How does the subjective assessment guide as far as individualized program design is concerned?
It is a guide for what the priorities of the workout are in programming. As well as what not to do if there are overuse patterns of movement. I always warm up with weakness training then progress into training some strengths so the client doesn’t get discouraged.
with out an accurate assessment it is impossible to tailor a program for that specific individuals needs.
I use the assessment to discover any muscular imbalance as well as postural deviation or movement issues. Everybody and every “body” is going to be a little different and it’s important to know where that person’s starting point is. If I didn’t do any assessment in these areas, I’d train every client the exact same way which would work for some but not work for many others.
Hi Joanne.
To clarify, you are asking how subjective assessment, not objective assessment affects program design.
Subjective assessments including general health history, medical history and lifestyle helps me to understand my clients personal history and how things like their occupation and recreational activities/hobbies might be affecting them. The subjective assessment is just as critical to the development of a training plan as the objective assessments (postural analysis, cardio assessment, body comp etc…).
Subjective assessments give me clues as to the structure and function of my new client. I obtain information about their capacity for movement as well as any repetitive movement patterns that could affect muscular imbalances. By learning about their hobbies and recreational activities I can assess for proper forms of training to increase the efficiency of the kinetic chain and avoid injury. By learning about past injuries and surgeries I get clues as to possible kinetic chain dysfunctions. And by knowing what medications they might be taking I become aware of the side-effects they may be experiencing.
In health,
Lisa Engles
