Fitness assessments help trainers understand a client’s starting point and track progress. They may include health screening, fitness testing, posture assessment and anthropometric measurements. They must always be conducted safely, with appropriate consent and referral when concerns arise.
Purpose of assessments
Assessments give you a baseline, which is a record of the client’s starting point. Without a baseline, it is hard to show progress or know whether the programme is working. Assessments also help you spot concerns early and plan a programme that suits the client.
Types of assessment
- Health screening: gathering information about health, activity history and readiness to exercise.
- Fitness testing: evaluating muscular fitness and cardiovascular endurance.
- Posture assessment: observing posture and movement.
- Anthropometric measurements: measuring height, weight and selected body measurements.
Examples from the syllabus
- Measuring height, weight and selected body measurements.
- Assessing posture and movement.
- Checking blood pressure when appropriate and within the trainer’s competence.
- Evaluating muscular fitness and cardiovascular endurance.
