Client assessments

[Logan59]

Just wondering if you guys think all the these assessment test are necessary (e.g., push up, sit & reach, 3 minute step ups, etc).

How many of you guys check for poor posture, mobility, flexibility, and muscle imbalances? If you do check for these then do you try to implement some corrective training or do you refer out to professionals?

 

[calimuscle]

Although ACSM is well respected, the sit and reach test is quite antiquated. NASM's Overhead squat provides quite a bit more information regarding program design and is more helpful.

It is very important to assess clients for muscle imbalances, posture, etc. If you want your client to do a squat and their feet turn out, the knees move in and the have an excessive forward lean (common in new clients) then that is a recipe for disaster. I have clients that can't perform certain exercises because their muscles are too tight to even attain the starting position.

As an aside, ACSM keeps the sit and reach test because their tests all slot a client into a percentile based upon a large sampling of data for the same protocol. The overhead squat is a qualitative, not quantitative assessment, so its not possible to slot a client into a percentile. However, the data gathered is much more valuable.

 

[sabrefan74]

i think assessment tests are necessary and checking posture,mobility
,flexiblity,muscle imbalances are also necessary. poor posture and muscular imblalances can cause poor lifting form and when lifting weights if you have poor posture you could be using the wrong muscles to lift the weight, meaning you over compensate with the wrong muscles. if you feel confident you should do corrective exercises if not then i would refer out to professionals

 

[TheOak84]

I didnt think so, but i do now. If a client cant squat their body weight properly, how do you expect them to excel in other lifts? Get the familiar with the basics.

 

[DBoh9]

In my experience, the assessments any Personal Trainer uses are only as effective as what they do with the data that is gathered whether it be qualitative or quantitative. Both will be important in creating and then tracking your program design.

In addition to certification, one of the continuing education courses that I took that had the biggest impact on my success in acquiring and effectively training my clients was the Functional Movement Screen instructed by Gray Cook and Lee Burton. I would highly suggest looking for this course being taught in your area.

Good luck in your fitness search,
Boh

David I. Bohmiller, BS, NSCA-CSCS
President/Owner
My Personal Trainer School
http://www.my-personal-trainer-school.com