“We should not let our fears hold us
back from pursuing our hopes.”
- John F.
Kennedy
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.
Nutrition News
You
need to advise your clients that a medical study reported this week that
consumption of 3 ounces of red meat/day increased the risk of heart
disease and certain cancers by over 50% as well as a dramatic increase
in Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is a major long term study of 148,000
people (since 1982) and cannot be brushed aside by the proponents of the
Atkins Diet and other high protein – high fat knockoff.
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