The Need for a Physical Assessment
Why You Need a Physical Assessment Before Starting an Exercise Program
I have been a trainer for elite and professional athletes for over 15 years. The most important lesson you learn when working with elite athletes is the importance of having a balanced body to achieve efficient movement. It is no different when working with our personal training clients. People want to improve their fitness levels, have more energy and feel stronger in their daily lives.
During our initial assessment meeting, we review previous training history, measure body composition, discuss time commitment and set short and long term goals. The purpose of the initial assessment is to educate the client about his or her fitness status relative to fitness standards. The initial assessment creates baseline data to measure future progress and to motivate clients as they meet their fitness goals.
Based on the initial assessment we can design a program that is specific to the client’s needs. Taking into account the client’s age, we supplement aerobic endurance with strength-developing exercises. This allows for enhanced muscular strength and fitness. In turn, it can help to improve mobility, balance, coordination and activities of daily life.
Here’s proof that it’s never too late to improve your fitness. One of my most remarkable success stories – no it doesn’t involve an athlete – involves an adorable 85-year-young woman. Out of the blue, I receive a phone call asking for help. The person on the other line explains how she had heard of our executive athlete programs and wanted to participate. At first I didn’t know what to say, but after hearing her out, I thought why not? We started working with her to lose the “spare tire” that had caused her years of constant back pain. After a 12-week fitness program that included the Metabolic Code Diet, our adorable 85-year-young woman who was focused and committed to her fitness goals, achieved what most people half her age would love to accomplish. She lost 11.75 total inches, 23 pounds of body weight, and 21.64 pounds of body fat!
If you are looking to improve your fitness level, have more energy and be more efficient in you’re daily life, start your exercise program with a physical assessment. Learn your present fitness level, collect valuable information and establish reasonable goals. Our 85-year-young woman didn’t just stop with her fitness goals. She is focused and committed to achieving greater goals —she just applied to law school. You too can reach for the stars!
