Get assessed

Hello workout friends!
This week we're bringing you a segment that is chock full of great advice, no matter what your fitness level or goals.

You’ve heard it before. Before you start any workout routine, you should get the go-ahead from your doctor and get a physical assessment from a certified trainer.

Doug Van Wyk, with Gym FX, begins his assessments with a consultation. He asks questions about medical history, medical conditions aggravated by exercise and past and present injuries. It can last from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level.

“Did you pull it, strain it or tear it? Do you know the difference,” he asks about Sonya’s irritated hamstring.

“No, I don’t know the difference,” Sonya replies.

Doug explains the difference and discusses ways of stretching and strengthening the hamstring.

“Any first time visit should involve an office visit or a sit-down… before you do any practical assessment,” advises Doug.

He says there are three aspects of the practical assessment.

“First we do a posture analysis. We look at imbalances between the muscle groups.”

Doug instructs Sonya to do a squat, with hands raised overhead. He notices she has protracted shoulders and tends to turn her right leg inward, “which means you have tightness in your right hip.”

The cardio test is next.

“We look at cardio endurance as well as strength.”

Doug says the test can and should be modified to reflect the client’s fitness level. For instance, the treadmill may not be for someone who has hip or knee problems. Wall squats, planks and push-ups measure strength.

“Just do as many as you can in a minute,” instructs Doug.

The entire assessment is used to measure your current fitness level, determine goals and track improvement.

“We want to find out where your starting point would be, monitor that over the next thirty, sixty, ninety days or longer, depending on what the goals are and then be able to compare yourself to your previous self.”

But just as the trainer has an obligation to do his or her part, so does the client.

Doug says think of it as a partnership.

“The biggest key to success in working with any health professional is openness and honesty and making sure that there’s communication.”

If something doesn’t seem right – say you’re asked to perform odd or extremely strenuous exercises prior to a sit-down – ask questions.

“You know, ‘why are we doing this, what is the point behind this,’ and if you feel like you’re getting a sales line versus an honest answer – run.”

Run or walk, whatever your fitness level, to an honest, reputable trainer who will help you reach your fitness goals safely.

Have a healthy week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com