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Although many fitness/wellness centers have eliminated fitness assessments as a requirement for participation in an exercise program, the ability to establish baseline data and document psychological adaptations to exercise are key elements of a sound health and fitness program. The fitness assessment, although non-diagnostic, serves as an important tool for measuring a member’s health status and fitness levels. These one-on-one appointments give the fitness staff valuable information necessary to design programs that are appropriate and specific to each member. Standard fitness assessment protocols are based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines and include:

• Blood Pressure and Resting Heart Rate: Resting blood pressure and pulse readings give valuable information about the participant’s health and fitness. Flexibility Assessment: Tightness in the lower back, hamstring and calf flexibility is a major cause of low back pain in adults. This assessment identifies those who may benefit from a comprehensive flexibility program.Body Composition: Because height and weight alone are poor indicators of fat versus lean tissue in an individual, a skinfold assessment is performed to measure body composition.Muscular Endurance: This assessment indicates the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscle group, an area of great importance to proper posture, ability to complete day-to-day tasks and back stability.Muscular Strength Assessment: Although absolute strength is seldom called upon in daily activities, a program of resistance training can improve joint stability, decrease injuries, increase bone density, help prevent osteoporosis and facilitate everyday activities that require strength.

• Aerobic Capacity: This multi-stage assessment is valuable for determining a target heart rate zone for exercise and evaluating heart rate and blood pressure responses to specific workloads.

Any member requesting a fitness assessment should receive the following pre-appointment instructions:

• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
• Drink plenty of fluids during the 24 hours prior to the assessment
• Avoid food, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco for three hours prior to the assessment
• Avoid any exercise or strenuous physical activity on the day of the assessment
• Get a sufficient amount of sleep the night before

After the fitness assessment has been scheduled, it is important to explain the testing procedure to the member. According to ACSM, if the fitness assessment is performed in a single session, the tests should be performed in the following order:

• Resting measurements
• Body composition
• Cardiorespiratory endurance
• Muscular strength and endurance
• Flexibility

Before the fitness assessment begins, the staff professional should provide the member with the following information:

• Inform the member of the risks associated with the testing procedures. Elevated blood pressure, lightheadedness, nausea or fatigue are some of the more common reactions to a fitness assessment. Explain each test in detail prior to the test being performedInstruct the member to inform the staff if they do not wish to perform an individual test
• Remind the member to inform the staff professional if they would like to stop a test at any time, for any reason

Upon completion of the fitness assessment, each member should receive an individualized consultation session to go over results, discuss lifestyle improvement goals and begin implementing a safe and effective exercise program. Fitness assessments are a valuable tool in laying the groundwork for an effective, well-received screening process. By including them in your new member application process, you will ensure that all members have a positive first experience.

Reference: American College of Sports Medicine’s Health/Fitness Facility Guides and Standards, Second Edition

Published with permission from:
Fitness Onsite Magazine