Fitness assessments for teenagers
I am starting to work with a 16 yr. old girl who is obese. Other than the BMI for age growth chart, could you use the bio electrical impedance method for figuring out her fat %. I have worked with children and teens in the group fitness setting (fitness classes) but never really worked with one as a personal trainer. Any experienced advice is appreciated as far as fitness assessments.
Hi Mariu,
I would be very careful with what I am assessing in a case like that. A musculoskeletal assessment by all means, a 1-mile walk test (or less), grip strength and so on. But I would be careful about all assessment techniques that are ‘personal’ in nature and are only to demonstrate how ‘bad’ things are. I may be wrong, and she will be okay with the process but I can imagine a 16 year old as already self conscious enough not to pile on the bad news. I would probably go with the waist-to-height ratio as this one only requires a single measurement.
I wish you good luck with your young client. This is an awesome opportunity to really make a change in her life.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com