Health Screening
Informed consent is an imperative document to obtain before starting an exercise program with a client because it shows that the client is well aware of what they are signing up for and know the potential risks. It’s also a way for the trainer to know the client is willing to participate. The PAR-Q form is an important document as well because it helps determine those people who may not be physically well or able to participate in an exercise program at the time. If they answer yes to one of the questions, they should just ensure with their doctor that they are healthy to exercise. Pre-exercise heart rate is taken to ensure the client is not tachycardic or overly stressed from the screening process. If resting heart rate is greater than or equal to 95 bpm, wait five minutes and take it again. Similar to resting heart rate, pre-exercise blood pressure is also taken. This is an important measurement to know to determine whether the client is hypertensive or hypotensive. These conditions would require a physician’s approval to start an exercise program. Finally, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI) taken during the screening are important because they give important baseline information.
Musculoskeletal Fitness Assessment
The CPAFLA musculoskeletal assessment protocol looks at three main facets of musculoskeletal fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, and muscular power. Muscular strength, which is the maximum tension or force a muscle can exert in a single contraction, is assessed through a grip strength measurement using a handgrip dynamometer. Muscular endurance, which is the ability for a muscle to maintain or repeatedly develop force, is measured by the number of consecutive push-ups and sit ups the client can perform in a row successfully. Finally, muscular power, which involves the combination of strength and speed, is measured via vertical jump to determine leg power. These measurement combined can give the assessor an idea of their client’s current musculoskeletal health status.
A healthy musculoskeletal system is pertinent in order to thrive and live happily and healthily in everyday life. Strength is required to lift carry groceries, while power is needed to get up the stair quickly. The CPAFLA protocol allows the ability to assess current musculoskeletal health and design an appropriate program to maximize gains. Healthy musculature can mean the difference between independent and dependent living in older age, and maintenance of the system is crucial for health.
Healthy Back Fitness Assessment
Personal trainers evaluate back fitness through measuring their client’s ability to keep themselves erect and balanced using their core muscles. Prior to the assessment, the client will stretch out their back through prone Superman stretches and leg extensions. The client lays down on a surface where their upper body can hang over an edge with no support below their pelvic bones. They are to keep their body in a flat and erect position as long as possible, using their core muscles to keep them in position. Their arms should be held tight against their chest. The personal trainer measures how long they can keep their body in the appropriate position, without faltering. Their time is used to extrapolate their back fitness score.
Lower back problems plague many people, both young and old. Sometimes the pain is so severe, it limits what a client is able do in their exercise regime. Back fitness is incredibly important in everyday life, and in one’s ability to exercise comfortably. A bad back can perturb one’s ability to perform many types of core exercises, including sit-ups. A healthy back in older age can mean the difference between independent and depend living.