You have been asking many questions lately concerning practical fitness testing and fitness assessments. The textbook for the IFPA Advanced Personal Trainer Certification (IFPA-APTC) devotes two chapters to these subjects and goes into far greater depth than the IFPA Personal Fitness Trainer Manual: “The Book on Personal Training.”

Here is an excerpt from the IFPA Advanced Personal Trainer Certification and link for you to get additional information on the IFPA - Advanced Personal Trainer Certification Course.

Practical Fitness Testing and Assessment

The sophistication, range and complexity of a testing program can vary greatly depending on the tester’s capabilities. Many successful trainers perform no fitness testing. Fitness testing from a motivational, non-diagnostic viewpoint is not a requirement, although a diagnostic evaluation may be an excellent idea if your screening procedure uncovers areas of risk that need to be further evaluated (see chapter 10). The prudent and wise trainer knows that it is necessary to administer a complete written medical evaluation to determine the readiness of his or her client to engage safely in a fitness program.

I usually encourage motivational, non-diagnostic testing if I see it as a plus for my client, and many of my clients enjoy it, too. But for some of my clients, testing is inappropriate from a psychological or physiological standpoint. A trainer can formulate an effective program, and determine whether a client should begin the program, by relying on information provided by verbal interview and completed medical history forms, in addition to information obtained from the client’s health care practitioner.

If you are considering testing and are not a diagnostic expert, you can still include tests that offer valid data about the fitness components you will be measuring, after the client is cleared for an exercise program through proper screening (chapter 10 and appendix). Consider using tests that involve a minimal amount of testing time, are simple to administer and evaluate, clearly reflect changes in physical fitness, and require a minimal amount of money for equipment. Testing can include cardiovascular evaluation, flexibility tests that measure flexibility and evaluate posture, and muscle strength and endurance tests. Resting, exercise, and recovery blood pressure and heart rate are also useful measurements to record. Measuring body composition by using a skinfold caliper or a cloth tape measure can be appropriate, too.

You must understand your role as a trainer who performs fitness evaluations versus a medical diagnostic evaluation expert. Explain this to your client, medical advisory committee, and any other individuals who need to know the parameters of your expertise and intentions. Put it in writing, too.

For years, health and fitness professionals have tested physical fitness programs before, during, and after extended periods of training to determine changes in physical fitness. Following is an example of how problems occur with regards to the roles most trainer play in assessment: Let’s say a stethoscope is used to monitor heart rate or blood pressure during a cardiovascular fitness test. The test’s purpose often is misinterpreted because of the introduction of a stethoscope, which the client perceives to be a medical instrument. The trainer should clearly communicate that the test is given only to assess cardiovascular fitness and not for exercise clearance or diagnosis of abnormalities or disease. This is true for any fitness component you choose to test, unless you are expertly qualified.

Any fitness program should require completed medical history forms, medical clearance from a physician if appropriate, and informed consent forms before any participant is considered for physical fitness testing and any type of physical conditioning program.

At best, the world of fitness testing and assessment is confusing. This topic would demand a book in itself to catalog the array of testing methods available and opinions regarding how best to carry out fitness testing and assessment. Yet, extensive non-diagnostic testing and assessment (see chapter 10) are rarely required of any client. This chapter presents a sensible testing and assessment approach that will meet the needs of your clients, will not overwhelm you with complexity or sheer volume of options, and won’t consume too much of your time.