Fitness Assessment
This chapter covers gathering client information and using movement and fitness assessments to guide program design. Assessment identifies starting points and potential imbalances rather than medical diagnoses.
Health History and Readiness
Assessment begins with a health history and readiness screening to identify risk factors and goals. Clients with warning signs are referred for medical clearance before beginning or progressing an exercise program.
Movement Assessments
The overhead squat is a dynamic-posture movement assessment used to observe how the body moves. Compensations such as feet turning out, knees caving inward, or an excessive forward lean point to likely overactive and underactive muscles that inform corrective exercise.
Cardiorespiratory and Performance Measures
Trainers may estimate intensity zones using heart-rate methods, such as the general '220 minus age' estimate of maximal heart rate. Additional measures of strength, endurance, flexibility, and body composition help establish baselines and track progress over time.