify:
Share a few details about your general health and medical history.
One of our experienced sports medical doctors reviews your information with long-distance cycling in mind.
Most certificates are delivered within a few hours, allowing you to start your activities without delays.
An typical statement on a valid medical certificate for non-competitive sports
At Fit Certify, we specialise in providing medical certificates for sports and fitness activities worldwide. Here’s why customers trust us:
If you’re planning to join a gym, use a swimming pool, or take part in fitness or recreational activities — particularly when travelling or living abroad — it’s a good idea to check whether a medical certificate is needed. Many gyms and sports facilities won’t let you start until one is in place.
Italy is one of the most common places where this comes up, but it’s far from the only one. Similar certificates are now regularly requested by gyms, clubs, and fitness providers in many countries for everyday, non-competitive activities.
With Fit Certify, you can get a doctor-signed medical certificate for non-competitive sports in Italy, tailored to your situation, without long waits or unnecessary appointments — so you can get on with enjoying your activity.
Sports Medicine Doctor • Athlete • Founder & Medical Director at Fit Certify
I’m Simon, a sports and exercise medicine doctor and family physician, and the founder of Fit Certify. For several years, I’ve led a team of sports doctors specialising in medical certificates for non-competitive sports and fitness activities, including gym memberships, swimming pools, fitness classes, and recreational sports both in Italy and internationally.
As someone who trains regularly myself, I understand how frustrating it can be when joining a gym or starting a fitness programme is held up by last-minute medical paperwork. Fit Certify exists to make this process simple and fast, providing doctor-signed certificates that are tailored to the requirements of your gym, club, or country, so you can focus on your training rather than administration.
If you need advice or run into any issues, just email us at hello@fitcertify.com and we’ll be happy to help.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and should not replace personalised medical advice.
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