Personal Training

There are a number of reasons why someone would enlist the services of Personal trainer or a fitness professional. The most common reasons are weight loss and aesthetics. Everyone wants to look good. Yet, not everyone is willing to invest the amount of time, effort and money needed to accomplish the projected goals. The main reason for this is setting unrealistic goals.

The American College of Sports Medicine’s position on weight loss is that with the right amount of exercise and the proper amount of caloric intake/expenditure, an average of 1 to 2 lbs. per week of weight loss is considered safe and realistic. Any weight loss program that exceeds the ACSM standards, is potentially harmful and should be avoided unless the client is under the supervision of a Medical doctor and a dietitian.

Regardless of motivation for seeking the services of a fitness professional, there is a standard protocol within the industry that sets the guidelines for a successful experience. Below I will share some of what one can expect on the first visit to a fitness professional.

The Assessment

The field of personal training shares a common ground with Chinese Medicine in that both take an individualized approach towards wellness.

A personal trainer is a fitness professional who, like a physician, must employ several assessment techniques to determine the client’s baseline fitness level. The information gathered through testing, inquiring and observing the client is essential for formulating a training program that will meet the client’s goals within a reasonable amount of time.

Sequence of Fitness Testing

Prior to commencing any fitness testing, all forms need to be completed by the client and the fitness professional. These forms include: informed consent, health history questionnaire or/and par-q.pdf

Once all forms are completed and all medical releases are in place, a specific sequence of tests are conducted as follows:

1. Resting Measurements

• Resting Heart Rate
• Resting Blood Pressure
• Waist to Hip ratio
• Anthropometric Measurements (chest, waist, abdomen, hips, etc.,)

Sub-Max Tests

Muscular Endurance & Strength Testing

• YMCA Bench Press Test (35 lbs for women, 80 lbs for men)
• Push Ups Test
• Bent-Knee Curl Up Test

Cardiovascular Testing

• YMCA Sub maximal Step Test (new clients without exercise experience)
• McArdle Step Test (clients with a good fitness level)
• Treadmill Test

Flexibility and ROM Testing

• Spine ROM-Passive Back
• Spine ROM-Active Back
• Hip Joint-ROM-Thomas Test
• Passive Straight Leg Test
• Combined Trunk Hip Joint Flexion Test

All the tests do not have to be done on the first session. It is imperative that all forms be completed and the resting fitness assessment be made prior to starting the program. The next step is to write the exercise prescription using the data from above and the goals of the client. To start your path towards fitness, give us a call at: 904-806.2874.