Question for Personal Trainers

[fitnessluvr]

What do you do for your assessments? I do the basics (weight, body fat, step test, circumference measurements...) but that sure doesn't take very long. Then of course I talk to them about their goals and the types of exercising that they enjoy.

The weird thing is this, the assessment is what I lack confidence in. I have no issues planning their routines or the actual workout itself. It is just the darn assessment that I find difficult. Is this weird?

I would love to know what others do and may be I can implement some other things into the assessment.

Thanks,
Mindy

 

[amyg]

Mindy I don't have many one-on-one clients so I meet with them first and talk about what they want, then when we work out the first time I make them run a mile for time. At least that is quantifiable. I keep track of everything we do and what weight they use each day so I can tell them as they progress in strength.

I know many of them don't go run for time on their own; instead they do step on the scale and know how their clothes fit and what they look like. So, I do what they wouldn't do on their own. Cardio is what seems to be the weakest link.

When I'm doing bootcamp we do an evaluation where they run for time, then do as many pushups as they can in 2 minutes, then as many situps in 2 minutes. Not the best way, I know, but I'm an employee at bootcamp so what they say goes, goes.

The assessment days are the worst days, if you ask me. Can't stand them! I personally don't think that's what fitness is about, so I try and minimize it. I make sure they understand we will not be doing this every day so don't judge me by the first day!