Fitness Assessment
Protocols and Practical Skills
T
he health related fitness assessment is essential and nec-
essary prior to designing a safe, effective and enjoyable
program that will get your clients the results they expect.
This is important, as a client who is achieving their goals is more
likely to continue then one who is not.A health related fitness assessment can be very informative and
educational for both the client and the trainer, as it provides an
objective measure of their current state of fitness. Various tests
and measures assist in the identification of areas of strength and
weakness, which can help focus the training program and deter-
mine the exercise prescription that will most benefit the client. Health related fitness assessments also establish baseline, mid-
point, and post program measures that help the trainer determine
the success or effectiveness of the program. This may motivate
the client because observing gradual positive changes over time
increases adherence.Reasons for Performing a
Health Related Fitness Assessment• To educate the trainer and client about their current health and
fitness status relative to health related standards and norms
• To gather data for all fitness components to assist in program
design
• Establish a baseline fitness level to be used for comparison in
future re-tests to assess level of progress and motivate the client
• Use information gathered to establish appropriate and attain-
able fitness goalsPrior to a fitness assessment, the client must be medically
cleared with the recommendation of unrestricted physical activity.
Once it is clear that there are no contraindications to exercise,
then the personal trainer can proceed with their own extensive
history taking and informed consent procedures.History-taking Interview
T
he pre-exercise and pre-assessment history taking must in-
clude information about the client’s past and current information.
Although the client has been medically cleared, it is still incumbent
upon the trainer to ask all of the appropriate questions to gain a full
picture of the client’s current and past level of health. Components
of the history-taking interview should include topics like the following:Chapter 8 Fitness Assessment Protocols and Practical Skills